The first ever Gross National Happiness (GNH) conference in the United States was an excellent kick-off to our emerging movement.  I’m sure all of us who were there have lots to write about in future blogs.  I want to start at perhaps the least logical but most inspiring point: the very end of the week.

The inspiration came as Ambassador Training day on Friday June 4th drew to a close, and four brave souls volunteered to present to the whole group brief explanations of why GNH matters.  All day long the ambassador training group – which ranged from 7th graders through senior citizens – had been engaged in a crash course on the inadequacies of GDP and the complexities of GNH theory and practice.  The group included individuals with a great deal of knowledge about the day’s topic, and, individuals essentially brand new to the topic.  Everyone received information from experts and interactive opportunities, including the chance for small group practice describing the essence of GNH and its potential to improve our lives.

Finally, everyone was invited to present to the whole group – a daunting invitation at the end of such an intense (but fun!) day.  The four people who accepted the invitation were amazing!  Each person clearly grasped and ably articulated the basic concepts.  But what made them amazing was the way each person spoke the truth from her own heart.

The first speaker was relaxed and confident, relating GNH and GDP concepts to regular people’s lives in a remarkably jargon-free yet informative manner.  She was smiling and utterly real.  She wowed the crowd.

The second speaker, a Fulbright Scholar from an East European country, set the stage for her presentation: an evening around the fireplace with friends.  In this setting, after a few glasses of imaginary wine, she began the conversation on a very personal level, exploring how a consumption-driven culture had made each of her friends less happy because they were too busy earning money to spend time with loved ones (including beloved pets).

Third was a presenter who spoke eloquently of the role of Buddhism, and living an examined life, in the growth of interest in Gross National Happiness not only in Bhutan, a Buddhist country, but also here in the States where – thanks in part to the popularity of yoga – Buddhism is gaining many more followers.

And fourth was a teenager who framed her presentation in terms of looking back on her life when she’s old.  It was clear to her that she wants to be grateful for the good times she had with family and friends – rather than rue a pair of jeans she never got around to buying at the mall.

What an outstanding quartet of presentators!  Bravo!  And thanks to all the ambassadors for their hard work.  The world needs everyone of us to raise our own heartfelt articulations.  Let’s do it — each in our own way!