inner transformation of mind-sets and behaviors so that individuals can skillfully
enjoy these potentials, otherwise people may well continue to feel miserable even
under such circumstances.
The report concludes that mindfulness as the “cultivation of non-judgmental,
non-reactive, metacognitive awareness of present-moment experience” is one
important “happiness skill” as are the conscious practices of gratitude, empathy,
and patience. Referring to studies documenting higher levels of life satisfaction,
meaning and happiness from volunteerism and community service, the report adds
that “these and related skills combine to build the capacity for citizenship, and
hence for engagement in processes of social change, that help people develop ‘not
just better goals, but better means as well.’” (NDP Steering Committee and
Secretariat 2013: 35) Five principles were suggested for an alternative vision recognizing the complexity and interrelatedness of human reality and developed into a
proposed paradigm for the UN negotiations around the Post2015 development
agenda (now 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development):
(1) transformation in what we value;
(2) reconsideration of the purpose of development;
(3) re-orientation of humanity towards service;
(4) recognition of our interconnectedness; and
(5) an ethos of cooperation (ibid.: VI–VII).
This view is very much in line with the mind-sets of common-good orientation
and community resilience discussed above but another total deviation from mainstream ideas on humans and their relationships. Figure 4.1 encapsulates the paradigm with the nine outcome dimensions of GNH and their wider conceptual
embedding.
Transformation researchers will particularly appreciate the arrow pointing from
‘societal happiness’ back to ‘needs’ and the ‘Holistic Development Agenda’
described as transformative with interconnected solutions: none of these are viewed
as independent, natural or universal laws but as an integral part of continuous
change, depending on the state of societies and the planetary resources drawn upon.
What struck me when visiting Bhutan was the humility with which even high
officials like the princess or ministers say that they have not reached the state to
which they aspire. The phrase that reflexive transformation researchers might find
most impressive was that they are conducting a “living experiment with the truth.”
Of course, there is also plenty of criticism. The least qualified still sneer that a
country with a monarchy lacks the credibility to speak about good governance,
ignorant of the fact that democratic elections were introduced almost a decade ago.
Others point out that small agricultural and Buddhist Bhutan can hardly be a role
model for huge industrialized countries of multiple religions. Then the refugee
drama of the early 1990s remains a massive black spot on Bhutan’s history.
A movement toward the democratization and possible independence of the south,
where many Nepalese people lived, was countered with a nationalist movement by
the king. Apparently when he found out about connections the underground
4.3 Pioneering Governments: Beyond GDP Measures as Development Frames
137
enjoy these potentials, otherwise people may well continue to feel miserable even
under such circumstances.
The report concludes that mindfulness as the “cultivation of non-judgmental,
non-reactive, metacognitive awareness of present-moment experience” is one
important “happiness skill” as are the conscious practices of gratitude, empathy,
and patience. Referring to studies documenting higher levels of life satisfaction,
meaning and happiness from volunteerism and community service, the report adds
that “these and related skills combine to build the capacity for citizenship, and
hence for engagement in processes of social change, that help people develop ‘not
just better goals, but better means as well.’” (NDP Steering Committee and
Secretariat 2013: 35) Five principles were suggested for an alternative vision recognizing the complexity and interrelatedness of human reality and developed into a
proposed paradigm for the UN negotiations around the Post2015 development
agenda (now 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development):
(1) transformation in what we value;
(2) reconsideration of the purpose of development;
(3) re-orientation of humanity towards service;
(4) recognition of our interconnectedness; and
(5) an ethos of cooperation (ibid.: VI–VII).
This view is very much in line with the mind-sets of common-good orientation
and community resilience discussed above but another total deviation from mainstream ideas on humans and their relationships. Figure 4.1 encapsulates the paradigm with the nine outcome dimensions of GNH and their wider conceptual
embedding.
Transformation researchers will particularly appreciate the arrow pointing from
‘societal happiness’ back to ‘needs’ and the ‘Holistic Development Agenda’
described as transformative with interconnected solutions: none of these are viewed
as independent, natural or universal laws but as an integral part of continuous
change, depending on the state of societies and the planetary resources drawn upon.
What struck me when visiting Bhutan was the humility with which even high
officials like the princess or ministers say that they have not reached the state to
which they aspire. The phrase that reflexive transformation researchers might find
most impressive was that they are conducting a “living experiment with the truth.”
Of course, there is also plenty of criticism. The least qualified still sneer that a
country with a monarchy lacks the credibility to speak about good governance,
ignorant of the fact that democratic elections were introduced almost a decade ago.
Others point out that small agricultural and Buddhist Bhutan can hardly be a role
model for huge industrialized countries of multiple religions. Then the refugee
drama of the early 1990s remains a massive black spot on Bhutan’s history.
A movement toward the democratization and possible independence of the south,
where many Nepalese people lived, was countered with a nationalist movement by
the king. Apparently when he found out about connections the underground
4.3 Pioneering Governments: Beyond GDP Measures as Development Frames
137