What can we learn about happiness from Bhutan?
We are on the happiness cycle. I recently wrote that I read in the newspaper that Happiness is Contagious. That’s good news for all of us who spend a lot of time on our personal development. By finding happiness inside ourselves we affect others.
Apparently the country of Bhutan has been aware of this for quite some time. We have been told that money can’t buy happiness but in the country of Bhutan that observation is the basis of government policy. Bhutan measures its progress not by GDP which is a measure of economic health and development by most nations but by GNH, or gross national happiness.
Gross national happiness is built on four pillars: fair and sustainable economic and social development, protection and promotion of cultural values, environmental conservation and good government.
In practice, that means any economic development project in the country is considered progress only if it does not dramatically widen the income gap between rich and poor, pollute the country’s rivers, sicken its people or line a government official’s pocket.
“Gross national happiness is not about happiness,” said Kinley Dorji, managing director of Kuensel, Bhutan’s national newspaper.
“As Buddhists, we believe happiness is an individual pursuit, gained from looking inside rather than outside. Gross national happiness is a mandate of the state to create an environment where citizens can pursue happiness.”
Has Bhutan achieved its goals? It has the highest per capita income in South Asia, with most of its money derived from sales of clean hydroelectric power to neighboring India and from luring high-end exclusivity-seeking tourists, who must spend at least $200 a day while visiting the country.
Bhutan’s rushing glacier-melt rivers are surprisingly clean and its pine, oak and hemlock forests largely intact.
Ancient traditional sports such as archery still are a passion, and more than 90% of Bhutanese have access to free health care and education.
JOURNEY ON
MARK
JOURNEY ON is a blog dedicated to personal and professional development. Mark Susnow, an executive and life coach inspires others to experience more fulfillment and success in their life. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. His articles reflect this journey in an inspirational way. http://www.inspirepossibility.com