‘Moving to Bhutan taught me to live mindfully’: How an American woman found love and happiness in the Himalayas

CNN - May 2nd, 2025
Open on CNN

In 1994, Linda Leaming, a freelance writer from Nashville, visited Bhutan and was captivated by its beauty, purity, and the kindness of its people. This experience led her to relocate to Bhutan, where she eventually married Namgay, a local art teacher. Their relationship blossomed despite initial cultural differences, underscoring a shared belief in fate and the power of kindness. Linda's life in Bhutan, a nation renowned for its commitment to Gross National Happiness, has been transformative and fulfilling.

Linda's journey highlights the value of holistic living, where spiritual and environmental well-being take precedence over materialistic pursuits. Having spent nearly three decades in Bhutan, she has embraced its flexible approach to time and mindfulness, which contrasts sharply with her American roots. Her experiences have inspired two books, capturing her cross-cultural adventures and insights. Today, Linda and Namgay continue to cherish their life in Bhutan, sharing its healing atmosphere with visiting friends and family.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The story provides an engaging and personal narrative of Linda Leaming's experiences in Bhutan, highlighting the country's unique cultural and environmental aspects. While the article is clear and well-structured, it primarily presents a single perspective, lacking a broader range of viewpoints that could provide a more balanced understanding. The reliance on Linda's personal account limits the factual depth and verifiability of some claims, though the main facts align with known information about Bhutan. The article's focus on personal transformation and cultural exploration appeals to readers interested in these themes, though it does not engage with current events or broader societal issues. Overall, the story is more inspirational than informative, offering a romanticized view of Bhutan that may inspire curiosity and interest in the country's unique approach to development and happiness.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story provides a personal account of Linda Leaming's experiences in Bhutan, which includes several factual claims. The claim that Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country in the world is widely reported and supported by environmental studies, making it a credible statement. However, specific details such as the exact year Linda arrived in Bhutan and her personal anecdotes would require verification from her personal records or interviews. The mention of Bhutan's Gross National Happiness policy is accurate and aligns with historical records about the country's development philosophy. The story's anecdotal nature means that while the main facts are likely accurate, the personal experiences and interpretations are subjective and less verifiable.

6
Balance

The story primarily presents Linda Leaming's perspective on her life in Bhutan, focusing on her personal experiences and positive views of the country. While it provides a compelling narrative, it lacks a range of perspectives, such as those from Bhutanese locals or other expatriates, which could offer a more balanced view of life in Bhutan. The article leans heavily towards a romanticized depiction of Bhutan, potentially omitting any challenges or negative aspects of living in a foreign country.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written, with a clear narrative structure that guides the reader through Linda's journey and experiences in Bhutan. The language is engaging, and the story flows logically, making it easy to follow. The tone is neutral, focusing on Linda's personal experiences without overt editorializing. However, some readers might find the lack of critical viewpoints or additional context about Bhutan's socio-economic conditions limiting.

5
Source quality

The article relies on Linda Leaming as the primary source, which is appropriate given the personal nature of the story. However, the lack of additional sources or expert opinions limits the depth of information and verification of certain claims. For instance, while Linda's experiences are genuine, additional perspectives or data from Bhutanese officials or environmental experts could enhance the article's credibility and provide a more comprehensive view.

6
Transparency

The article is transparent about its basis on Linda Leaming's personal narrative, which is clear from the outset. However, it does not provide much context about the methodology of how Linda's experiences were gathered or verified. There is no indication of whether the author independently verified Linda's claims or if any potential conflicts of interest exist, such as promotional intent for her books.

Sources

  1. https://www.instagram.com/linda.leaming/
  2. https://chapter16.org/home-is-a-long-way-from-here/
  3. https://upstatedispatch.com/2018/03/on-the-radio-linda-leaming-author-of-a-field-guide-to-happiness/
  4. https://www.instagram.com/linda.leaming/reel/Cy-_uIPJSDF/
  5. https://indagare.com/article/linda-leaming-bhutan