PlainZen vs Maddi's Fridge

A simple, easy to understand, tutorial of Zen and how to use it in your life. Written in plain language, this hopefully dispels the reputation of Zen as being 'mysterious', 'mystical', 'deep', 'hard to get' because of the difficulty in explaining its practice. Zen is actually very practical and simple if what is explained is what it's for and how to practice it. Other teaching books tend to get bogged down in Zen history, Zen terms and rituals. This tutorial tries to put those things aside first and concentrate on the essence of Zen: how it works, why it works, and how it makes our life better. Not a religion nor a cult nor a philosophy, Zen is a healthy mental attitude that can help anyone of any religious background or philosophy. Remembers your place in the book. Tap on 'Bookmarks' icon to jump to your personal bookmarks. Tap on 'Contents' icon to jump to the different topics: CONTENTS Learning Zen is no big deal How our mind works Realization#1: Thoughts and the thinker are no big deal Meditation/Practice#1:Do an activity... Realization#2: You and perfection The Self Reality: only one self The outside world: The world is out there Reality: no separation Freedom from fear: Two kinds: regular and premium Source of fear What's there to lose? Meaning: Life is a river Outside looking in Getting back in the flow Zen practice: Meditation: calm you down Koans: shake you up Enlightenment vs guilt: aha! Conclusion: Zen is yoga for the mind Meditation/Practice #2: Severing duality Meditation/Practice#3: When waking or before sleeping Q&A Is thinking or thought bad? So how is Zen different from thinking? How do I get that 'insight' or 'enlightenment' and how do I retain it? How are people related, connected? Is it okay to follow a person, a movement, a philosophy, a religion without doubt, without question? How does Zen view money, jobs, unemployment, wars, sex, hate, love?

Based on the award-winning picture book loved by educators, parents, and kids alike! Sofia and Maddi are best friends. But while Sofia’s fridge is full, Maddi’s fridge is almost empty. When she discovers Maddi’s secret, Sofia promises not to tell. Can Sofia help her friend without breaking her promise? This beautifully animated and interactive storybook app brings Maddi’s Fridge to life like never before, inviting children to explore themes of empathy, trust, friendship, and childhood hunger through a heartwarming story and engaging play. FEATURES: Two Reading Modes – Read to Me: Enjoy the professionally narrated story with lively animations and synchronized word highlighting, perfect for early readers. – Read by Myself: Turn off narration and read at your own pace while still enjoying interactive animations. Tap-to-Discover Interactivity Touch illustrations to uncover hidden animations and sounds. Fun & Educational Games Includes 3 entertaining games with multiple difficulty levels: – Word Search – Memory Game – Color Me! PLUS a resource guide for helping friends with empty refrigerators. Award-winning Story – International Literacy Association (ILA) Children’s and Young Adults’ Book Award – Christopher Award, Books for Young People – UN Sustainable Development Goals Reading List – Goal 2: Zero Hunger – Included on 4 State Book Award lists: MI, NV, TX, and WA – Read by Actress Jennifer Garner for Storyline Online Praise for Maddi's Fridge App: "Maddi’s Fridge is a warm, beautifully illustrated storybook app that transforms an award-winning picture book into a meaningful digital experience. With expressive narration, vocabulary tools, hidden animations, and enriching games, it supports both emotional and academic growth." –Spencer Riley, Educational App Store (5 star rating) "This app is wonderful.... It’s thoughtfully created, warm, and entirely kid-friendly — a great digital version of the book." –KidLit Grove, blog for parents and educators "The story itself is beautiful and important, a gentle look at childhood hunger, friendship, and wanting to help someone you care about.... The new Maddi’s Fridge app is such a clever way to bring the book to life.... the app adds a fun, interactive layer that really keeps kids engaged." –Vanesa Josevski, children’s book author "....a super cute app.... It is the sweetest story about a little girl and her friend who has an empty fridge and she wants to help her get food. It is an animated story, but it also has the actual words on the pages and it highlights each word as it reads it." –Brandy Bruce, K/1 Intervention Specialist, Dawson-Bryant Elementary School Praise for Maddi’s Fridge (the book): “...an incredible resource for shining a light on childhood hunger, and an apt tool for teaching empathy to young children.” –Feeding America “...a great starting point for discussions about hunger, charity, and talking to an adult when something seems wrong with a little friend....” –Children’s Book Review “...this title is notable.... A thoughtful and well-executed look at the challenge of childhood hunger.” –Kirkus Reviews Maddi’s Fridge is more than a story—it's a meaningful experience for children and families to enjoy together, with interactive features that spark curiosity and important conversations. Download now to explore the power of kindness and the importance of helping others. -------------------------------------------------- Maddi's Fridge Written by Lois Brandt, illustrated by Vin Vogel Mobile App copyright © 2026 by Flashlight Press Mobile App developed with and animated by digiXL All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction, in whole or in part, in any form. www.flashlightpress.com/maddis-fridge/