Tangsuq: Vessels of Change

Blog Intro

I’ve wanted to write this kind of blog for quite a while now, well before COVID-19.  In 2006, I took a huge risk and quit a life-sucking job and moved to Mongolia to teach English.  I had no idea what I was in for.  At that time, I started a blog about my life there.  A lot has changed since then, and I had 2020 to reflect on life in general and the past fifteen years.  I wanted to blog again, but didn’t think people would really be interested in hearing about someone’s life in Mongolia.  It’s not Paris, Italy or some exotic island.  Mongolia may not fit everyone’s taste, but its’ redevelopment after Soviet influence, evolving economy and democracy, its Nomadic traditions and long, diverse history certainly are fascinating.  When I talk to people and they find out I lived in Mongolia, they pause and say, “Did you say Mongolia?!” 

Having been immersed in another culture for over a decade, my travel and diverse experiences, background in Anthropology and our ever-evolving world, I wanted to write about transformation and how big and small things transform our lives.  How through different experiences we can change and transform our lives and our world for the better.

I came across the word “tangsuq” while reading about Mongolian history. Its exact origin may be known to academics, but variations of it occur in Central Asia.  In some of these ancient Central Asian cultures and languages, it refers to a kind of small precious container carried or worn by a traveler or pilgrim.  I liken this to a Tibetan gau, an amulet, a relic, a protective medal, a talisman or lucky charm.  Legend has it that as the owner travels with the tangsuq, the container becomes more precious, gains more “power”, spirit or energy (for lack of a better term in English).  It’s not clear what that spirit or power is, but I relate it to wisdom, knowledge, maybe some kind of sacredness or spirituality.  

We as humans are containers of sorts absorbing all around us.  As we travel through life, we may gain knowledge or wisdom, strengthen our spirituality, some may receive other gifts, and some of these come from people and cultures we come into contact with.  We may also share from our own physical or metaphysical  “containers” with others, thus gaining an understanding of each other, building connections and relationships.  

I’ve experienced the world through the lens of an Artist and maker/collector of containers, Anthropologist, Museum professional, a Teacher and Lifelong Learner, Traveler, daughter, and friend.  I share here my experiences and how different things have transformed me in my life’s journey.  I also share new ideas and things I find intriguing that may also be transformative for you.  I hope you enjoy the journey! 

#worldcultures #Mongolia #transformation #lifechange #journey #women #travel