2024 ISSS Health and Systems Thinking SIG Meeting: Integrating Eastern Wisdom into Systems Science – Share Your Journey (2-Hour Workshop)

My journey into the profound realms of Chinese systems theory, encompassing Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM 儒釋道醫), began three decades ago. It was during my initial encounter with TCM under the guidance of my mentor, CHU, while studying Engineering in Information Technology. This experience not only introduced me to the practical applications of Taoism and TCM but also set the stage for a lifelong exploration of integrated wisdom. Two decades ago, a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat profoundly deepened my understanding of Buddhist teachings, further enriching my perspective. The synergy of these experiences with the robust community and intellectual ferment provided by the ISSS has been pivotal, helping me bridge Eastern philosophies with Western systems science to forge what I consider a ‘Rosetta stone’ of systems thinking. In this upcoming Health and Systems Thinking SIG annual meeting, we are eager to hear your story. How have you merged systems science with your personal and cultural insights? How has your journey influenced your work and shaped your responsibilities? We recognize that each of us may start our ascent from different points at the foot of the mountain, choosing our paths, yet we are convinced that eventually, all paths converge at the summit. This meeting is a call to share your unique experiences, insights, and the responsibilities you’ve embraced. Let’s engage in friendly competition, cooperation, and negotiation, fostering an environment marked by respect, understanding, compassion, brotherhood, and unconditional love. Join us to contribute to a collective vision of systemic Background (water), system inspiration (wood), passion (fire), responsibility (earth), and influence (metal) output. Whether you are at the beginning of your journey or well along the path, your voice is invaluable. Let’s synchronize our efforts and establish a systemic approach to systems thinking.