A writer from the United States left Bhutan from the desire to escape from the daily routine. She found peace, love and a new sense of happiness, and her life has completely transformed.
Bhutan, the place where “time is not controlled by watches”. Photo: Shutterstock
In 1994, Linda Leaming, a writer from Nashville, Tennessee, made a decision that would change her destiny. He gave up the restless life in the United States to travel to Bhutan, a small country in Himalaya, located between India and Tibet. What started as a simple vacation turned into a true personal rebirth.
Linda walked for the first time in Bhutan in the capital Thimphu, and the connection with the place was instant. “The clean air and the mountain landscapes have conquered me from the first moment. Here, like the air, people are unique-I have encountered incredible kindness at every step.”she tells for CNN.
Fascinated by the natural beauty of the land and the way of life of the locals, Linda began to explore the mountains, to practice “mindfulness” and to approach the inner peace he had not known until then. In time, he realized he no longer wants to return to the United States.
“Here I wanted to spend the rest of my life.”
It was a moment of revelation for Linda: “My mind slowed, I began to feel a clarity that I had never lived again. It was clear, here I wanted to spend the rest of my life”.
Bhutan, known for his unique philosophy based on raw national happiness, replaces classical economic indicators with values such as spiritual well -being, social harmony and environmental protection.
“Happiness here is more important than material wealth. Bhutan is a place where inner peace and kindness are more valuable than anything else ”says Linda.
Love at the end of the world
In addition to the peace of the soul, Linda found in Bhutan and love. In 2000, he married Namgay, a Bhutanese man. “Our culture was different, but our hearts were the same. It was a real destiny“She confesses.
Together they adopted a Bhutanese little girl, Kinlay. “I never thought I would become a mother, but now it’s a blessing. Bhutan offered me more than I ever imagined ”add Linda.
Life lessons from a country with another rhythm
Although Bhutan is far from Western modernity, Linda says that he has discovered what he really means to live today. “Here, time is not controlled by watches. Things happen in their natural rhythm, and that teaches you to live in the present“She explains.
This approach to life, based on awareness and simplicity, was a true revelation: “In a hectic world, where stress and haste are the order of the day, Bhutan gave me a refuge of peace and kindness. “
A new life in the middle of the mountains
Today, Linda and her husband live in Thimphu. Their life is simple, but meaningful. The clean air, the mountain landscapes and the community in which they live offers them the ideal frame for a conscious existence.
Linda wrote two books in which she tells about her experiences and personal transformation: Married to Bhutan and Field Guide to Happiness. Through them, he hopes to inspire other people to seek happiness where they do not usually forget – quietly, in nature and in kindness.
