Virtual Series: Nourishing the Givers

A Contemplative Practice Space for Philanthropic Leaders

Session Description

Nourishing the Givers

A Contemplative Practice Space for Philanthropic Leaders

In times of unprecedented chaos and complexity, those who dedicate their lives and resources to creating positive change often find themselves depleted, giving from an empty well rather than an abundant source. Those who serve as philanthropic leaders carry immense responsibility. The world needs their clarity, their compassion, their sustained commitment.

In response, the Ally Development Team at the Fetzer Institute has created a small island of coherence — an online sanctuary where those who give so much to the world can receive nourishment. Where healing and learning can unfold naturally. Where inner work strengthens our capacity for outer change.

Each session is held with intention and care, woven with beauty: poetry · music · storytelling · social arts

This space is designed to serve three essential needs:

Nourishing Spirits in Times of Chaos

Creating islands of coherence where we can regulate our nervous systems, reconnect with our essence, and remember what truly matters amidst the turbulence of our times.

Inner Work for Outer Change

Cultivating the inner resources — presence, compassion, clarity, resilience — that allow us to serve the world through wholeness and sustainable generosity, rather than from a posture of depletion.

An Intimate Practice Community for Learning, Healing and Wholeness

Offering a safe container where philanthropic leaders can come as they are — not as experts or benefactors, but as human beings navigating the uncertainties we all face. Here, authentic connection replaces networking, and being replaces doing.

Please note: This is not therapy, networking, or professional development. It’s not about content delivery, skill-building, or problem-solving. Rather, this is a small learning and practice community where people can show up as whole human beings not just in their professional roles, but in their full humanity. Each session creates a rhythm of arrival, inspiration, practice, and integration, allowing participants to drop beneath the surface of busy-ness into the deeper currents of being.

Webinar Schedule

Session Length and Pacing

Sessions are 90-minutes and follow a monthly cadence. These sessions are drop-in friendly — attend when you can, while the space naturally builds coherence and depth over time.

The Journey

This virtual series is designed with an 8-Session Arc: From Awareness to Service. Each theme connects inner work to our capacity to live, relate, and act in the world with greater coherence and care.

May 19th: AWARENESS — "Arriving Here, Now”

The quality of our attention determines the quality of our giving.

Learning to pause, noticing what’s present, and moving forward from a place of greater alignment and consciousness. The foundation for everything that follows.

Outer Connection: Presence as foundation for wise philanthropy

June 25th: BODY — "Settling Into Safety"

Co-regulation as a gift we give ourselves and others

Understanding our nervous system and the three states we move through (regulated, mobilized, immobilized). Discovering how awareness of the body allows us to regulate ourselves and become sources of stability for others.

Outer Connection: Staying regulated so we can serve as “islands of coherence”

July 14th: EMOTIONS — "Befriending What Arises"

Our emotions as wisdom, not obstacles

Recognizing emotions as information that prepares us to meet the world. Learning to work with emotional intensity rather than being overwhelmed by it.

Outer Connection: Emotional intelligence in leadership and service

August 25th: MIND — "Meeting Our Inner Multiplicity"

All parts are welcome; they all have good intentions

Exploring the different parts or sub-personalities within us. Understanding that beyond these parts exists the Self — our healthy core — which is naturally compassionate, clear, and creative.

Outer Connection: Inner clarity supports compassionate decision-making

September 24th: SELF — "Touching Essence"

Living from Source, rather than from depletion

Remembering who we are beneath roles and responsibilities. Touching the source within and the qualities that flow naturally from it (compassion, clarity, courage, calm, creativity). Resting in the well that never runs dry.

Outer Connection: A life oriented by essence, not effort

October 27th: RELATIONSHIPS — "Interbeing"

The quality of our relationships shapes everything

Recognizing that the quality of our relationships is the strongest predictor of our happiness, health, and wellbeing. Cultivating compassion and exploring different levels of authentic dialogue.

Outer Connection: Authentic relationships in service of collective impact

November 17th: PURPOSE — "What Life Wants Through Us"

Listening to the future as it wants to emerge

Shifting from goal-driven purpose to a deeper listening: sensing what Life is asking to be lived and expressed through us. Reconnecting with beauty, meaning, and the living flow of Life itself.

Outer Connection: Philanthropy and action aligned with authentic purpose

December 8th: SERVICE — "The Gift of Generous Presence"

Giving as sacred practice

Understanding different forms of capital (attention, wisdom, connection, resources) and how to place our gifts in service of the world. Cultivating gratitude as foundation for sustainable generosity.

Outer Connection: Talents and resources in service of a loving world

About the Facilitator and Hosts

Facilitator: Vasco Gaspar

This journey is rooted in Vasco Gaspar’s book On the Path of the Hummingbird and the Awareness-Based Human Flourishing framework, weaving together awareness-based practices, trauma-informed approaches, and heartfulness-rooted wisdom.

Vasco Gaspar

Learn More

Host: The Fetzer Institute’s Ally Development Team

This webinar series is hosted by thee Ally Development Team, which constellates around the goal of deepening existing relationships, exploring new mission-aligned relationships, and fostering genuine connections. The Ally Development Team is focused on growing lasting relationships through spiritual advising and accompaniment. This allows us to be more engagement-driven — emphasizing depth of trust, shared values, partnership manifestation, and shared ownership of outcomes. Learn more.