Reclaiming The World
In 2020, we know that “evolution” means far more than just gradual biological change in species, natural selection, and “survival of the fittest” single organism. Understanding evolution across behavioral and biological domains reveals that we all exist in an interconnected flow, continuously evolving as individuals, groups, societies, and as a planet. The core principles of an evolutionary Contextual Behavioral Science (CBS) can serve as the key to transformation across multiple levels and dimensions. When we appreciate that we are intimately connected to our context in every moment, as a living aspect of the “One World,” we understand the importance of advancing this dynamic and holistic behavioral science, an approach better suited to the alleviation and prevention of suffering of sentient beings.
At this point in our history, we bear witness to stark suffering on this planet; from burning rainforests to elevating rates of adolescent suicide; from epidemic levels of psychiatric diagnoses to despotic political movements rising across the world. Given all of this, a rational person could despair, but our CBS commitment is to do more than observe, and to take direct action to address such suffering head on. This involves an arising of compassionate action, and practical wisdom, served by our community’s dedication throughout the world.
Borrowing a phrase from Roshi Paul Genki Kahn, we set our course for “Reclaiming The World.” We might begin at the level of the individual, developing the science of psychological flexibility, as a grounded path of values-based action and intimate presence to each “body-environment moment.” From such a beginning, the scope of our mission of compassion and commitment grows, so that we can apply CBS to the epochal challenges of this historical moment.
This conference invites all who are driven by compassion to reclaim the world across all levels and dimensions. Presentations on topics vastly ranging from the intricacies of human verbal learning to addressing climate change on a planetary level are all welcome. When we understand the dynamics of contextual behavioral science, the underlying principles of evolutionary change reveal themselves, and the reality of Reclaiming the World, the One World, Our World, is present in our hearts and minds. May we make this loving transformation present in the world for the benefit of all beings, together.
- Dr. Dennis Doshin Tirch, ACBS President