Darin and Sonam Dorji

In 2006, a distinct group of Bhutanese came to the US on a scouting mission to open trade between the United States and Bhutan, for the first time in history. I was exhilarated when they contacted me to get involved with their mission. Having traveled extensively throughout India and many other countries, herbal hunting (my other day job) and filming documentaries, I was both astounded and honored that I was a witness to the unfolding of an extraordinary story of this precious and unique hidden kingdom that was saying hello to the rest of the world. The more I learned about Bhutan, its people and its ways, the more I fell in love with the country.

Later, in 2006, I co-hosted over 25 Bhutanese individuals who were visiting Los Angeles to conduct further trade discussions. By the next year in 2007, I had gathered a film crew together for our first adventure in Bhutan.

Bhutan’s unique geography (surrounded by 23 of the highest virgin peaks in the Himalayas), its extreme environmental diversities, and its wonderful Buddhist culture and philosophy of Gross National Happiness combine to make this an intoxicating story and film.

For me, Bhutan demonstrates that individuals, organizations and governmental agencies alike, are able to make choices from an expanded awareness that consists, not only of ourselves and of our country, but also, of the world as a whole. What would it be like, REALLY, to make choices for Happiness!?

Darin Olien
Darin’s Naturals LLC and Generative Planet LLC