Julie writes...
I often find when writing a blog post, the underlying theme is how the characteristics and philosophies of the Zentangle Method have made their way off my tiles and into my everyday life. Things such as gratitude and appreciation come easy to me, but the “No Mistakes” took a little more time to embrace (and still working on it!), but the one that I think has affected me most is “Anything is Possible One Stroke At a Time…”
I’ve always had a flare for the dramatics and for as long as I can remember, my first instinct when faced with an unknown situation was to get all worked up and try to figure out how to solve the whole problem/situation all at once. And while in the end things usually worked out how they were supposed to, it was not without some unnecessary self-induced stress.
But, that is not how the Zentangle Method works. When you sit down to begin a tile, you don’t know what the end result will be. Perhaps you have an idea of where you want to take your tangles or you are drawing inspiration from elsewhere, but as you begin to tangle, you take things one stroke at a time. You can’t finish a tile without first putting down the first stroke, and then the second and so on. This is one of the greatest lessons that practicing the Zentangle Method gives us – to take things one stroke at a time.
When I first began working at Zentangle HQ, I came in one morning to begin processing and printing orders only to find that a clock had fallen off the wall, landing on the computer and ultimately damaging it and making it unusable. If I remember correctly, we had just released a new product, so it was a busier day that usual and my first instinct was panic. I distinctly remember though how Rick and Maria handles the situation – it was unfortunate, of course, but they very much took a one stroke at a time..approach, which was calm and productive. Over the years, that small incident has stuck with me and is always a reminder to take things one stroke at time.
Fast forward, and my husband and I find ourselves on an exciting and new chapter of life. While we are more than thrilled, we are faced with many unknowns. Unknowns and uncertainties can lead to fear and panic if you let them, but the good news is you don’t have to. In the beginning of this journey, my husband and I began to discuss preparations and decisions we would have to make and all of sudden everything felt very overwhelming and I just wanted all of the answers all at once. That is not how life works though so I took a deep breath and told him we were going to take this one step at a time. We looked at what decisions needed to be made first, what did we need to know in the beginning and focus on things we have control over.
We have repeatedly reminded ourselves of this mindset over the past six months and will continue to do so whenever necessary, all while being grateful for this wonderful and exciting adventure full of unknowns and opportunities.
I was inspired to write this blog before recent world events, I just had not gotten around to putting my thoughts into words yet. Given all the uncertainty in the world right now, I think these principals are important to remember. We cannot solve every problem all at once and there are going to be things out of our control, so now it is as important as ever to take things one stroke at a time.
Anything is Possible One Stroke at a Time print (above) available here.
tile. Thanks for Zentangle – it’s a life lesson!
Mimi Roberts on
CLARA A BRUNK on
Betty Card CZT on
Betty Card on
Thank you for your inspiring words and reminders of the precepts of the Zentangle Method. My life has been richer since I found Zentangle.
Bette Abdu, CZT on
Matheussen Ria on
I am very grateful to Zentangle for providing me with an artistic outlet as I face MY major problem with COVID-19, which is phyiscal and mental isolation. I`m over 70, so am not supposed to go out of my apartment except as necessary to buy food and other necessaries (and I am presently well supplied). So thank you all for helping me and others like me with much needed mental and emotional support!
Rosemary Turpin on
Julie, thank you for a lovely post, and congratulations on your new adventure!
Becky J on
wendy tann on
This is so beautiful, thank you Julie!! I’m filled with gratitude and love. Many blessings! 💕😊
Tzujung Lee on
Since my husband and I are hibernating here at home, I’m leaving my drawing tools out for random free access in between other household duties. A time to meditate on all things good and beautiful one stroke at a time. Thank you to the Zentangle family for sharing the joy.
Linda Barnes on
Dear Julie, thank you so much for this inspiring story. “One stroke/step at the time”, very simple guidelines. Not allows easy to follow, but best followed. Someone ones told me: “does a tree need help to drop its leaves?” Simply said: life takes care of everything, if you allow it. And there are no mistakes in life. Just breathe… Bless you. May you be safe.
Karin Godyns, CZT20, Belgium on
Thank you, Julie, for this timely and open hearted message. You nailed it! The not knowing and trusting in one step at a time is at the heart of being alive. I am so grateful for Rick and Maria and the whole team who demonstrates this to us over and over. My heart is breaking for the difficult times surrounding canceling ZenAgain and trainings sessions. Sending you all love and heart energy as you and the Zentangle community navigates this pandemic.
Georgianna on
Always appreciate your blogs and all of the insights that come from within them! Thanks for that!!
Shawna Oertley on
Rather than forced to be housebound APPRECIATE all the beauty around you. More time to tangle when you shut out the bombardment of news – cook – garden -walk – pet your cat – breathe – please add your ideas & pass it forward.
Debbie Shepard on
PamS on
Jake on
Kathy on
Leah Sauer on
Mary D'Angelo, CZT on
Over the last 8 months there have been several major upheavals in my life as I knew it. The philosophies of gratitude, appreciation, and “one stroke/day/moment at a time” have sustained me throughout.
It is a good day to tangle.
Ginger White CZT34 on
Lise on
as a zen Meditation advocate and newbie tangler, I find this relaxation
and mediative art work makes my being house bound here in the SF Bay Area tolerable..
Thanks
Bruce Thom on
Joanne Erhartic on
Mahalakshmi on