Medicine for the Long Dark: Conversation, Listening, Ritual

Francis is a psychotherapist (retired), writer, and soul activist. He is a master of synthesizing diverse streams of thought from psychology, anthropology, mythology, alchemy, indigenous cultures and poetic traditions. Author of the bestselling The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief, The Threshold Between Loss and Revelation (with Rashani Réa), and In the Absence of the Ordinary: Soul Work for Times of Uncertainty, he has introduced the healing work of ritual to thousands of people. His new work is Entering the Healing Ground: The Wild Edge of Sorrow Official Workbook—Reflections, rituals, and meditations for grief and renewal. He founded and directs WisdomBridge, an organization that offers educational programs that seek to integrate the wisdom from indigenous cultures with the insights and knowledge gathered from western poetic, psychological and spiritual traditions. Francis is currently on staff at Commonweal Cancer Help Program, co-leading their week-long retreats with Michael Lerner. He is currently completing his next book, Facing the World with Soul and Why It Matters. | Photo: Danielle Cohen

Jaune Evans is a writer and photographer who lives in San Rafael, California. She has worked in philanthropy and public health for 30 years with a focus on Indigenous Peoples and creative arts. Jaune leads the Heart of Compassion Zen Sangha in Point Reyes, California, and practices with the Bay Area Everyday Zen Community as a senior priest and teacher. At Commonweal, Jaune is a Living With Cancer Host with Healing Circles Global, and a Commonweal board member.