From Glasgow to the Globe: Celebrating International Day of Zentangle

There’s something really cool in knowing that across the world, people are picking up their pens at the same moment you are, creating something beautiful. Recently, I experienced exactly that during International Day of Zentangle, and I’m still buzzing from it.

Although it felt like a low-key event, as I watched just Rick and Maria live stream from the Zentangle Inc YouTube channel, more than 1,500 people from every corner of the globe, all joined in live online. All wanting to tangle along together.

From my wee desk in Scotland to artists in Spain, the States and a whole load more countries, we were all there together.

The Beauty of Global Connection

It was great watching the comments popping up on the chat box and to see a whole load of familiar names of other people attending from elsewhere.

When I first discovered The Zentangle® Method, I had no idea it would become such a huge thing in my life and something that has changed my mental health so drastically.

But days like International Day of Zentangle remind me why this art form has spread to every continent. There’s no wrong way to tangle. You don’t need to be an artist and you don’t need expensive materials. You just need to be willing to take a moment for yourself.

The Ripple Effect

I had a lovely thought, too, that there would be a ripple effect with the event, because every person who joined live would probably share their tile with someone else, whether in person or on social media. So even though 1,500 people attended live, it’s likely many more would join in later or at least hear about the benefits of Zentangle.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I wish I could experience that sense of calm and connection,” you don’t have to wait for the next International Day of Zentangle.

My online lessons are designed to give you that same sense of accomplishment and peace that I felt today, surrounded by tangling friends from around the world.

The Magic Continues

As I look at the beautiful tile I created today, knowing that hundreds more people were doing the same thing at the same time, I’m reminded why I’m so passionate about sharing this practice. It’s not just about creating pretty patterns (though they are lovely). It’s about giving yourself permission to slow down, to focus on just one thing, and to remember that you’re capable of creating something beautiful.

The International Day of Zentangle may be over for this year, but the magic continues every single day. Every time you pick up a pen and draw your first stroke, you’re connecting with that same community of people who’ve discovered that sometimes, the most revolutionary act is simply being kind to yourself.

Ready to experience the calm and connection for yourself? Join me every Wednesday on my YouTube channel. I'd love to see you there.

Alternatively, you could grab a copy of my journal, The Art of Thanks.