Zentangle FAQ

Check out these frequently asked questions:

"Do I need to be 'good' at art to learn Zentangle?"

Absolutely not! They say, "If you can sign your name, you can Zentangle!"

"How is Zentangle like mindfulness? How does it work? Can it really help with my wellness or stress?

The short answer is YES!

It really a mindfulness practice and it really can help with your wellness and wellbeing. I notice it's less 'effort' to engage with the present moment this way vs. traditional breathing meditation. While I'm sure there are several theories as to why this 'works', here's mine from a neuroscience, positive psychology and nervous system perspective: 

"In the present moment with our present experience is when we form new new neural connections in the brain which is why meditation and mindfulness works. Like mindfulness, we're focusing on one stroke at a time vs. the final product, connecting with our breath in the present moment.  Here, we are truly engaged in the 'here and now' and experience a flow state.

Due to neuroplasticity and the growth of these new neural pathways that are registering from the present moment experience, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) or ventral vagal part of the nervous system is engaged. This is the part of our nervous system that feels relaxed, connected, curious, calm, clear, present, open and creative. It's our natural state of being when we take away all the expectations, pressures, stresses and inner narratives or "mental chatter" that may occupy our attention. 

This activity disengages from the sympathetic nervous system which is responsible for the fight flight stress response. Disengaging from the fight flight stress response and engaging with the ventral vagal system regulates our heartbeat, slows the breathing down and reinforces the relaxed state.

The more we practice, the ventral vagal system remembers this activity as a feedback loop connecting its response of relaxation reinforcing the neural connection deepening the goodness and flow. Imagine...the inner chatter quiets down, the pressures of life step aside, and creating something beautiful...even for just for the time you're with your pen and tile. 

Other aspects of why I think this works are derived from science informed and evidence based positive psychology practices that will also disengage the fight flight and engage the ventral vagal state including:

• gratitude and appreciation: finding gratitude at the beginning of practice, appreciating each stroke, acknowledging and appreciation at the end of the practice
• self compassion: the 'no mistakes' philosophy, having a growth mindset as the piece unfolds, trusting the process
• mindfulness & present moment awareness: one stroke at at time
• awe: admiring the completed piece 
• engaging in pleasant activities: a daily practice of tangling!
• 

These are some reasons why as a result, depression lifts just a little bit, anxiety subsides and gets turned down a notch or two, concentration improves, and creativity is sparked!

"Can my child participate?"

YES! I teach primarily introduction classes which are perfect for kids. Basic requirements are holding a pen or pencil, following instructions, and the basic elemental strokes pictured below. Younger children under the age of 10 may need an adult to help. My kids love to Zentangle!

"There is no eraser in my kit. What if I make a mistake?"

The beauty of this method is mistakes WILL happen...just like life. The goal is to use these 'mistakes' as opportunities to take your piece an unexpected direction. We'll work together to apply the 'no mistakes' philosophy. There are no erasers in life, so there are no erasers in Zentangle! :-)



"But I don't have...(time, equipment, skill...etc. how can I do it?"

Zentangle has removed obstacles to make the method accessible to anyone. The barriers most people feel gets in the way of their creativity and mindfulness are:

time: each tile can take as little as 15 minutes to complete. 

money: supplies are reasonable in cost.

equipment: little equipment needed! Only a few supplies needed

ability: if you can draw: i c o s...you can tangle!

fear of failure: the 'no mistakes philosophy' allows anyone to make art out of lines, turn 'mistakes' into 'opportunities', and quiet the inner critic.

lack of space: tangling can be done anywhere, anytime! 

lack of training: simply drawing lines can become a beautiful piece of art.

Of course we have *recommended* supplies which are:

• a small 3.5" square tile,
• a Pigma micron PN or .01 pen,
• a graphite pencil, and
• a blending stump or tortillion

Any materials you have at home are wonderful! Taking time out for yourself is all that matters.