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2020 had been a unique year where we were ‘forced’ to transit to a ‘new normal’ by adapting what we usually do offline onto a virtual platform. I am grateful to have the privilege to share the Zentangle^® Method via Zoom with a group of lovely 365 Cancer Prevention Society (365CPS) members. Time has passed so quickly ever since our first session in July 2020.

Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing repeated structured patterns, which are also known as ‘tangles’. It is suitable for everyone as no prior art experience is required. There are five basic elemental strokes in this artform. As long as you are able to draw a dot, ring/orb, line, S-curve and C-curve, you will be able to enjoy Zentangle.

Besides being a fun hobby, Zentangle also has many benefits for the body and the mind. The element of repetition in this methodology helps to relax the mind. One can simply enjoy the process of penning down each deliberate stroke and not worry about the outcome.

Zentangle is very popular and widely used in other countries, especially in cancer centres where it has been introduced to help cancer fighters cope with their treatment journey. Since there is no required outcome in this artform, no one can make a mistake. Thus, people battling cancer are free to allow the tangles to take them anywhere and, at the same time, feel that they are in control over their drawings. This methodology could distract them from the pain and anxiety that they experience during treatment, help them keep their minds off the difficulties that cancer has brought into their day-to-day lives and even reduce their sense of helplessness over the aspects of their lives that they are unable to control.

Sharing the Zentangle Method with the 365CPS members over weekly one-hour sessions has been a gratifying journey. With the support from 365CPS staff, participants have adapted well on the virtual learning platform. Despite some members who still feel uncomfortable with enabling their video cameras during our sessions, there are also several of them who have started to switch on their video and audio modes so that we can create a connected and interactive online experience for everyone.

One of the most rewarding and inspiring aspects of my experience as an instructor is having the privilege to admire all the unique and beautiful artwork created by the participants after each session. Each piece of artwork is special and has its own story to tell. Just browsing through each of their artwork simply brings a smile to my face. I am still moved each time when I witness displays of joy, growth, strength and resilience in their artwork. Apart from our weekly classes, I am also encouraged to see that some members had tried to integrate Zentangle into their lives by creating artwork for their loved ones.

The participants have displayed positive vibes filled with life, warmth, humility and enthusiasm through our online interactions. It would never have crossed my mind that they were battling with cancer had I not been told.

Once again, I am thankful for the opportunity to embark on this therapeutic Zentangle art journey with 365CPS and its members. It has been a rewarding and valuable experience and I look forward to the upcoming sessions and pleasant surprises in participants’ artwork.