the tiny himalayan nation of bhutan has announced its intention to be the first 100% organic nation in the world. bhutan is a buddhist country that measures the health of the nation on GDH (gross domestic happiness) rather than GDP. having a total land area of only 38,394 square kilometres & a population of around 750,000 is probably helpful in achieving their organic goal – apparently their only competitor is niue, population 1,300. if smallness is an advantage in going totally organic, new zealand should have a good chance. we might be giants compared to bhutan and niue but globally we’re tiny. and conveniently isolated. we should use these facts to our advantage before it’s too late.

the concept of “gross domestic happiness” is a nice one, and it connects to the spirit level and to prosperity without growth. happiness is more important than material wealth, and having the latter does not guarantee the former. at this particular moment in my life i can say that my own personal GDH is high. i’m happy (partly because there is so much snow outside!), i have everything i need, i’m loved and supported, and my work is enjoyable, rewarding and not stressful at this moment. i realise or course that i’m exceptionally privileged in this position, & that it’s most likely temporary – new stresses and challenges are probably just around the corner. but it’s important to acknowledge and enjoy this moment of high personal GDH.