Zentangle®: Exploring the Non-Religious Art Journey to Promote Employee Relaxation
In today's fast-paced business world, finding innovative ways to promote employee relaxation, stimulate creativity, and build team cohesion is crucial for both the well-being of employees and the success of the company. Zentangle® is a unique non-religious art practice that has gained popularity in recent years as a team-building and stress-reducing method in the corporate world. However, there are misconceptions about the association between Zentangle® and religion. In this article, we will explore the origins of Zentangle®, clarify its non-religious nature, and understand how the name "Zentangle" itself embodies its essence.
Understanding Zentangle®
Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts
Zentangle® was founded by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts in 2004. It is an art that combines delicate patterns, repetitive brushstrokes, and conscious focus to create beautiful and captivating designs, aiming to help people relax, find inner peace, and enhance their creative expression. Zentangle® is not associated with any religious or spiritual practice. It is a modern art that is accessible to people of all backgrounds, languages, ages, skills, interests, political views, and religious beliefs.
The Non-Religious Nature of Zentangle®
One of the main reasons why Zentangle® is often misunderstood as being related to spirituality or religion is the similarities between Zentangle® drawings and mandalas. A mandala is a geometric pattern used in some religions as a form of meditation and spiritual symbolism. Although Zentangle® is similar to mandalas in its delicate patterns and orthodox qualities, Zentangle® itself does not involve any religious meaning or belief.
Zentangle, Maria's work
Mandala image
Secondly, the word "Zen" in Zentangle® is reminiscent of Zen or meditation in Buddhism. However, they are not directly related. The word "Zen" in Zentangle® refers to a state of mind that is focused and calm. Zentangle® teachers also do not teach Zen Buddhism or any religion during the workshop. The teachers share how to create beautiful art with gratitude and appreciation.
The Name "Zentangle®"
The name "Zentangle®" itself combines two words, perfectly reflecting the essence of this art form. "Zen" represents concentration, calmness, and mindfulness, while “tangle” refers to drawing repetitive patterns. The name conveys the flow state pursued by Zentangle® and the repetitive action of drawing patterns during the creative process.
Summary
Zentangle® is a non-religious artistic creation that is combined with mindfulness, it is designed to help people increase awareness, build self-confidence, concentrate and relax, find inner peace, and stimulate creativity. Zentangle® is not tied to a specific religious belief and is suitable for people of all backgrounds and beliefs. If you would like your team to experience the relaxation and creation brought by Zentangle®, please feel free to contact us for inquiries.
Reference and photo sources
Zentangle. Zentangle logo, photo of Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts, Maria’s Zentangle work. Retrieved from https://zentangle.com
