1. Inspiration and the Enso Circle A good way to start art class!

2. What is the Enso? The Enso circle is a sacred symbol known in Japanese Zen Buddhism. It is also known as the Circle of Enlightenment, Infinity Circle, or Circle of Togetherness.

3. As a circle the Enso symbolizes the beginning and end of all things- the circle of life. The Enso can symbolize emptiness or fullness and can contain or exclude from its boundaries.

4. The Enso is also said to symbolize the strength, elegance and state of mind of the artist at the moment they create the circle. Creating an Enso circle is a creation of a precious moment in time and so any imperfections or feeling of perfection relate to that moment in time.

5. Creating an Enso circle is a chance to let your mind be completely free and to be completely individual. Every Enso circle is different, a perfect circle does not exist with an Enso.

6. Creating an Enso circle doesn’t have many rules, the only main guide is that you have one chance to make it and that you accept whatever you get.

7. Inside and outside your Enso Circle…. Inside your Enso circle you should include your name and your house color. This should be completed in an artistic way- consider style, color and font used. Outside your Enso circle you should include at least one inspirational quote that will serve to refresh you and inspire you each time you come to art class and see the cover of your journal.

8. Sites to visit with Inspirational Quotes http://skinnyartist.com/150-amazing-quotes- to-feed-your-creative-soul/ http://skinnyartist.com/150-amazing-quotes- to-feed-your-creative-soul/ http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/t opic_inspirational.html http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/t opic_inspirational.html http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/t opic_motivational.html http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/t opic_motivational.html http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/inspir ation http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/inspir ation http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lolly-daskal- /100-motivational-quotes-t_b_4505356.html http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lolly-daskal- /100-motivational-quotes-t_b_4505356.html