Mindful Tangles Introduction

Mindfulness is the ability to focus attention so completely that the brain and body relaxes and releases all thoughts. Some people are able to achieve this “Zen-like” state through meditation. Others find meditation difficult. Staying still and clearing the mind is really difficult in a busy multi-tasking life.

Into this dilemma, stepped an ex-Buddhist monk and a calligrapher. Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas found that “Zen-like” state in repeated visual patterns called “tangles” using pen and paper. Their art form has fostered a movement of purposeful, easy to learn, meditative art known as Zentangle®.

You may be saying, “I’m not an artist”, or “I can’t draw”. You’re in luck. You don’t need any skills except the ability to hold a pen and the willingness to learn.

The number of patterns or “tangles” a person knows is not the goal. Instead, the process, the creation, and the relaxation and mindful focus while creating these tangles in unique ways is the journey. Zentangle® has been found to be helpful in relieving anxiety and chronic pain, depression, and insomnia. People have also reported greater ability to focus attention for longer periods of time, for example with children with ADHD. Artists use Zentangle® as a warm up prior to creative endeavors like painting, sculpture and many more. Others report increased eye-hand coordination as another by-product of such a practice, for example people with Parkinson’s Disease.

Each “tile” or 3.5 inch square takes approximately fifteen to twenty minutes to complete or the average time of a coffee break. Zentangle® has been done in chemotherapy units, hospital beds, church pews, airport and airplane seats, and waiting rooms. The activity is purposeful, portable, and full of potential.

Learn Zentangle® from a CZT or Certified Zentangle® Teacher. Lessons can be provided individually or in groups. Small or large groups have formed to learn, some, very much like book clubs and these sessions can be held at coffee shops, libraries, or home-hosted.

Whichever way you choose to learn, Mindful Tangles will offer you an enjoyable experience where you have the opportunity to let go of your thoughts, worries and troubles while creating beautiful, unique, abstract pieces of art. Contact us to find out more.

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