Jeannie Whyte, Executive Director
Lindwall Foundation, Inc. (non-profit)
Since
1979, Jeannie has used the “Lindwall Releasing” method to help others
“Release” and remove negative and limiting beliefs that keep them stuck
in jobs they hate, destructive relationships, or any life situation
that is not for their highest good.
In
February, 2007 she was invited to the Lower 9th Ward, one of the
hardest hit areas of New Orleans, by Hurricane Katrina, to provide a
“Releasing” workshop at an alternative Mardi Gras celebration for the
homeless, the shelter residents, volunteers and anyone who had found
themselves needing assistance. It turned into a powerful week-end
that also included clothing donations, a banquet to honor all the
people and organizations that had come together to rebuild this area of
New Orleans and the “Releasing” workshop. Even though the
workshop was only a short one, we received several letters telling us
how much relief they felt from the stress of living through the
hurricane and how much more empowered they felt.
Professor
Dr. Caroline Heldman wrote saying, “Some members of our organization
were initially skeptical that a one-day seminar could make much of a
dent in the psychological burden of locals and volunteers, but they
soon learned otherwise. Jeannie led locals and volunteers through
some meaningful informational sessions and exercises that encouraged
them to look inside themselves and release the tension, guilt, and
trauma they were carrying. Seminar participants left the seminar
full of energy and feeling relaxed. In short, their zest for life
was renewed...”
“...I
must admit that I was skeptical at first; however, after the first
meeting in February, I became a believer. I watched as a room
full of Hurricane survivors from the Lower 9th Ward went from anger and
fear to calm and a sense of peace. They were able to open up to
each other about their pain and frustration and walk out of the room
with a feeling of self-empowerment...” Mrs. Jackie Silverman,
Director of New Orleans Women’s Shelter
There
is still much to be done in New Orleans, but there a many grassroots
organizations that are working to restore the sense of community
brought about by this major catastrophe. The people who have
lived in this area knew each other very well, their children were safe
to play in the streets because everyone watched out for each other, and
you could often find neighbors standing and talking over their backyard
fences or at the local store sharing stories or playing music!
The neighborhood is very quiet now.
All
of this had been flooded away by Katrina and only a small percentage of
the residents have been able to move back into the area. But you
will find a few smiling faces of those who have made their way back
home to traverse these lonely streets, even if they now live in a
camper trailer parked in their front yard.
The
human spirit is a resilient one and this is especially true for the
people of New Orleans. But the people still need assistance and
the Lindwall Foundation is providing additional workshops throughout
the remainder of the year.
