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 is a writer and visual artist. She serves as a senior meditation teacher and ordained Soto Zen priest with the Heart of Compassion Zen Sangha and the Bay Area Everyday Zen lineage. Jaune worked in public policy and philanthropy for three decades as the executive director of several foundations. Her ongoing interests and professional expertise include public health and hospice, Indigenous peoples’ rights, protecting sacred lands and waters, cultural and human rights, gender empowerment, and global justice alliance-building. She serves on the Board of Directors of Commonweal, as well as the leadership team of Healing Circles Global.