I spent the day yesterday completing this Zen doodle. I went about my Sunday laundry chores and randomly returned to working on the squiggles. Following this organic and mindful process of Zen doodling, the sense of tranquility it brings is unparalleled. This method allows me to creatively express myself and acts as a therapeutic escape from the stressors of daily life. The intricate patterns and the attention to detail in filling those triangles with a fine-tipped pen require a level of focus that effectively silences any external chaos. These moments of deep concentration and artistic flow help my anxieties melt away. It is replaced by a serene calmness. This practice, simple yet profound, underscores the notion that sometimes, the most effective form of self-care is found not in escape but in meditative engagement with the present moment through art.

The tie-dyed paper I used in this project was from a Rose Art spin art kit from the early 2000s. I believe I created it around 2007. It ended up in a drawer, patiently waiting to be chosen for a project. I enjoy discovering supplies at Goodwill; it’s a treasure trove for experimenting and repurposing items. I have amassed hundreds of skeins of embroidery floss, beads, and wooden hoops for embroidery, keeping them for years until inspiration strikes for a new experiment.