Take A Zen Break
The Founder

Hi, I'm Kabir.

Take a Zen break!

At 16 years old, I'm one of the youngest Certified Zentangle Teachers in the world. Since 2021, I've been bringing the therapeutic power of Zentangle to vulnerable and stressed populations—from seniors with dementia to hospital staff facing burnout.

CZT Since 2021

Certified at age 12

500+ Lives Touched

Across 100+ classes

Researcher

Study launching 2026

My journey with Zentangle began in 2018 when I was just 9 years old. I was immediately drawn to the meditative, deliberate nature of creating patterns—one stroke at a time. There was something magical about how complex beauty could emerge from simple, repetitive marks.

By age 12, I was so passionate about the practice that I pursued official Zentangle certification. In May 2021, I became a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT #31), making me one of the youngest CZTs in the world.

What started as personal practice quickly evolved into a calling to serve others. I began teaching at senior living facilities in 2022, working with residents who had Alzheimer's, dementia, and Parkinson's. Seeing how Zentangle helped them maintain creative agency and combat late-life depression was transformative for me.

In 2025, I expanded my teaching to hospital staff—nurses and healthcare workers facing compassion fatigue and burnout. These micro-respite sessions became a lifeline for many, shifting their nervous systems from high-alert to rest-and-digest mode within minutes.

Now, at 17, I'm launching formal research on Zentangle as a non-pharmacological intervention. My goal is to contribute to the growing body of scientific evidence supporting what I've witnessed firsthand: that art, when practiced mindfully, has the power to heal.

The Journey

From Student to Teacher to Researcher

Kabir's eight-year journey with Zentangle—from a curious 9-year-old to a certified teacher and researcher at 17.

2018(Age 9)

Discovery

First introduced to Zentangle art. Immediately captivated by the meditative, deliberate nature of creating patterns stroke by stroke.

2021(Age 12)

Certification

Became a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT #31) in May. One of the youngest CZTs in the world.

2022(Age 13)

Service Begins

Started teaching at senior living facilities and assisted care centers. Discovered the profound impact on residents with Alzheimer's and dementia.

2025(Age 16)

Hospital Outreach

Expanded to teaching hospital staff and nurses. Focused on combating compassion fatigue and burnout through micro-respite sessions.

2026(Age 17)

Research Launch

Conducting formal research on Zentangle as a non-pharmacological intervention. Study results expected May 2026.

8

Years with Zentangle

5+

Years Teaching

100+

Classes Taught

500+

Lives Touched

Philosophy

Teaching with Intention

Kabir's approach to teaching Zentangle is rooted in the belief that art is accessible to everyone and that the process matters more than the product.

"Life is an Art form! Everyone is an artist and the deliberate, intentional, meditative nature of Zentangle can be applied to life."

On creativity and universal artistry

"In Zentangle, there are No Mistakes! There are no erasers in a zentangle kit because there are no mistakes in life or art. Unintended lines are incorporated into the design."

On embracing imperfection

"At Take a Zen Break, we encourage total focus on the present, which encourages a sense of calm, creativity, and self-confidence."

On mindfulness and presence

Kabir's Teaching Approach

Adaptive & Inclusive

Tailors sessions to each group's cognitive abilities, physical limitations, and emotional needs. No one is left behind.

Patient & Encouraging

Creates a safe space where participants feel comfortable experimenting and expressing themselves without judgment.

Evidence-Informed

Integrates research findings on the therapeutic benefits of Zentangle, explaining the "why" behind the practice.

Process-Focused

Emphasizes the meditative journey over the final product. The act of creating is where the magic happens.

Community-Building

Fosters connection among participants through shared creative experiences and group appreciation sessions.

Compassionate & Authentic

Brings genuine care and respect for each participant's journey. Meets people where they are.

Credentials

Expertise & Experience

Kabir's unique position as a young CZT and researcher brings fresh perspective to the ancient art of mindful pattern-making.

Certified Zentangle Teacher

CZT #31

May 2021

Completed official Zentangle certification training. One of the youngest CZTs globally.

Researcher

Non-Pharmacological Interventions

Ongoing (2026)

Conducting formal research on Zentangle's therapeutic benefits across diverse populations.

Community Educator

100+ Classes Taught

2021 - Present

Brought Zentangle to senior centers, hospitals, tech companies, and schools across Seattle.

Recognition & Impact

As one of the youngest Certified Zentangle Teachers, Kabir has been featured in community wellness programs and has partnered with leading healthcare and senior care organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle CZT Community
Youth Mental Health Advocate
Art Therapy Innovator

Let's Bring Zen to Your Community

Whether you're a senior care administrator, hospital director, or corporate wellness coordinator, I'd love to discuss how Zentangle can support your community's well-being.