Exploring Life & Business with Madaline Spinks of Zen Tiger Healing

Today we’d like to introduce you to Madaline Spinks.

Hi Madaline, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Many years ago, my life took a startling turn. 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, ten 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 life in competitive sports was over. I was given medication and an internal defibrillator and told to “live my life” as if my dreams of competing in an Ironman and hiking to tall mountain peaks weren’t over. 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. 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.

Sometime after that, I moved to Nashville and 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 practitioner, 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!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was presented with this massive opportunity to restructure my life, which was exciting and overwhelming all at once. I was hopeful that my diagnosis could turn into something positive, but I just didn’t know how. There were few things that lit my fire as much as crossing that finish line after months of training. However, once I got into the flow of meditation and Reiki, I realized that this was my opportunity. This was the way I could transform my experience and help guide others to heal.

As a holistic healer, you might expect me to say that my journey has been all rainbows and daisies, but it IS a small business after all! There are so many amazing healers in this world, and it’s truly intimidating. I had to remind myself that we’re all in this together as a community, working to heal the world one person at a time. I have also learned a lot from these other healers, and I’m so grateful for that.

One of my favorite analogies is that picture of a straight road with the caption “What you expect your journey to look like,” and right beside it is a windy, zig-zaggy road with the caption “What your journey actually looks like.” It couldn’t be more true. Honestly, that zig-zaggy road has given me the opportunity to explore so many facets of the healing realm, and each one of those avenues has helped me in my own healing journey. I will continue to learn through each winding curve, and that will benefit my clients, as well.

We’ve been impressed with Zen Tiger Healing, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Zen Tiger Healing focuses on Reiki and meditation healing. “Reiki” is a Japanese term meaning “the natural spirit of vital energy.” It’s a 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 also be done in-person or remotely, and it’s just as effective in both settings.

A unique thing about my Reiki sessions is that they include guided meditations 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 also coach individuals and groups (businesses, schools, wellness programs) through guided meditations. The silver lining of the pandemic is that more people are welcoming remote sessions, which allows for anyone and everyone to participate in my meditation sessions.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of my authenticity. Talking on social media and in front of a live group used to be intimidating, but I realized that people just want realness – no filters, scripts or fancy editing. Thank goodness, because I’m terrible at those things! I also personally love my visual branding. My background is in graphic design and art direction. So it’s been fun being able to work on a passion project and let that blossom into my own visual brand.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Growing up in Savannah, GA, I was quite an adventurous kid. My favorite memories are escaping into the wilderness, getting stuck in the muddy marsh and capturing bugs. It probably drove my parents crazy, but they eventually leaned into it and accepted it as part of my wild soul. I remember my mom never being able to find me because I was hidden in a tree somewhere. My dad studied biology in college and was always showing me the bug or snakeskin that he found on his walks. Still to this day, I love bugs and exploring (and driving my parents mad with my next big adventure).

After my heart diagnosis, I found solace and grounding in nature. Today, my dog and I go hiking as often as the fickle Nashville weather allows. I’d like to believe that this love of exploration and admiration of nature has instilled in me the skills I need to be a healer and small business owner.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zentigerhealing.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zentigerhealing/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084995545434