What is the Zentangle Method?
The Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Following the eight simple steps of this method can help to:
Relax and quiet your mind
Overcome your fear of the blank page
Unleash your inner artist
Build your artistic confidence
Move beyond the excuses that prevent you from creating art
Relieve anxiety and reduce stress
What it is vs What it isn't
The Zentangle® Method is similar to meditation in terms of its benefits, but without the constant struggle to quiet your mind. Unlike art therapy, nobody is going to read into your finished art or ask you to draw your inner feelings and fears. The Zentangle community is exceptionally positive, accepting, and encouraging. While those who enjoy doodling are drawn to the Zentangle Method, the act of “tangling” is a far more mindful, purposeful, and concentrated process.
The Origin of Zentangle
Zentangle® emerged from the creative synergy of Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas when they blended their diverse backgrounds in calligraphy, illuminated art and meditation with their shared passion for helping others.
Since its introduction in the early 2000's, thanks to workshops and classes, The Zentangle® Method has experienced remarkable growth in popularity. People from around the globe have come to recognize how this fun and relaxing practice fosters stress reduction, enhances creativity, improves concentration, and nurtures artistic self-confidence.
Rick and Maria soon began certifying other enthusiasts to teach the Zentangle Method. Nicoline is one of more than 5000 Certified Zentangle Teachers worldwide. If you are living in, or visiting Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, you can book a class with Nicoline today.
Not in Cape Breton? You can find a CZT in your local area, by visiting Zentangle.com.
Why Practice Mindful Art?
It's completely natural to be a tad skeptical about the advantages of mindful art. After all, it may seem improbable that something as straightforward as drawing or coloring could significantly impact our mental well-being. However, individuals worldwide who have embraced the Zentangle® Method have openly shared how this mindful art practice has enriched their overall well-being.
Scientific research lends credence to these claims, showing that engaging in art can effectively reduce stress and anxiety levels, heighten self-awareness, and foster a sense of relaxation and tranquility.
If you find yourself harbouring doubts and perhaps a hint of curiosity, I encourage you to explore the research outlined below. Better yet, invest a few minutes in experiencing this mindful art firsthand to assess its impact on your focus, attention, and relaxation levels. You may just discover its surprising and invaluable benefits!
What The Research Says
"Zentangle art provides employees with multiple channels for expressing their emotions and can improve the physical and mental health of healthcare workers in the workplace. It is beneficial and cost-effective..." Hsu, M., et al. (2021). Effects of Zentangle art workplace health promotion activities on rural healthcare workers. National Library of Medicine. 2021 Jul;196:217-222. doi: 10.1016/j.puhe.2021.05.033. Epub 2021 Jul 15.
'Tranquil environments' provide many restorative elements that are needed to counter mental fatigue and attention depletion. Researchers Rachel and Stephen Kaplan found that there are four essential elements of a restorative environment: a sense of getting away, feeling of immersion, holding attention without effort, and compatibility with one's preferences." Brown Brené. Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, Random House Large Print, New York, 2022, pp. 217–217.
"Participants who practiced Zentangle for >80 min per week had a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms and an improvement in self-compassion" Chung, S. K., Ho, F. Y. Y., & Chan, H. C. Y. (2022). The Effects of Zentangle® on Affective Well-Being Among Adults. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(5). https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2022.049113
“One week of mindful-based art therapy intervention for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy significantly decreased psychological distress." "Mindful based art therapy is a feasible, safe, cost-effective, and novel approach for improving psycho-social health”
