Zenjo means: Perfect concentration. Meditation. Little by little. Gradually. Slowly.
The funny thing is that I did actually come up with the name Zenjo as a bit of fun by combining Zentangle and my name, Jo, but thought that I had better check its meaning. It must be serendipity or fate but Zenjo perfectly describes the Zentangle® Method.
Buddhists found in Mount Fuji an inspiring symbol of meditation and called its summit Zenjo, a Buddhist term describing a perfect meditative state.
I have a unique and experienced career background having been a Registered Nurse specialising in Emergency Care as well as working in other health care settings. I career changed and was police a officer for 16 years, dealing with many distressing and traumatic situations.
Upon leaving the police I combined the skills and knowledge gained from both careers and became a trainer for the National Health Service teaching healthcare workers communication skills.
From 2014 to early in 2019 I set up and ran a successful large country house holiday rental business for an absent owner.
Since March 2017 I have been actively teaching Zentangle to groups of adults and children.
I have an experienced understanding of people, their lives and the impact of stress on health and wellbeing.
I have had my own challenges with extreme stress from both personal and work related situations and can honestly say that Zentangle has given me a mindfully creative release tool that I can access at anytime, anywhere.
I am passionate about the hugely positive benefits that Zentangle can bring to others.
I live in beautiful mid Wales, UK ….. but the world is a small place so do contact me to discuss your Zentangle learning and journey.
Training in the USA!
I travelled to Rhode Island, USA and, under the personal tutelage of the creators Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts, trained as a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT).
Since then I have set up Zenjo Art and taught a range of classes and workshops to people aged 4 – 89!
Zentangle in India!
I went to Jaipur, India to teach disadvantaged women and girls for The Dignity of Girl Child Foundation. I had an incredible and inspiring 2 weeks teaching in schools, slums and rural villages.
Zentangle at the UN
I visited the United Nations offices in Rome to discuss introducing Zentangle for UN workers.
Making Zentangle my full time passion!
In August 2019, I faced redundancy from my job and took this as an opportunity to fully embrace Zentangle as a profession.
Creating Online Connection
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, I adapted by launching the Zenjo Tangle
Club, a weekly online gathering that provides connection and creative exploration for
tanglers across the world.
Sharing My Passion
In November 2020 and May 2021 I mentored groups of tanglers who were attending the first Online Certified Zentangle Teacher Seminars.
I have now mentored over 35 people to become Certified Zentangle Teachers!
Our First Zentangle Retreat!
In September 2022, I collaborated with my colleague, Darcy Ellarby CZT, to organise the
inaugural Zenjo Retreat USA. The retreat was a resounding success, bringing together a
community of passionate tanglers.
Establishing Zenjo Events - A Partnership
In August 2023, Darcy and I established Zenjo Events and ran the first fully international Zentangle Retreat in the UK, offering an immersive experience for tanglers of all levels.
Throughout this journey, I have continued to offer a range of online classes, catering to beginners and advanced learners. I have also taught in-person workshops in the UK.
Looking to the future, Zenjo Events are already planning the next Zenjo Retreat USA 2024 in Washington DC.
I am developing Zenjo Video Courses and workshops, aiming to create an extensive library of recorded classes (beginner to advanced) accessible to individuals worldwide.
Zenjo Classes at a Click!
Join me on this artistic journey as we explore the beauty and mindfulness of Zentangle together.
EXCELLENT TEACHER
Jo is an excellent teacher, she is patient, approachable, and knowledgeable. She makes sure everyone feels comfortable. I’m so pleased to have found her class on gems, it was exactly what I was looking for!
Susan, Florida
SO MUCH FUN!
Zenjo Zentangle was my first online class ever and I am glad I attended! Jo is an amazing instructor and the class is relaxing and so much fun! I can’t wait for the next online class series!
Stephanie, Washington
ART THERAPY
I am glad that today I can walk away with a skill that will not only push me creatively but will actually act as an art therapy for me now and help with stress and anxiety. I loved it!! Thank you so much Jo.
Millie, Wales