Episode 163

Grief Rituals For Uncertain Times with Francis Weller

Published on: 28th July, 2025

How can we respond to uncertainty and loss with the power of soul work? In this episode of The Wise Effort Show, Dr. Diana Hill speaks with Francis Weller, an influential author and psychotherapist, about confronting the 'long dark' — a term he uses to describe our collective and individual challenges. Weller emphasizes the importance of community, imagination, and ritual in overcoming grief and trauma. They discuss key concepts from his book, 'In the Absence of the Ordinary: Soul Work for Times of Uncertainty,' and explore practical ways to engage in soul work and build resilience. Listen to this episode to uncover how these practices can help you navigate difficult times and become more connected to yourself and others.

In This Episode, We Explore:

  • The Long Dark
  • Rediscovering Rituals in Uncertain Times
  • The Power of Grief Rituals
  • Creating a Holding Vessel for Grief
  • Finding Healing in Community
  • The Medicine for the Long Dark

Suggested Next Episode:

Episode 157: The Medicine of Surrender, Poetry, and Metaphor With Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer.

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Thanks to the team, Craig and Ashley Hiatt, and Benjamin Gould of Bell & Branch for your beautiful music.

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    Diana Hill

    Dr. Diana Hill, PhD is a clinical psychologist, executive consultant, and international trainer who helps leaders and teams navigate complexity without precedent. Her Wise Effort Method addresses a problem most high performers recognize immediately: the drive that got them here is now working against them. A leading voice in the evolution of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, she co-leads ACT BootCamp with ACT founder Dr. Steven Hayes, trains the trainers, and serves as an instructor for the University of California's Climate Resilience Initiative. She has led executive retreats and intensives for leadership teams including Deckers Brands, Lightfully Behavioral Health, and YPO. Diana is the author of Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most and three other books, hosts the Wise Effort podcast, and has been featured on NPR, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal. With over 20 years of yoga and meditation practice, she teaches from embodied experience rather than theory alone — her sessions are experiential and transformational.