We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Monica Harris. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Monica below.

Monica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

Meditative Doodling, as an educational service, came from my own personal experience of dealing with anxieties, worries, and uncertainties. My journey began with searching for methods to quiet my mind, feel calm, or to discover answers to questions. I started with meditation – unfortunately, I found my mind continually racing with things I had to do. (Plus my back would get sore sitting in one position for too long.)

Next, I tried one of those Canvas and Cocktail painting parties. I figured that if I was being creative, my mind wouldn’t be so cluttered. Between sipping on beverages, the instructor guided us on techniques to reproduce what she was painting on the canvas. Then my perfectionism kicked in! My picture didn’t look as good so I felt bad about myself. Was this helping my anxiety?! Absolutely not!

Someone suggested meditative coloring books so I purchased some with beautiful designs and some fancy colored pencils. At first, I enjoyed quietly filling in colors of my choice to create a beautiful picture. After a few though, the old ‘monkey mind’ kicked in reminding me of my TO DO list — laundry that needed to be done, bills to be paid, birthday cards that needed to be sent, etc. My anxiety rose and my coloring books got pushed aside.

It dawned on me that what I needed was a method that kept my mind busy. Something that didn’t require any artistic training. Something that I could do just about anywhere and at a low cost. So…I came up with the idea to doodle. Everybody can do it (and probably has in their lifetime). With a blank piece of paper and Sharpies (so I couldn’t erase anything), I started with one simple shape and then built on it. From there….build on more….and more…and more. It worked! While doodling, my heart rate decreased, I was able to breathe deeply, and the creativity uplifted me.

The next step was a light bulb moment. What if I connected an emotion to a color and shape? What would that look like? It was colorful and, interestingly enough, a perfect visual representation of how I was feeling. The technique of Meditative Doodling was born! Not only do I use it for my own health but I teach it to others as a tool for grief, anxiety, stress, and a variety of other emotions.

I absolutely love teaching it to kids because they have so much on their shoulders. Especially since COVID when life was turned upside down. It allows them to validate their feelings and share them with others in a beautiful way (if they choose). When teaching it to a class, it shows them that they’re not alone; that others have the same types of feelings too.

Monica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My background is scientific education with a M.S. in Physiology Education. I taught at the high school and college level for several years until my husband’s job took us overseas. At that point, I jumped into a lifelong dream of writing children’s books. I’ve been fortunate to have many books, articles, and passages published and continue to work in that realm.

What I’ve discovered is that creativity fuels my soul and allows me to process emotions. When I came up with the concept and technique of Meditative Doodling, I didn’t anticipate it to be a huge business. I wanted to keep it small with the goal of helping others. I’m so fortunate to work with people from 5 to 98 years old! Each person has something to share that makes me feel connected to them and for that, I am forever grateful. It isn’t always easy for people to share their emotions so when they trust me, I am honored.

When I organize workshops for specific groups, I make sure to ask if there’s anything in particular they are working on or learning about. Most classes are catered with a theme. For example, we may focus on empathy or gratitude. For young kids, we sometimes work on recognizing emotions but with a sunflower theme to tie into their spring plant studies. They make beautiful Feeling Flower Gardens.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

My business launched only about 2 years before COVID hit. It was definitely a setback considering my services required groups to get together in a workshop setting. While I did workshops virtually, they lacked that emotional connection needed for people.

My best source of clients are those who have been impacted by diminished social interactions – children and seniors. Schools are struggling to deal with mental health issues in young people and Meditative Doodling is one tool that can help. Senior citizens were isolated for months from those they loved and even their care teams so they also need to feel connected.

My next largest group of clients are those in-between…those working on their own mental health while aiding those they love. Being a caregiver to a parent and a grandchild, I empathize with the difficulties that arise.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

The best way to build your reputation is stay true to your word. It’s sad that so many people don’t keep their promises today.

If you’re asked to show up at a specific time, be there 15 minutes earlier just in case. If you’re asked to bring materials, bring the best quality ones you can within the budget. Once you’re ‘tuned in’ for your presentation, be there 100%. You never know if that one participant, who looks happy and smiling, might be having the worst day of their life and your presence and attention could make the difference.

Be kind~
Be true to your word~
Be authentic~
Be understanding~
Be flexible~

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thedoodlingduchess.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedoodlingduchess/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedoodlingduchess

Image Credits

Group of kids with Feeling Flowers – photo credit to Maggie Braden, Moorsbridge Elementary