Gross Personal Happiness

by Ian Lawton

Lily Tomlin said, "the problem with being in a rat race is that even if you win you are still a rat." 

The reality is that right now we are involved in a planetary rat race, where we believe that economic growth will solve all our problems.  We believe that if we spin this machine called the economy fast enough that we can solve all our problems.   But the most likely reality is the faster the economic growth, the steeper the decline into oblivion for the human race. 

Consider practicing voluntary simplicity. The kingdom of Bhutan, one of the least developed countries in the world, offers a fascinating alternative to a single minded economic growth and mindless consumption model. 

The kingdom of Bhutan has four pillars: 

1. Equitable and sustainable economic growth. 

2. Respect for local culture. 

3. Conserving the environment.

4. Good governance. 

They have a gross national happiness index, in which they include such things as volunteer hours, and unpaid household work.  Nature’s resources are also factored in to the gross national happiness of the country.

To expect that what happens in America can be modeled simplistically after a very small place like Bhutan. However it is realistic to take inspiration from this small kingdom and contemplate what it means as individuals, as a community and as a nation (a highly developed nation) to develop a gross national happiness index, including how to factor in volunteer work, and our non-material engagements with people and with nature.

Aspects to consider would include:

• How will we balance getting ahead economically with being fulfilled non-materially and respecting the earth? 
• How will we sustain our Gross Personal Happiness, our Gross Community Happiness and our Gross National Happiness?
• What does it mean for our communities to have an equitable, sustainable, and efficient economic growth and yet at the same time remain true to what is essential, like human kindness and eco-friendliness?

The answers to these questions may well define what it looks like to win without becoming rats.

Ian Lawton is the senior minister at Christ Community Church in Spring Lake and explores these kinds of topics during Sunday morning services at 10:00 a.m. For more information call 616-842-1985 or visit Christ-Community.net.

Originally published in Natural Awakenings West Michigan October 2006 Environment issue.