By Roberta Strickland
We see the word “zen” tossed around a lot these days. It seems to mean having a relaxing, spa-like experience, or “being in the moment.” Actually “being in the moment”is a Zen principle. Real Zen is the Japanese school of Buddhism that grew out of the Chan (meditation) tradition of China.
There is a new zen-word entering our collective vocabularies. The word is “Zentangle.” A lot of people have said that they may have seen or heard the word, but are not quite sure in what context. It seems like a modern expression that we currently hear or see in all manner of media as we are constantly searching for improved, more authentic lives. But pairing the word “zen” with the word “tangle” leaves one quizzically painting cartoony contortions on our HD big-screen subconscious. The definition of ‘tangle’: a confused mass of something twisted together. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary “tangled” can also mean “a state of perplexity or complete bewilderment.”
The word “zentangle” is truly a contradiction.
But untangling (pun is intentional) the mysterious contradiction of “zentangle” into a form of meditative art is happening around the world and even in our community! Zentangle was created by Rick Roberts, a former Buddhist monk, and his wife, Maria Thomas, an artist and calligrapher. He’s the “zen”, and she’s the “tangle.”
Zentangle is the marriage of Maria’s art background and Rick’s meditation background. Since different people have different views on meditation, another way of describing the Zentangle method is that it creates and fosters relaxed focus. Thus, the Zentangle method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. The method focuses on simple, elemental strokes that anyone can draw,regardless of age or creative ability. When “zentangling,” the mind and body are releasing stress while creating beautiful images.
Zentangle classes are offered every Wednesday at 1:15pm at the Pagosa Senior Center. For the safety of our participants, proof of vaccinations is required.
The Zentangle method is trademarked, and has a trademarked tag-line, “Anything is Possible, One Stroke at a Time.”
The Zentangle Method follows a series of eight steps which are intended to calm and relax the mind and body while creating beautiful art. Zentangle is traditionally done on a 3.5 inch paper tile with a pencil-drawn “border” and a random, pencil-drawn “string.” The pre-defined “tangles” are drawn in pen. These Zentangle characteristics are somewhat limiting, but within these limits, creativity is inspired. The limits of the border and string are arbitrary. You can choose to stay within these limits, or you can move beyond them. (There are so many metaphors of this in real life!)
Some unique and interesting traits of Zentangle are that there can be ceremony included in the process, but it is non-doctrinal. There is no up or down, and the tile can be rotated as you draw to give a level of comfort as you work. A Zentangle image is unplanned and non-representational. Each tile is unique and is meant to be embraced. Each stroke is meaningful and deliberate.
Zentangle is completely unplugged! You don’t need a computer or any technical devices or training. You are invited to reconnect with the human experience of eye-hand coordination where the eye is actually on what the hand is doing. You are reconnected with putting pen to paper.
Zentangle can be done almost anywhere. A Zentangle tile can fit in your pocket or purse. It’s easy to have everything you need with you all the time.
There is no failure in Zentangle. There are no mistakes, only opportunities for further creativity. There is no eraser in a Zentangle kit…just as in life there are no erasers! You can always build a new pattern from where you are.
Sometimes Zentangle is referred to as “Yoga for the mind” or “Yoga with pen and paper.” And just as in practicing Yoga regularly, the value and benefits of the Zentangle Method are more obvious when practiced regularly.
There are many anecdotal accounts of the benefits of doing Zentangle. Many Zentangle practitioners have experienced the following positive results from creating Zentangle art: confidence, mindfulness, self esteem, the ability to shift and maintain focus, inspiration, relation and stress relief, new perspectives on self and life, personal self-discovery and satisfaction. Others have also seen benefits using Zentangle as a supporting therapy for anxiety relief, fear of flying, insomnia, anger management, attention deficit issues, negative self-image, and autism.
In a Ted Talk given by Dilip Patel, MD, Dr. Patel conducts a small experiment on the audience for them to experience the effect of Zentangle. Supported by anecdotes, he emphasizes the meaningless strokes that make the end product expected and meaningful. Dr. Patel exclaims that “The magic is in the process… there is no pre-planning, no judgment, just appreciation, and no mistakes.” Finally, he concludes, “you have learned to tame your mind.”
Martha Stewart Living blog included an article in her post on September 2017, entitled, “Try Zentangle: Your New De-Stressing Method.” In the article, one of the Zentangle founders, Rick Roberts, tells Martha Stewart Living, “It’s a mindfulness art form… And because it’s so simple to do, accessible, and easy to understand, it appeals to many different kinds of people from wellness communities, rehab and senior centers, libraries, prisons, schools, and corporate offices.”
In a 2014 article in the Simmons Voice, the student news site of Simmons University, Zentangle is called “a fresh take on the age old doodle.” After experiencing a Zentangle practice since 2014 and recently becoming a certified Zentangle teacher (CZT), the author agrees, at least in part, with the Simmons Voice, but adds, “Zentangle is so much more.”
Roberta Strickland is the Zentangle Instructor at Archuleta Seniors, Inc. Join her for class every Wednesday at 1:15pm at the Pagosa Senior Center.