Challenge #3: Eyes Wide Shut

Laura Harms' Week 3 Zentangle Challenge: Shut your eyes and create a string!
   Staying ON the tile was a challenge with my eyes closed. I kept veering off toward edges unknown (appropriate, yes?). The thing I found most challenging (and since this IS a challenge, also right on) was trying to find a visual balance in my string after I had made it. When we walk with our eyes open, it's much easier to balance than when we close our eyes and try to walk. The information that our eyes send us really helps us navigate!! I know that sounds obvious, but I realized how much I take it for granted.
   As I opened my eyes and tangled away, the process felt awkward and weird. I think it was about finding that balance, knowing I had no control over what the string was asking. I felt like I was trying to compensate for a flow that I couldn't feel. It was as if I didn't really make that string, someone else did! My little left brain was screaming up a storm to 'fix this and fix that', 'pitch it and start over', 'make it prettier'. It's funny how when I begin in a place of little or no control, the left brain freaks into gear trying to get more of it.
   'Just let it be.' How many times do I have to tell myself this? Bunches. So I overworked the first one, shading it almost to death, I don't know. I did feel like I needed to do another to see if I could shake off the feeling of needing to control it so much. I kept it simpler (taking my cue from Week #1). Even though I was consciously more aware of my quest for balance, the second tile was much more relaxing. My left brain finally got the picture. It's ok to be uncomfortable with a process, and it's ok if I end up not liking the result. But just having the awareness of all these things feels like a wonderful gift. Thanks, left brain, and thanks again, Laura!