How One Little Country Can Change the Whole World

I’m not one for making New Year’s Resolutions. Too much pressure for me. I know the things I need to work on and I trust my inner guidance to help send me in the right directions. But, I do slip and fall on occasion and I would rather skip the guilt and disappointment that accompanies that or when I “break” my intentions.

Instead, for 2025 I’ve decided that for each month, I’m going to spend time learning all I can about a specific topic or interest that intrigues me. And I wish to share with you what I’m learning about for the month of January-the tiny country or rather kingdom of Bhutan.

I’ve always been fascinated by the photos of Tiger Nest Monastery, Bhutan, built directly into the cliffs of the Himalayan mountainside, as well as other human-made wonders, e.g., castles, fortresses. Truly, incredible.

Bhutan is a land of high mountains, gorgeous forests, flowing rivers, and clean air, where happiness is valued above all else. A place where “Gross National Happiness” IS the Gross National Product.

This small country is wedged between two giants, China and India, hidden in the Himalayan Mountains. A country of deep family ties, deep devotion to spirituality, and a deep devotion to the land. Every year, the people are asked questions pertaining to salary, education, material possessions (TV wasn’t introduced until 1999), how much time spent thinking negative and positive thoughts, time spent sleeping and praying, etc. The results are analyzed and factored into public policy. The king and prime minister work hand in hand. Universal healthcare and free education are for all residents. Past ways are highly valued, as evidenced each year, when thousands come together in their finest to celebrate the traditions, such as dance and song, of their ancestors.

The land, where nature is highly respected, is 60-70% forested and power is hydroelectric. Bhutan is the first carbon-negative country in the world. And it is the only country where democracy was introduced and adopted during a time of peace, not war-a decision made by the king himself, justifying it to the people (who were satisfied without it) by saying that it was only a matter of time before a “bad king” would rise to power, earning the title solely by birth and not merit.

All this, and Bhutan is still considered a “developing nation.”

There is a downside, however and that is that the nation is currently experiencing an existential crisis, whereby a generation of young Bhutanese are leaving the country in vast numbers. Why? Starting with Covid, jobs began drying up and the recovery since has been slow. These younger citizens are mainly heading to Australia for sustained employment, being forced to leave their families behind, who all happen to gather together at the airport to see them off, not knowing when they will see one another again.

As a result of this crisis, the king has developed a plan, a brilliant idea, to create jobs and mitigate the migration, an idea called the “Gelephu Mindfulness City,” the first of its kind in the world to be created over the next two decades.

This Mindfulness City will have no polluting industries or skyscrapers; it will have a wildlife corridor for animals such as elephants and now tigers, who are entering the land in greater numbers due to the loss of habitats in surrounding countries; it will contain green spaces for walking, cycling, and prayer; and it will offer a wellness/healthcare center and public community activities space. All this in addition to the technology jobs being planned for the city.

Way to go, Bhutan, way to go 👏

WHAT AM I LEARNING?

HOW TO DREAM….

The king had a vision. A dream of a solution. A dream of a better way of life. A dream to reunite families and bring back jobs, ultimately a dream to bring the children of his country home.

All change starts with an idea, a thought. Remember day-dreaming as a kid? Don’t stop as an adult. Instead of getting onto our kids when we think they are being unproductive, spaced out, lazy, etc., maybe instead we should ask them what they’re imagining, what are they dreaming about, and encourage more of that.

HOW TO COEXIST….

I’m sure you’ve seen the bumper sticker with the word, COEXIST, displayed by a series of symbols, representative of the world’s religions. I believe the point being made is that we all can coexist. Yes, Please!

With the creation of the Mindfulness City, Bhutan will have figured out how to provide a place of high technology advances alongside centuries-old values and traditions, with no sacrifices needing to be made. Nature and City, side by side, peacefully together. This concept of coexistence that seems so far away (according to most news reports, that is) IS possible with intention and purpose. And a whole lotta love.

HOW TO HOPE….

“Remember. Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”

—Andy Dufresne, Shawshank Redemption

Enough said.

HOW TO BE UNIVERSALLY CONNECTED….

The Bhutanese are great stewards of their land. They understand that dominance does not mean dominion. They care deeply for nature and just as much in their spirituality. Buddhism is the primary religion. Prayer flags are in abundance, everywhere you look.

The history of prayer flags is ancient. All the way back to the shamans from Nepal and Tibet, which far preceded the onset of world religions. They are of the like of the Celtic and Druid shamans from Europe, also forebearers of developing religions, such as Christianity. These prayer flags mean goodwill to all in the simplest of terms.

Bhutan’s prayer flags represent peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The “5 Pure Lights” are represented by the colors:

Blue-Sky and Space

White-Air and Wind

Red-Fire

Green-Water

Yellow-Earth

Faded color in the flags is a good thing and means that the prayers have been carried by the wind. When it’s time for the flags to come down, they are sent off with fire, and the smoke carries the final blessings in the wind.

I love my prayer flags on my back deck that have been fluttering in the wind for a couple of years now.

If you’ve never just sat or paused and watched them dance in the breeze, I do highly suggest it. You will feel the tranquility.

We can do better.
We can be better.

Creativity is a gift

There is still a place for values and ancient traditions-our ancestors’ wisdom does not have to be given up in order for humanity to progress, which we must if our species is to survive.

Equanimity is possible.

Sending you much love in this New Year, my Friend!

Til next we meet in the forest…

Love,

Amanda ❤️

(Please enjoy the short film below by one of my favorite filmmakers, Nitin Das)

Peace Prayer of the Wind, Nitin Das