I’ve recently been asked what I do when I tangle – as if there must be something more than just the act of putting pen to paper and focusing on the marks the ink makes as it flows to form shapes and patterns.

What time of day is it, what am I drinking, or am I having a meal?  Am I tangling in the morning when the day is fresh and the sun is not up. Am I am having a cup of coffee to awaken my senses, or in the afternoon do I have a cup of tea when the promise of a relaxed evening awaits and the sun is bright in the sky.  Perhaps I tangle during lunch when I have a mid-day break from work, chores, errands or meetings. Or do I find time in the after dinner hours when a glass of wine is at hand and the day is winding down.

I tangle all these times, but find I prefer a clean space, clear of distraction, without refreshment.  The practice of Zentangle deserves its own time – or rather my mind deserves the focused time to tangle. I long ago gave up trying to “multitask” when practicing Zentangle.  My scratch paper for lists stays empty, my coffee gets cold, my tea becomes tepid, my lunch turns warm on its plate. If I am lucky and in the zone I might not even hear the children fighting as only siblings can do.

After learning the Zentangle method – and how much more there is to it than just drawing, it is worth it to have a little nibble and then spend the rest of my lunch time feeding my inner self.  I now enjoy that cup of tea after I tangle – when I can reflect on my artwork and have a clear head to make the lists and plans for the rest of the day.  Practicing Zentangle can even replace that glass of wine to provide a relaxing end to the day.

Whenever you find the time to tangle – give it, and yourself, permission to focus. You will be glad you did.