Photo by Swati H. Das on Unsplash
By Cynthia Evetts
Repetitive motions tend to be relaxing once you can let go of concentrating on getting it “right” and let motor-memory take over. You may find your mind freed up to wander around in your “happy place.” If intrusive thoughts of rules, responsibilities, or looming deadlines interrupt—return your focus to the Zentangle, switch to a new design and repeat it until relaxation or a quiet mind returns.
Meditative techniques that demand rapid shifting in the brain between right and left have also been found effective in eliciting a relaxation response. When drawing Zentangles, try counting your repetitive designs as you make them—not for the sake of getting to a specific number, but count as you draw to clear your mind of other thoughts. Numbers and counting come from the left-brain, and creative drawing comes largely from the right-brain. Keep your tangles loose and free of expectation to have a better chance of achieving a relaxation response.
Adding music to a drawing session or other repetitive task can also create a whole-brain experience. Try music that you cannot sing to—this will help keep others’ thoughts (lyrics) from disrupting your quiet mind.
Let go of expectations (like a beautiful picture) and enjoy the process. After drawing in repetitive patterns, pick a color and an element of the design and begin another repetitive cycle. When you tire of that color, pick another and start the repetitive sequence over again.
Pattern, repetition, color, repetition-- create a rhythm. When the page is full or the session is over—then you can take a good look and evaluate your work. If it was fun, you are likely to be satisfied with the results.