During my stay in Bhutan, I felt incredibly relaxed. I’m not sure what exactly caused that feeling, but one thing is certain—the countless smiles and the warmth of the people’s hospitality are deeply etched in my memory. Time seemed to pass slowly in this peaceful place.

The Bhutanese lifestyle feels simpler than our own. There are no unnecessary frills or possessions; everything they own is well-cared for. For them, domestic animals are considered family members and even treasured beings that bring blessings. The people in this community deeply admire and support one another, a behavior rooted in their philosophy. This sense of interconnectedness forms the foundation of Gross National Happiness (GNH). They value preserving their cultural heritage, creating lifestyles that are in harmony with nature, and building a sustainable and equitable socio-economic system.

You might wonder why I’m making such a big deal out of this. But looking at their way of life, we may find an important lesson for living a happy life.

In the consumer-driven society we live in, excessive possessions often drain us, only to be discarded quickly. Yet, we feel anxious if we’re not surrounded by “stuff.” We’ve become slaves to the idea that wealth and material possessions equate to happiness and value. This egotistical disregard for others leads to cold, inhuman relationships and creates stress in society. Worse still, in this environment, we often forget what is truly important and precious in our lives.

We don’t have to hurry, because many things cannot be truly seen in a rush. Reflecting on the Bhutanese way of thinking, I wonder: can we bring the stresses of modern society to a peaceful resolution? Can we find the key to living a fulfilling life while keeping our planet beautiful?

My trip to Bhutan gave me a reason to reflect deeply on what truly matters.