Courage to leap forward

Leaning into the Zentangle in my Soul

Courageous! I have never classed myself as a courageous person, but when I think about my life experiences, even though I feel this is just life, I perhaps had to courage to get through it all.

I now find myself in a place where I never thought I’d be, ready to embark on a new venture that soothes my soul. In the summer, I made a quick decision (unusual for me as I do tend to procrastinate), a decision that would significantly impact our way of life and I do feel this was perhaps courageous. I have always been one to to go with the flow and not make big decisions - so resigning from work and retiring early, I will use retiring loosely. This is a big deal as walking away form a secure and good salary each month, outweighed the way the metric driven environment was sucking the life from me.

I opened my heart to retiring, to spend time with my husband, but I knew deep down I’d need to do something for my mental well-being. I have always been a bit arty and also love writing, so now I have time to do the things I really love. October saw me take the Zentangle certified Teachers training seminar, now I am keen to help others learn the beautiful meditative art of Zentangle. This is an art form that anyone can do, you don’t need to be an artist or “be able to draw”. We all have a creative side if we allow it to surface. Zentangle focussed on the process of creating and the feelings of wellbeing and relaxation you gain from pattern creation, one pen stroke at a time.

I took up Zentangle back in 2013 when I was finding life tough, it helped me through the stresses and anxiety of what was going on and back then, I knew I wanted to train to be a Certified Zentangle teacher, but the courses were only held in the USA and were out of my reach at that time, but still I dreamed that one day…. Maybe. Over the last decade I have tangled on and off and have been doing it so much more in the last 2 years or so. So here we are after taking the plunge and delved deep.

Now this may not be courageous in the grand scheme of things, but I would never call myself an entrepreneur, and I’m suffering with irrational fears around getting the business of the ground and teaching others. I suppose learning baby steps for setting up website, marketing, running zoom and many other things, but I know I will continue step by step to make it happen.

Finding my creative soul has been a long time coming, I’ve done lots of crafty and arty things but nothing has enthused me as Zentangle, perhaps my soul has always been telling me though. Thinking back to childhood years when I used to draw repetitive string patterns weaving in and out together. I used to switch off, zone out and distance myself from the somewhat rocky family environment at times.

Here is the sort of thing I did… back then on a bigger scale!

I am happy to say, I’ve found my place and Zentangle not only helps with mental wellbeing for those who practice it, but it also helps me write and create as I find it opens up my creative inspiration. An example of this is the Zentangle acrostic poem I wrote after day 1 of the course.

Zentangle - uncovered

Zen, a state of focused calm tangled art with unique ceremony

Energy within expressed through the pen

Nothing is impossible if you believe in the string

Think mindful magical practice

A Philosophy for life, embrace limitation

Never doubt your ability to create if you follow the process

Gratitude in all its forms essential with kindness at its core

Learning from within the mysteries of lines with support from Zen friends

Encouraging with every stroke, to live and trust in the process, not just the final art piece.

(S Higgins 20Oct25)

If you are curious to find out more about Zentangle, the benefits and find something to soothe you on the days your overwhelmed, stressed or just need some “me time”, why not come and tangle with me. All you need is is an open heart and a desire to learn. You can contact me here by Direct Message, or Instagram, while my website is finalised.

My Zentangle art can be found on Instagram @tanglewithsuzen_CZT, and my upcoming website - www.tanglewithsuzen.co.uk

Here are a few Tangled pieces to inspire you I hope.

Thank you for reading

With much gratitude

Sue