Rick writes: I'm learning Morse Code. Now when I tangle, I leave a recording of it playing in the background. I don't try to translate the code, I just focus on my tangling. I was inspired to do this after reading
Zen and the Art of Radiotelegraphy by Carlo Consoli (translated into English from Italian). He suggests that by letting code play while you do other activities (and
NOT trying to decode it) it will "sediment" into your mind.
So far, this seems to be a great benefit to my learning. I imagine there can be a similar benefit if you are learning another language.
So, if you are learning another language, try playing that language in the background as you tangle. Don't try to translate it, just focus on tangling.
And let us know how it works!
. . . and a Wonderful CommentHi Rick and Maria,
I lent my Zentangle kit to my daughter who is a primary school teacher in Australia. She soon had all the children Zentangling. They produced the most wonderful works of art. She has mounted them and strung them around her classroom. It especially helped the children that had problems to concentrate and focus. For the first time these children found something that held their attention and the class was "quiet". One little boy even went home and produced two pages of beautiful Zentangle art and he is one of those children that has major learning difficulties.
The public schools here have an integrated system with the children that have aspergers and other problems joining the main stream class. It is not always easy to help these children get through the day. I want to thank you for producing a product that has such amazing results in children that are sometimes forgotten and find life so very difficult.
I just love your website. I really appreciate your talent for design. I have purchased
your coffee table book and think it is amazing. I have read it cover to cover. I am a watercolour artist so appreciate all the detail in your paintings. Your book really is an inspiration.
I have been in contact with Michele Beauchamp, CZT* in Tasmania and she has been so helpful as I am new to Zentangle. She has been such a fantastic contact. I have ordered the
Apprentice Kit for my daughter to use in the classroom and another original kit for my sister. Michele is a fantastic Zentangle artist. I love her patterns. The service I received from her has been so good. She is a special person.
Zentangle seem to help so many people for different reasons and for me it is another artistic string to my bow! I have always really loved patterning. I have purchased a couple of the books by Ernst Haeckel, you have recommended in the back of your coffee table book and they are another source of inspiration for me.
Once again, a very big thank you.
-R, Australia* Certified Zentangle Teacher - See our
CZT list.
