We were lucky to catch up with Madaline Spinks recently and have shared our conversation below.

Madaline, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

When I was a kid, I dreamt of studying animals, of diving to the depths of the ocean and discovering a new species, of hiking to the tallest peak and photographing the animals who were rarely ever seen. A lot of my hopes and dreams involved pushing my body to extreme limits – diving depths and hiking peaks. I was fit. I was a triathlete. I ran 13 miles for fun and loved the midnight swim sessions where I had the lane to myself. However, one of those training sessions almost cost me my life, and from then on, my world turned upside down.

I was living in Boston at the time and went for a run after work, only to wind up in the ER with a heart rate of 260 bpm. A near-death experience, cardioversion, 10 days in the hospital, and many tests later, I was diagnosed with a degenerative heart disease called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Most people just refer to it as “ARVC,” and it only affects 1 in 1,250 people (0.0008% of the population) . This disease is incredibly rare and primarily affects athletes, which meant my dreams of deep ocean and mountain peak exploration were over. I was given medication and an internal defibrillator and told to “live my life” as if my dreams weren’t shattered. I fell into a deep depression after that not knowing where my life was going and had severe anxiety over not being able to trust my own body. It wasn’t until I discovered meditation that I realized this whole thing was just another chance at life and that there was another side to this story.

It was at cardiac rehab at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston where nurses introduced meditation to a group of cardiac patients – myself included. The goal was to control our own heart rates through the mind, which is wild, but has been scientifically proven to be effective. I was stunned that this prestigious hospital would be promoting such a “woo-woo” concept, but there’s so much data that supports this practice in helping the physical body – showing that mind over matter is true. Within myself, I felt my depression and anxiety lightening, my acceptance of my diagnosis growing, and my outlook on the future becoming more optimistic. I can truly say now, many years later, that meditation saved my life. I was so inspired that I became a certified meditation coach with the intention of sharing this practice with others.

Some time after that, I was introduced to the practice of Reiki, which further deepened my spiritual and holistic practice. After studying with a Shaman and becoming a certified Reiki Master, I knew this was my chance to open my own practice and truly help others. That’s when Zen Tiger Healing was born.

The goal with my practice now is to heal those who have walked through fire and come out the other side, as I have. I want people to know that they have full control over what happens in their minds and how they navigate this life. Everyone has traumas that they are overcoming. Everyone is struggling and needs direction in some way or another. I was once there and can confidently say that through regular meditation and Reiki, you can find peace and balance. That’s exactly what I hope to help the world with through my practice!

Madaline, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Zen Tiger Healing focuses on Reiki, meditation and sound healing. “Reiki” is a Japanese term meaning “the natural spirit of vital energy.” It’s a holistic healing practice that works with a person’s existing energies to rebalance, reset and heal the body and mind. In the same way that a cast helps reset and heal a broken bone, Reiki assists the body and mind in its healing journey. It can help with balance, stress, depression, anxiety, change, overcoming trauma, and physical pain. When your body’s energies are aligned, breakthroughs and life changes are possible. Reiki can be done in-person or remotely, and it’s just as effective in both settings.

A unique thing about my sessions is that they include guided meditations and crystal sound bowl frequencies to deepen the relaxation and healing process. These meditations are personalized to each client, their intentions, and their experience with meditation as a whole. My practice is a safe space for anybody and everybody. I welcome those who have had Reiki before and those who haven’t. Experience doesn’t matter – it’s the intention. I’ve had people cry, twitch, sleep, and snore on my table, and it’s all part of the beautiful release!

I am honored to have teamed up with a nonprofit park organization and host quarterly hiking meditations series and also coach individuals and groups (businesses, schools, wellness programs) through guided meditations both in-person and virtually. The silver lining of the pandemic is that more people are welcoming remote experiences, which allows for anyone and everyone to participate in my sessions.

As a human and a healer, I am proud of what I have overcome. My body has defied death multiple times up to this point in time, and I know it’s because I have a will to live and help others through their own battles. The hope is that my experiences can encourage others that there is another side to their dark period. It’s a difficult path to walk, but I am here to help. It is when the body and mind are realigned, that miracles and healing can happen – I’m a true testament of this.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the greatest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is that our path is far from linear. Life takes us on wild turns, cyclones and zig-zags sometimes, and it’s really confusing which way is forward. I’ve learned that this these unexpected turns are what make life so adventurous. It’s the thrill of spontaneity and looking back and saying “whoa, I didn’t see that coming, but man, I’m glad it did” that makes life what it is.

Like most of us, my life has taken many unexpected turns. I was a triathlete who had dreams of climbing Mount Everest and working for National Geographic. Because of my heart diagnosis, those goals were drastically redefined. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought to have started a holistic healing business, but I’m so thankful that my path turned in this direction. I would be lying if I said I weren’t still confused and flustered over some of those zig-zags and wild turns, but I know that in the end, I will always blossom from whatever seed is planted.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

My most effective strategy for growing my clientele is just being authentic and real. I’ve walked through fire and come out the other side, and I know how hard it can be. I feel like my clients can trust me, because I have actually be in their shoes. Everyone’s journey is different of course, but through my experiences, I can be real with people in that healing starts from the soul. Healing through Reiki is something that is accessible to each and every one of us, and no matter what traumas someone has endured, I want to show them that they too can come out the other side.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zentigerhealing.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zentigerhealing/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084995545434
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/zen-tiger-healing
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zentigerhealing Location: Newport Beach, CA