What if the thing you fear the most is the key to unlocking infinite happiness and peace?
In his book, Comfort Crisis, author, Michael Easter shares an unbelievable tale of his 33 day journey in the arctic. Easter, unlike myself, is a devout believer in evolution. Nevertheless, I learned a lot from his adventure through cold detachment from modern comforts in this story.
Easter offers thought provoking analysis how comfort has conditioned humans to be less resilient, durable, and strong because of modern conveniences. Many of his assertions are well supported by scientific research and data. One of the most memorable moments for me in exploring his thought process is Bhutan—the happiest nation on earth.
Research has found that the secret to happiness in this very poor country is quite simple. The Bhutanese embrace a gratitude for life that is deeply rooted in the daily awareness of dying. Death is inevitable. And like all things in life, the impermanence of life itself motivates one to be grateful for each moment of life in a profound way. On the other hand, Americans have little real connection with death until it happens. And even when we experience death and loss, we have compartmentalized the process which is contained in hospitals, funeral homes, and neatly arranged graveside memorials with turf and tents.
So what was the big takeaway?
My own personal awakening happened only after my mom passed away, followed rapidly by my youngest brother’s sudden, untimely death. I connect deeply with the happiness link found by the Bhutanese. This is because what is inevitable—what will ultimately happen with all of us—is a greater opportunity than we give it credit for. Embracing what we cannot control serves as motivation for living purposefully. While the agony of loss is undeniably disorienting, it is also a powerful reminder of what matters the most in life.
I appreciate this journey through Michael Easter’s insane trek through the tundra. Even more, I think the world can be a little more like the Bhutanese. To practice counting our days disciplines the impulse to be wasteful, superficial, or petty. Life is too short, too fleeting to be wasted on offenses, slights and differences that literally matter NOT when we are preparing to take that final, sacred breath.
Be blessed and encouraged,
Judge Char
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