Post-event Reflection: GPC Retreat in Europe
Reflecting on Our Path to Becoming Better Ancestors
The recent “Becoming Better Ancestors” GPC Retreat in Europe was a journey into understanding the legacy we each shape daily. From the opening words to the closing circle, we explored the depth of what it means to live in a way that future generations would regard as meaningful. Within this journey, we were prompted to think deeply about our values, actions, and connections. Each day invited us to move beyond familiar approaches and examine how empathy, creativity, and openness can serve as guiding principles in our lives.
Cultivating Generous Listening
The power of generous listening took center stage. With facilitation from Merve Çağlar and Sude Zoraloğlu of the Vuslat Foundation, participants practiced “generous listening”—a form of listening that moves beyond hearing words to truly understanding others. The workshop, inspired by Francis Alÿs’ evocative film The Silence of Ani, posed a haunting question: “What could have happened if we had listened generously?”.
The session was a reminder that genuine empathy can serve as a foundation for deep connection and even societal healing. Many of us were moved by the question, “Where in our lives are we not listening generously?” which encouraged us to apply generous listening in our daily lives, creating stronger connections within our communities and, ultimately, the legacy we leave behind.
The Evolution of Philanthropy: A Dialogue Across Generations
Another highlight was the conversation between Peggy Dulany and Melisa Sabanci, where the concept of legacy in philanthropy was reimagined through the lens of adaptability and creativity. Melisa, through her work at Gate 27, shared a perspective that reframed traditional philanthropy to emphasize learning and openness. For her, leaving a meaningful legacy means not just “doing good” but being a “good ancestor”—one who listens, learns, and adapts. Their dialogue sparked important reflections on how we balance inherited values with the flexibility needed to address today’s challenges, a theme that feels increasingly relevant in our rapidly changing world.
Finding Hope and Resilience in Uncertain Times
The session "Seeds of Optimism: Finding Hope in Uncertain Times," led by Camille Massey and Helena Zeng, focused on fostering resilience. The facilitators encouraged a long-term perspective, inspired by the likes of Dr. Jonas Salk, whose legacy of the polio vaccine speaks to the impact of altruistic innovation. This session reminded us that by acting with resilience and foresight, we can plant “seeds” for future generations—seeds of hope, optimism, and change.
Reflecting on Family Legacy and Personal Purpose
Dr Eva Omaghomi’s deeply personal session, "My Grandmother’s Prayers," encouraged us to reflect on our family names, values, and traditions. Eva’s question, “What is the meaning and implication of your name?” invited us to look inward, recognizing the hopes and lessons carried in our names. Her story, bridging the worlds of history and identity, urged us all to honour our roots while stepping into our roles as changemakers.
Building a Legacy with Purpose and Abundance
Through these experiences, we began to see our legacy as a reflection of both personal values and shared responsibility. In Living with Purpose and Abundance, facilitator Susana Albuquerque guidance on building personal “compasses” helped us identify the values and motivations that drive us. It underscored the importance of intentional living and aligning our actions with our long-term vision. With reflections on what brings us joy, our strengths, and the issues we care about deeply, we crafted a vision for a legacy grounded in compassion, sustainability, and purpose.
Moving Forward Together
The retreat left us with a profound awareness of our shared responsibility. Being a “better ancestor” is not a distant aspiration but a call to integrate empathy, resilience, and intentionality in our lives today. As we go forward, let’s continue this reflection and bring these insights into our communities. How can we, in our daily lives, practice generous listening? How can we foster resilience and optimism not only for ourselves but for those who will follow?
As we continue on our journeys, we encourage you to dive into the resources shared at the retreat, which include books, films, and reflective exercises that expand on the ideas we explored. Let these resources inspire a new question, action, or commitment in your own life. Consider what it means to be a "better ancestor"—perhaps by listening more deeply, nurturing optimism, or fostering connections in your community. Each choice we make shapes a legacy for those who will follow.
Let’s carry these insights forward, building legacies that will inspire, uplift, and connect us across generations.
