ENTRY ONE

Photo By Roshiila

REFLECTION OF ROSHILA TAMANG

Here I am, on the first day of January 2024, writing this. I’ve already drafted a version of this post that’s been sitting in my drafts for a while—because, apparently, I’m the kind of person who likes to procrastinate on writing a blog post about my life. But as I take a moment to reflect on how I want to show up authentically—unfiltered, spontaneous, and occasionally a bit unhinged—I realize that’s the version of myself I connect with the most. That’s the energy I want to bring to this new chapter. So, here I am again, rewriting it, letting myself flow and embrace whatever comes naturally.

I’ve considered countless ways to begin this, but the idea of a formal introduction just doesn’t sit well with me. Still, I feel it’s something I owe to myself—and to anyone reading this—to offer a glimpse of what this blog is all about. This way, you can get a sense of the essence behind it and decide if it resonates with you or not. 

My name is Roshila Tamang, and while I identify as an artist, my story goes beyond just that. I was born in Nepal, though, technically, I’ve never been considered a citizen of my birthplace, so answering the question “Where am I from?” is… complicated. To answer the question of where I truly belong, I’ve been recognized as a citizen of Bhutan, a recognition rooted in my heritage within the Bhutanese Nepali refugee community. The challenges my people have faced—politically, culturally, and economically—can be its own topic to discuss, and while those stories matter, they’re not the focus here. Instead, I want to share a deeper look into my personal connection to my culture, traditions, and influences.

Growing up in a society that placed great emphasis on esotericism, where each ethnic group adhered to its own sacred traditions, my family naturally followed Tibetan Buddhism—a practice passed down through generations. In our lineage, the tradition of a "chosen one" becoming the family lama continued into my generation. However, like many who are raised in a deeply religious environment, I eventually felt the pull to break free. As my world expanded and my surroundings shifted, I began to question both the belief system I had been brought up in and the reality I had always known.

It wasn’t until my late teens and early twenties that I started viewing the religion I grew up with through a more Western lens, mainly because, let’s face it, Western culture tends to make things simpler to digest -- you know, like spiritual fast food. But to my surprise, that journey led me right back to my roots. I found myself reconnecting with the ancient wisdom passed down by my ancestors—just sitting there, waiting for me to remember it.

Now, in my mid-twenties, my spiritual practice is centered on discovering who I truly am, and from that foundation,  simultaneously taking steps in the outer world guided by my inner knowing. Not to sound overly dramatic, but looking back, spirituality found me when I was at my lowest. It became the anchor that pulled me back to myself. For me, the purpose of spirituality has always been about uncovering my own truth, so I can better understand everything else around me.

This blog is a product of that journey. My intention for this space is to write about the things that have helped me grow, to create an interview series where I engage with people who inspire me to dig deeper through conversations and to explore perspectives that challenge my thinking. In a way, it’s a selfish pursuit—I want to learn. But my hope is that, through these words, someone else might also find something that sparks growth or offers new insight.