Share your gifts

A little magic with a smile.
An inspiring story about the power of positive affirmation.

Starring TJ Thyne & Vicki Davis. Writer/Director/Composer – Kurt Kuenne

thanks Erik for your share.

What would the world be?

Maya Angelou‘s thoughts on what the world would be like if one percent of the population became complaint free.

Beyond GDP: Happy Planet Index and Gross National Happiness

The GDP is not really measuring the wealth of a nation, as it is not taking account of all the factors, that affect our society – the pollution or the waste of ressources or even the happiness of the people (see article in german).

Great thinkers like Joseph Stiglitz, Nicolas Sarkozy and the most prominent on this matter King Khesar of Bhutan make room for a more sustainable approach in measuring the wealth of a society. As the ultimate aim of people is not to be rich, but to be happy. Did you know the Happy Planet Index?

My deepest concern is that as the world changes we may lose these fundamental values on which rest our character as a nation and people. It is critical that we are able to recognize Bhutanese character irrespective of how far we look back into the past or into the future. The Bhutan we see is vastly different – unrecognizable even – when compared to the Bhutan in the time of our first King. Yet, the character of our people and the nature of our fundamental values have remained unchanged. Henceforth, as even more dramatic changes transform the world and our nation, as long as we continue to pursue the simple and timeless goal of being good human beings, and as long as we strive to build a nation that stands for everything that is good, we can ensure that our future generations for hundreds of years will live in happiness and peace.

It is not because I am King that I ask these of you. Destiny has put me here. It is with immense gratitude and humility that at this young age, I assume the sacred duty to serve a special people and country. Throughout my reign I will never rule you as a King. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son. I shall give you everything and keep nothing; I shall live such a life as a good human being that you may find it worthy to serve as an example for your children; I have no personal goals other than to fulfill your hopes and aspirations. I shall always serve you, day and night, in the spirit of kindness, justice and equality.

As the king of a Buddhist nation, my duty is not only to ensure your happiness today but to create the fertile ground from which you may gain the fruits of spiritual pursuit and attain good Karma.

This is how I shall serve you as King.

His Majesty King Khesar, The 5^th Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan

speech from http://www.grossnationalhappiness.com/