10 to Zen... tangle

Zentangle and Zen are two different things. However, there are overlaps and similarities between the philosophies and perspectives of the two ideologies. We were drawn to this list because it reminds us of the approach we take when teaching the Zentangle Method. We were especially enamored by the idea and overall theme of “letting go.” As artists, when we are able to let go, our creative process takes control. The resulting journey takes us on a path that is nurturing, supportive, and often leads to side effects such as uncontrollable smiling and, in some instances, belly laughs. Here is our playful version of 10 to Zen…tangle!

By Molly Hollibaugh and Martha Huggins

1. Let go of comparing… your lines, your tangles, your orbs, and your tiles to anyone else's. After all, they are yours! How amazing that we each have our own unique expression. Seeing beauty in yourself and your own work can take time, but rest assured, it is there. In fact, it has always been there; we just sometimes lose the ability to see it in ourselves. Allowing ourselves to let go of comparisons and trusting that beauty exists independently, not in relation to others, is a powerful thing. Once you see the beauty within yourself, you begin to see it everywhere.
2. Let go of competing… with yourself and others. This is art. Can one piece truly be better than another? We love seeing Zentangle-themed exhibitions and events, but we encourage them as a celebration of showing work, not as competitions. If beauty is seen through the eye of the beholder, then how can there be a single "best"? Zentangle Art is a platform for all types of artists.
3. Let go of the negative judgments… of yourself and of others. Take a moment. Take a breath. Look again with fresh eyes, from a new light, or a different perspective. Allow yourself to let go of the “because,” the “if only," the “it would be better if," and the “if it didn’t." Instead, look for the beauty in things, and you will find it.
4. Let go of anger. Some days are tougher than others. Some days your tangles will flow better than others. Directing anger inwardly, toward yourself, only creates frustration and anxiety. Take a break. Take a breath. Shake it off. We are so fortunate to be able to work things out safely on our tile. So often we have found that those days, those tiles that challenge us the most, become the most meaningful when revisited later.
5. Let go of regrets. Molly says: A few years ago, at a CZT seminar, I was rambling on about how I should have done this and could have done that, when this lovely CZT stopped me and said, “Don't should on yourself.” The words hit me hard. I realized that laboring over what should have happened or could have been done is ridiculous. I thought about how many times I have been stuck in woulda, shoulda, coulda moments that I completely lost sight of what was actually happening. At that point, I decided to make an effort to take things as they come. Regardless of whether it is what I was expecting or not, I remind myself to embrace the journey when it takes an unintended turn. I have realized that if I get caught looking backwards to the past, it gets hard to see where I am and where I am going.
6. Let go of worrying. Let go of worrying that you might mess up. Let go of worrying if it will be good enough. Let go of what your art is "supposed" to look like. Martha says, "We are all vulnerable at some point." In those moments, it’s so easy to let worry take control. But, in fact, worry is the most unproductive energy. I love this saying by American Author Mark Twain, “Worrying is like paying a debt you don't owe." It took a long time for me to grasp this one. I was constantly planning, mapping, and assuming the worst so often that I was never really able to enjoy myself when tangling. When I finally allowed myself to just focus on where I was and let that stroke dictate the next, my tangles took on a whole different look. I realized that I had to trust the process and myself. It has been such a relief to finally understand why we encourage this in a Zentangle practice.
7. Let go of blame. We can often get lost in blaming ourselves. We hear our fellow Zentangle artists beating themselves up about not tangling fast enough or for not creating enough tiles. I hear words like, “I am so behind,” or “I haven’t tangled in so long.” Whether you tangle every day for hours or you can only sneak in a Bijou tile once a month, it is still “your” Zentangle practice. Your Zentangle practice is a place for you, no matter what your life is offering at that moment. Let go of the blame and enjoy whatever moments, whenever you get them.
8. Let go of guilt. We all deserve a little “me” time. For us tanglers, finding moments to sit down and draw is a treat. Learn to make those times a priority. We know that it calms the mind and nurtures the soul. We also know that days can go by when there is plenty of time to tangle, and other days when it is hard to fit it in. Feeling guilty about taking this time can ruin the whole experience. Try instead to feel grateful for what it brings: calm, clarity, and joy.
9. Let go of fear. It is easy to get scared, even when it comes to your Zentangle practice. You may be scared to try a new tangle, a technique, or even scared to teach a class. But like worry, it is an emotion that drains us of our precious energy and creativity. We need to remind ourselves to, once again, trust the process. In Zentangle, there are no mistakes, only opportunities. Know that whatever bumps appear in road, you can make it part of your journey.
10. And finally, have a proper belly laugh at least once a day. From the start, Maria and Rick have included “fun” in the way they describe Zentangle. Try to keep things light and remind your students and yourselves not to take things too seriously. There is already enough seriousness in the world. Let your Zentangle practice be a place where you can just enjoy the process. Remind yourself that it is just pen and paper. There will be another time and another tile. Be grateful for a practice that can offer a break, a smile, or even a laugh. We are always amazed at what can happen in the creative process... discover how much more can happen when you top it off with a giggle.