Nature Also Auras

P.S.  [to Molly’s wondrous weed blog] In our Certified Zentangle Teacher seminars, we point out that nature “tangles” in a hollibaugh fashion. When you look at the natural world: branches, leaves of grass, mountain peaks; you notice most are “drawn” one behind the other – in other words, in a hollibaugh fashion. In seminars, we also show examples of “aura” in nature: tree growth rings, ripples in a still pond, and growth lines on shells. But until last week, I had never noticed nature drawing an aura like this in the air. Every morning at 10:00, the Zentangle staff gathers for tea on our wisteria covered porch.  During tea last week, I noticed two tendrils of wisteria wending their way through the air. I couldn’t tell if one was aura-ing the other, or if each followed some similar template – some mysterious wisteria step-out – as they pushed aside the air to make room for more wisteria. These tendrils show such beauty and symmetry. But before the Zentangle Method came into our lives, I don’t know if I would have appreciated this gift. The Zentangle Method begins and ends with gratitude. I am grateful I noticed the miraculous and did not pass it off as coincidence. How often do we look at something and not see it? A new world patiently awaits our appreciation, our gratitude, and our notice. At any moment we can take inspiration from beautiful patterns hidden in plain sight. It is one reason that new tanglers joyfully exclaim, “I see patterns!” With gratitude, Rick