It’s been a long time since I’ve posted. I’ve missed sharing what I’ve been doing. Things have slowed down considerable due to health issues. Not having the energy or physical ability to spend hours in my studio. Swamped with doctors appointments. I did receive a diagnoses of “Acute Porphyria.” It is a very rare disease. No cure, but treatment options, and life style changes. A disease that I’ve been living with for about 20 years undiagnosed. Receiving unnecessary procedures, surgeries, and treatments. Being told things were the matter with me that were not. I’m happy to have a diagnosis and to move forward.

Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts, creators of the Zentangle Method, speak about the effects of Zentangle and well being, and pain management. I couldn’t agree more. This past week, I taught the below tile, in my Tuesday night Zoom class. During that hour and a half, tangling with my friends, my chronic pain diminished. It wasn’t completely gone, but it was not at as high of a level.

Two nights after, I attended CZTs After Hourz class, taught by Patty Duffy. The class started when I’m normally getting into bed. However I have terrible insomnia due to my pain and porphyria. so I thought, might as well stay up. I noticed while creating during this class, that I felt less pain too. Patty led the below tile.

Motivation is difficult on days of not feeling well. I need to give myself grace and not get upset with myself. If you can get moving, when not feeling well, give it a try. Try to create something. See if the effects are helpful to you as well.