Francis Weller and Anderson Cooper
Tending the Soul in Uncertain Times
“Where grief is taking us is a soul place, not a term of imprisonment. Grief does not want to take you hostage. It wants to be honored. Because to honor grief is to say that I dared to love, that love touched me, there are places in me that have not known love, the world is suffering, we have forgotten so much, and I’m carrying the ancestors as well. If we can have a little bit of faith in that, good things can happen.” —Francis Weller, from the conversation
Join us along the wild coast of California for an afternoon of dialogue, community, and ritual with author and soul activist Francis Weller, and host of the All There Is podcast and CNN anchor Anderson Cooper. Commonweal has been a site of healing and cultural renewal for 50 years.*
The recording of the event includes a conversation between Francis and Anderson, a montage of images representing the ritual that took place that day, and closing thoughts. The conversation explores the central work of grief, loss, and community in tenuous times.
*This is the traditional land of the Coast Miwok people
Anderson Cooper
Anderson is a journalist working for CNN and CBS’ 60 Minutes. He also writes, produces, and hosts a podcast “All There Is,” a deeply personal exploration of loss and grief, which will soon be starting its fourth season.
Francis Weller
Francis is a writer and soul activist who has worked as a psychotherapist for 40 years. He’s the author of many books and projects including the beloved grief text, The Wild Edge of Sorrow. Francis is currently on staff at Commonweal Cancer Help Program. His most recent collection, In the Absence of the Ordinary, was released in August. Photo: Danielle Cohen
