As Bhutan prepares to open a new chapter through the Gelephu Mindfulness City, our country stands at an important crossroads, as highlighted by His Majesty the Bodhisattva King. The vision promises a bright future with greater employment opportunities, innovation, knowledge, and engagement with the world. But as Bhutan opens its doors, we must also ask ourselves: How do we welcome the world without losing what makes us Bhutanese? One of the most important answers may lie in something very simple: our families. The Family Is the Heart of Bhutanese Society.Our society has traditionally placed strong importance on family, community, interdependence, respect, responsibility, and harmony. Our identity has never been based entirely on the individual. We understand ourselves through our relationships with our parents, children, relatives, neighbours, communities, and the nation.Whereas Western thought has historically placed strong emphasis on individual freedom, personal choice, indepe...