Bhutan: A land of happiness

I have always wondered what makes Bhutan one of the most peaceful country in the world. It is inticing to understand how the country's prosperity and progress is measured by the happiness of people. Bhutan has proved its own unique way of conscentious good life. The throbbing positive vibes of Bhutanese people filled with warmth and happiness has a life of its own. I have stayed in Bhutan for 3 years during my teenage years and when ever I visit Thimphu; the sparkling happy smile on my face never disappears. I can affirm this splendid place has an unforgettable aura.

I still remember walking to school on foot, the distance measured by crossing three mountains and a wooden bridge on Thimphu river on my way to Yangchenphu High School, Thimphu. I cannot forget the cool breeze of rainy season and the clouds whispering in my ears as I walked down the roads with surprising rain showers. The splendid display of the flowers in summers only leaves one with long lasting impression of nature and amazing beauty of the valley. 

My journey towards spirituality and meditation started while circumambulating the Memorial Chhorten Temple among the elderly Bhutanese people reciting the mantras which led me to inner depth and purpose of life. The symbolic display of multicoloured flags placed all over signifies the five wisdoms of Buddhism, which keeps the good harmony between body and mind. The city still does not operate on traffic signals; the people just follow the human safety and rules habitually. The cinema and TV had been introduced just a few years back. The traditional national outfit (Kira and Gho) is practised in schools, colleges and Government offices preserving their core cultural inheritance.

 

Bhutan doesn't flaunt the big multi complex shopping malls with International brands but the market area sells original Bhutanese products like  wooden bowls, gold and silver jewellery, hand woven textiles, sculptures, Buddhist Paintings etc.  The country's main revenue depends upon hydroelectric power, agriculture and forestry, craftsman ship, cottage industry, tourism etc. 

I often question myself, can spirituality and economy grow together? Absolutely, definitely slow but never reverse. The core spirituality raises productivity by fostering individual traits such as honesty, work ethic, virtuous behaviour etc. It also promotes education and knowledge which often leads to equality for women and social upliftment. In 1970, His Majesty, The Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck emphasized on holistic well being of the people and redefined his country's Gross Developmental Index as Gross Happiness Index .... Extraordinary !! 

• Tip of the day: True essence of happiness lies within !! 
  
  
  "Tashi Delek" (Thankyou)
  
  
  Amrit.  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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Emotional Health of the doctors

The theme for Doctor's day this year stands "Lessen the mortality of COVID 19". The era has a challenge of its own. The deadly virus is spreading fast and the hospital beds are falling short to the number of patients. At the same time, doctors don't have the luxury of holding themselves at home to protect themselves from an outbreak.They must go to work everyday, attend to the patients and expose themselves to the potential risk. A lot of them have voluntarily separated themselves from their families to keep them safe. The level of stress they put themselves daily is immense and it should not come as surprise that their emotional health is in jeopardy. Plus the uncertainty and fear of their personal COVID 19 status; positive or negative everyday .....Lol !!.. 

But my biggest disappointment comes when the community see them as a potential threat due to stigma or fear; and even their families abandoned by community because of the possible infection brought from hospital ! Fear is a normal reaction in situations of uncertainty. But sometimes the fear is expressed in ways which can be hurtful. Many doctors have been beaten outside hospitals and few of them denied a proper burial. This is making the already challenging situation far more difficult.  

Be empathetic to doctors; don't discriminate them because of your fear of spread of virus. They need your support, compassion, kindness, respect and gratitude. Acknowledge the role they re playing to save lives and keeping your loved ones safe. Always remember that people pay the doctor

for his trouble; for his kindness they still remain in his debt !

Tip of the day : Treat doctors as humans too !!