What is Zentangling?

If you like to draw patterns or doodle with pen and paper, you can learn to Zentangle. As the name implies, it's a Zen-like way of creating images through repetitive patterns and shapes.

Zentangling is relaxing, stimulating, entertaining, and fun!

You don't have to have had any art training to Zentangle, but if you did, here's a new way to showcase your talent.

Also known as Zendoodling, and maybe more names, it's growing in popularity every day, so read below on how you can get started.

More Zenteriffic drawings from Country15

Country15 was first featured here.  I'm not sure whether it's Eric or Marie-Noelle who did these in their home in France, but really like how they incorporate the Zentangle/Zendoodle style into recognizable images:




The touches of color are very nice too.  As you can see, Zentangling isn't limited to drawing Mandalas or Zendalas.  Look around your neighborhood for ideas that you can incorporate into your Zendoodling.

Zentango with Molossus

I first featured Molossus back in January.  Sandra (her real name) has been busy, and here's a recent one I really like:


She calls this the Yoga for the Brain Potholder.

It's fun to check back in on my previous features, and see how their work is developing.

What does Zentangle mean to you?

Remember the Saturday Night Live sketch for New Shimmer?  Is it a floor wax or is it a dessert topping?

Among the devotees of Zentangle, a similar debate rages.  Is it a noun, a verb, or even an adjective (zentanglicious)?

In putting together this blog, I received the following e-mail from someone whom I had asked permission to use their zentangles:
"I'm sorry I have to disappoint you, but regarding my personal view towards zentangle and my teaching method, I can't give you permission to use my work on your blog.
The reason it doesn't resonate with my point of view towards zentangle is that as Certified Zentangle Teacher I've been asked never to use the word Zentangle as a verb
I teach Zentangle as a meditation and that's why I stay very close to the very basics of Zentangle.
In Zentangle as a meditation there is also an obvious difference between zentangle and doodle. So for that reason I never use the word 'zendoodle'.
With all respect for your point of view towards Zentangle, I wish you a lot of success with your blog."


I want to hear from you.  Do you zentangle, or do you practice Zentangle?  Do you zendoodle?  Is it a hobby, obsession, diversion, or religion for you?

Please tell me, using the comments section below this post.