Untangle With Zentangle {Thursday Therapy}
Some months ago my friend Katie Eubank Bachand introduced me to the simple art of Zentangle. I was hooked. I now suggest Zentangle to my counseling clients as a form of relaxation. And I think you might like it.Zentangle is a form of doodling that helps calm and focus your mind, body, and emotions after a busy, cluttered day. It can be done anywhere and is super easy for the non-artistic type like me. No talent needed. Really.
When one "tangles," stress slips away. It's simple, fun, and incorporates your drawing mistakes into a beautiful piece of art. (Just like God does with the mistakes you make in your life.)Yes, I know it looks complicated, but it isn't. Trust me.No talent is needed. (This girl can't draw a stick figure, but Husband is amazed at her Zentangles.)All you need is a pencil, paper, and a pen. That's it.Simple patterns are repeated over and over, one pen stroke at a time. Each pattern is broken down into lines, curves, dashes, and circles. Simple!
How to Zentangle
So, how do you do this type of doodling? Easy—in the YouTube video below, Suzanne McNeill shows you how to do a Zentangle:If you like things really laid out for you step by step with lots of visuals, you'll enjoy Joy of Zentangel: Drawing Your Way to Increased Creativity, Focus, and Well-Being by Suzanne McNeill, Sandy Steen Bartholomew, and Marie Browning. It was the first book I bought on Zentangle and is still my favorite.
So now you know that Zentangle is one of the things I do to unwind. And if I can "tangle" to untangle my stress, so can you.Check out my Zentangle board at Pinterest for more inspiration, and if you already enjoy Zentangle, share with us your experience.Interested in other restful soul-care activities? Here's Six Ways to Open the Gift of Rest and Self Care Strategies for Stressed Out Days.Hugs,Susan"Jesus likes it when we share." -Adelaide, age 3: Pass this along to everybody and their brother. OK, maybe not everybody's brother, but you know . . . all of your friends would be nice.