Zendala
For ages, artists have known intuitively what modern healers are just beginning to recognize; creating an image on paper or canvas, with words, clay or other medium, can foster physical and emotional healing and growth for both the creator and viewer. Science has revealed that healing emotional wounds, creating healthy and whole emotional well being heals the physical body. Extensive research in the fields of split-brain functioning, visualization and psychoneuroimmunology has shown that art is a powerful healing tool that can be used by anyone, even those without artistic ability.
A Zendala/Zentangle is nothing more than a structured and
contained doodle.
Free from the pressures of creating
something tangent, Zentangles/Zendalas are intuitive art, conducive
to meditation and spiritual connection.
Characteristics of Zentangle
Intuitive Artform
With Zentangle, anyone can create beautiful images from repetitive patterns. This method is easy to learn and easy to do. And even though it is a specified series of steps, it results in a creative expression that transcends its own rules.
Fun and Relaxing
Zentangle provides a fun and lighthearted way to relax and intentionally facilitate a shift in focus and perspective. Zentangle is unencumbered by dogma and cost which can weigh on other approaches. Nevertheless, Zentangle is sufficiently structured and organized so you can enjoy and benefit from an activity that otherwise might be considered whimsical.
Abstract
You cannot fail to create a Zentangle. That is because a Zentangle is meant to look like a Zentangle. It does not need to look like anything else and has no up or down.
Unexpected Results
Zentangle is an unusual approach to art because you have no idea what its result will be when you begin. Your creation is not restricted by your expectations.
Ceremonial
Zentangle is an artistic meditation that supports relaxation, focus and inspiration and can be a wonderful daily ritual. Zentangle's philosophy, symbolism and metaphor is elegant and profound. There is much to discover about life and one's self through this simple act.
Timeless
Creating designs, manipulating symbols and putting pen to paper is part of our human heritage. In a time of keyboards, computer mice, and cell phones, Zentangle allows a return to a comfort and familiarity of timeless, basic creativity.
Portable
Zentangle provides an easy to learn method of relaxed focus which can be done almost anywhere, alone or in groups, without any special abilities or costly equipment.
Quality
Zentangle is elegantly designed, crafted and presented. If you are going to do something, then do it with the finest tools and materials available. We use the best paper and pens available to ensure your Zentangles will be a respected and treasured work of art. Unlike other methods of relaxation and focus, Zentangle yields a fruit which is beautiful and can be appreciated, collected, chronicled and reflected upon for years to come. Using fine materials is an act of respect for yourself and respect for your art.
Non Technical
Zentangle is not limited by technology. Your creativity is not directed by how someone else wrote a particular program, nor does it need batteries or electricity. Zentangle provides a counterbalance to our increasing use of computers, mice, screens and keyboards. It returns us to that fundamentally human behavior of manipulating symbols and putting marks on paper. Zentangle is not pre-programmed. Your creativity is your only limit and Zentangle has a way of increasing and inspiring expression of your personal creativity.
Empowering
To learn that you can deliberately relax and intentionally direct your attention while creating beautiful works of art is an empowering and uplifting experience.
Benefits and Uses of Zentangle
It is fascinating to learn how other people are using Zentangle. Here's a list of ways others are enjoying Zentangle's benefits.
This list continues to grow as people apply Zentangle in ways we never considered.
- Relaxation
- Journalling
- Insomnia (Improved sleep by creating a Zentangle before bedtime)
- Self-esteem
- Inspiration
- Panic attacks (For fear of flying, creating a Zentangle during takeoff and landing)
- Modify behavior
- Create beautiful works of art
- Nurture and develop creative abilities
- Relieve stress
- Improve eye/hand coordination
- Develop/rehabilitate fine motor skills
- Team building and group focus
- Therapy
- Anger management
- Addiction therapy tool
- Early artist development and appreciation
- Increase attention span and ability to concentrate
- Home schooling
- Design inspiration
- Stretching and warm-up for artists
- Stress reduction