My Messenger Bat
The other night I had a bat in my house. Yes, a real, live bat. It was complicated by the fact that I’m here alone and I can’t walk. My cat alerted me to the bat. It must have been … Continued
On Letting Go and Acceptance
This has been a week of letting go. Letting go of an organized house. Letting go of daily walks. Letting go of independence. And I’m not going to sugarcoat it. It’s hard, and it’s messy, and it sucks. A few … Continued
The World’s Oldest Meditation Technique
As a mindfulness guide, the most important tool available is the breath, yet I don’t think I talk about it nearly enough. Sure, I begin each guided meditation with breath awareness, but I don’t really spend time on why. So … Continued
The Gift of Friendships
July 30 is International Day of Friendship. It’s a great day to spend time with your closest friends, whether that’s in person, on a video call or on the phone. You might reconnect with old friends and reach out to … Continued
Mindfully Eating on National Junk Food Day
This week I learned that yesterday, July 21, was National Junk Food Day. My first thought could be that I’m glad I didn’t learn that earlier, as I might have celebrated to the fullest. But that was the old me. … Continued
Living Your Truth
I am a firm believer in living your truth – being authentic in your actions, thoughts and values, no matter what the world expects from you. Oftentimes the actions and values part is easy, it’s the thoughts that trip you … Continued
New Beginnings
We’ve begun a whole new chapter – no, scratch that, a whole new book – in the Madden family. Some transitions are too big to be contained in a chapter, so you start a new book in the series. With … Continued
Celebrating Summer and the Strawberry Moon
It was a weekend of meditation, reflection, and renewal. A chance to step back from the clamor of the every day and listen to the inner voice. It was a weekend of community, of women supporting women, of letting go … Continued
Responding to Busyness
This has been quite a busy month in the Madden house, one that has created much fodder for this weekly blog. As it happens, you’ll be hearing more about it in the next few weeks, as I process all that … Continued
On the Beginner’s Mind
Isn’t it great that we can continue to learn new things, no matter our age, given a willingness and openness to broaden our minds? This is that “beginner’s mind” that is often talked about in Buddhism. When you see things … Continued