doodling, zentangle...which is it?

Although I didn't see it at the time, apparently CBS Sunday Morning ran an episode on doodling last weekend.  It's quite good.  Seven minutes long.  See it here and then read on.  Well worth watching!

Doodling is an entirely separate practice from Zentangle®, but equally valid and useful.  They are just used for different reasons.  I've seen proponents of each getting into heated arguments over which is "better."  Neither!  Both are great, just different.

Here's my take on which does what.  I'm a lifelong doodler, but a recent (2009) discoverer of Zentangle and only a very recent CZT (Certified Zentangle Teacher), so I do know something about each.  What's below may not be 100% accurate but it's my thinking as of today.

DONE ON A POST-IT NOTE WHILE PARTICIPATING IN A MEETING

   DOODLING

• Unstructured sketching
  By dictionary definition, doodling is said to be "purposeless" or "mindless," but in my experience if the person is making an effort to listen and take in information while doodling, it allows the brain to be more receptive to hearing what is being said and can be highly useful in work/school--keeps the mind engaged
  

• "Visual Note Taking" is one form of doodling (see the video link above) which quickly captures meeting notes in images;
• Images affect the brain powerfully
• Promotes art without fear; most  doodlers are not invested in the "outcome"
• Can't be registered or copyrighted; unique to each person
• Doesn't require a lot of time or expensive equipment
• Really helpful when used in the right place/time
  
  

Don't let the shorter text in this column fool you--I am an inveterate and enthusiastic doodler, AND I love Zentangle as well.

There's room for both!  Let's all pick up our pens and do something, whether doodle or tangle.

A CELTIC KNOT STENCIL USED AS A "STRING" AND THEN QUICKLY TANGLED ON SCRAP PAPER

ZENTANGLE®

• Highly structured; follows specific patterns
• Allows the mind to become focused and quiet
• Purposeful in the sense that the participant is mindful of each line
• Generally Zentangle would not be done while multitasking; it's focused on present awareness, the movement of the pen on the paper
• Results in increased concentration
• Promotes non-judgmental mindfulness (in-the-moment awareness, not worrying about the past or the future)
• Demonstrates how creativity can be dramatically stimulated by limits--"tiles" are only 3.5" square; it's taught in black and white (colors can be added later if desired); and the structure of the patterns is clearly defined.
• Reveals how incredibly different each individual is:  even using the same patterns and hearing the same instructions; participants produce endless and beautiful variations
• Reduces stress because it keeps the focus on the here and now
• The patterns cannot be registered or copyrighted--they're common to all cultures.  But the process by which Zentangle® is taught, which produces a mindful state, is what is registered.
• Doesn't require a lot of time or expensive equipment
• Promotes art without fear; most people tangle with no investment in the outcome, and are often astonished by the beauty of what they've created.
• Images affect the brain powerfully