We’ve all heard of meditation, breathing exercises, and therapuetic exercises. But did you know that, for those who appreciate a little bit of extra color, there is meditative drawing? Zentangle is a way to relax while creating something. They celebrate mistakes and originality, while also providing guidelines for those who are not immediately inspired. From the start, Zentangle teaches you to appreciate the process, starting with admiring your tools, and ending with studying your drawing to see the beauty in it. According to their website, they, “believe that life is an art form,” and believe that should be reflected in your art. Athanasia Platis of California Lutheran University has experience with this, and she says that Zentangle helps her, “create something beautiful without fear of others’ judgement.”
Because Zentangle is so simple, it’s a wonderful way to create art without the pressure of creating something extraordinary. It is the definition of beauty in simplicity. Color is optional, but most Zentangle books teach basic art traits such as shading and fitting patterns inside others. There are several books that teach meditative drawing, starting with simple patterns that teach you how to properly use the pens, and ending with complex patterns and shading. Not only are you able to create the patterns with minimal thought, but you can also track your progress, expeically with books containing one-a-day Zentangles.
The uniqueness of each piece of art celebrated the beauty in life and in the person who creates it, because despite pattern lessons, ultimately the art is yours, and it will be beautiful. The mistakes are yours, and they make each piece unique, meaning they are no longer a flaw, but something amazing. The pattern placement was your decision, and it was a great choice. There is no wrong in the art of Zentangle, making it uplifting and encouraging. This, combined with the calming exercises before you begin drawing, such as breathing, admiring your tools, and thinking positively, makes Zentangle a great way to unwind. Didn’t do so well on a test? Your art is still beautiful. Broken hearted or let down? Enjoy the beauty in your life!
Zentangle and other meditative drawing has gone back centuries, though the specific name is a recent development. Since the beginning of its endorsement, people have noticed the positive effects, and according to psychologytoday.com, this methodical and relaxing style of drawing, “now has applications in stress reduction, education therapy, and even motivational training.” So if life is getting you down, and you’re stressed about school or work or life in general, trying picking up a Zentangle book, or look up examples on the internet, and give it a try! Your creative side will thank you.
Interested in Zentangle? Want to find out more about it? Don’t worry! Have some links, and don’t forget that suggestions are always welcome!
Official website: https://www.zentangle.com/
Background and Psychology:https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/arts-and-health/201403/calm-down-and-get-your-zentangle
Good Zentangle starter book: http://www.amazon.com/One-Zentangle-Day-Relaxation-Inspiration/dp/1592538118/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1447467744&sr=8-1&keywords=Zentangle
Suggestion Survey: http://goo.gl/forms/UjfFAzhCKS