About Zentangle

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. We call these patterns, tangles. You create tangles with combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, S-curves and orbs. These simple shapes are the “Elemental Strokes” in all Zentangle art. These patterns are drawn on small pieces of paper called “tiles.” We call them tiles because you can assemble them into mosaics.” –Zentangle HQ

Zentangle is a meditative art form that gives us all enough structure to know how to begin drawing, and enough freedom to relax and enjoy the process.

In the 20 years since Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts created the Zentangle Method, it has evolved and grown, while staying true to its original intent. Many people in many walks of life have benefited from Zentangle, and the art form continues to grow.

Zentangle is yoga for the hands and mind.

The benefits of Zentangle include:

  • increased focus,
  • increased creativity, 
  • increased self-confidence,
  • increased sense well-being.

Who can do Zentangle? We say anyone who can write their name can do Zentangle, but I’ve actually taught children younger than 5 how to tangle. My oldest student is 94. 🙂

Do you need special supplies to do Zentangle? It’s always nice to have a good pen and beautiful paper, but it’s not necessary. A ball point pen and a folded piece of copy paper work, as does a stick on the beach at low tide. Our Zentangle kits do include lovely watercolor paper and archival quality pens, which are great to use, but when you want to draw, begin with whatever is around you.

What is a CZT? 

A CZT is a Certified Zentangle Teacher. I became a CZT in 2018 when I attended the 30th CZT Training Seminar with Maria Thomas, Rick Roberts, Molly Hollibaugh, and Martha Huggins. The seminar teaches how to teach the Zentangle Method, not how to do it. We can all do it! 

How can I learn more about Zentangle? Check out the Zentangle website by clicking here for more information about Zentangle. 

 

About Diane

I am a physician who became a life coach…and then a Certified Zentangle Teacher.

My life and work has been about health and wellness. I started out as a family physician, and I had the privilege of working with many wonderful patients. Eventually, I realized there was something missing.

Many of my patients agreed with my medical advice but couldn’t follow it. They would say things like, “I know I should take care of myself, Doc, but I can’t disappoint my Mom,” or, “I can’t stay home and rest, I have to drive my son to the hockey rink.” I realized just giving advice (however good!) wasn’t enough: I had to give people the tools to make the changes they wanted to make—and to be able to sustain those changes.

That’s the day I started my career as a life coach. I got trained by some of the best and brightest coaches in the industry, and I started coaching my patients as well as others.

When I had my son in 2009, I left my medical practice. I went from being a doctor and a life coach to being a mom and a life coach.

Over time, as I’ve worked with my clients, I’ve come to realize the importance of creativity and the impact a lack of creativity can have on our health and well-being.

When I was working 110 hours a week as a physician, I used my creativity along with my training and my intelligence to help my patients, but I didn’t have any time for creativity for its own sake. Unless coloring in my Anatomy and Physiology Coloring Book counts. Which it did, for me, at that time.

It turns out creativity for its own sake, just like play, is necessary for health.

I found the Zentangle Method at a difficult time in my life. I was spending a lot of time at the bedside of sick loved ones. With a pen, a pencil, and a square of paper, I was able to create beautiful little pieces of art. Tangling (drawing using the Zentangle Method) kept me calm and helped me relax. It’s yoga for the mind. Meditation with the hands.

Zentangle gives me enough structure that I know I can make something I love. But even more important, it gets me out of my head, into my body. When I tangle, I’m in the moment. I create.

The more I tangled, the more I started sharing what I was doing with others. In 2018, I went to Rhode Island to attend a Certified Zentangle Teacher Seminar with Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts, the founders of Zentangle, and became a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT.) Since then I’ve taught many classes, in person and online, and I’ve recorded some classes as well. The more I do and teach Zentangle, the more I want to do.