The Meredith Project springs forth out of the work of it’s founders, Lance and Lyndia Leonard who, for many decades and in many ways have been working with and contributing to the wellbeing of people of all ages, but especially the younger ones. Their own personal journey has included woking with many traditions and many skilled practitioners of various methods to bring authenticity, congruence and empowerment to people across age groups and in a variety of venues. The Meredith Project brings the fruit of this experience into a cohesive adventure for young ones to heal their past, honor their innate wisdom and move powerfully, purposely and gracefully into their own life pathway.
Growing up in our culture at this time and age presents tremendous challenges to young people. Suicide is now a major challenge among people under 30 years of age and is the leading cause of death of children between the ages of 11 and 14. The number of children who are diagnosed with depression/suicidal ideation grows yearly and the percentage of young people who have actively considered suicide in their teen years is more than 60%! Based on our work with young people, we feel the percentage could be much higher. Additionally, many young people carry a sense of hopelessness in their lives about achieving a better/more fulfilling life than what their parents have, and there are reasons for this trend. In a fast changing world, the values of the heart often get vanquished in favor of more practical considerations.
Using interactions with and about the ocean as the starting point, a space is opened up in which that relationship can be both a metaphor and a literal healing agent for a young person finding her way. Connecting the gap between generations by creating the space for meaningful relationships between the dreams of the young and the wisdom of the elders is important as well. Although largely absent in our modern world, the concept of bringing young and old together is certainly not new, and was a fundamental part of many indigenous cultures worldwide. The basic mindset is the understanding that both the young and the older are viewed as assets, not problems to be solved.
While they typically volunteer more time than any other segment of society, and often make the most committed volunteers, our elders are one of the most underutilized and richest resources available; and many want to contribute to society! On the other hand, more and more of our youth feel disconnected to the dominant culture, but have much to share and learn if given meaningful projects to become a part of. Research shows an astonishing link between meaningful multi-generational activities and numerous benefits to the whole community. It’s no secret that our world faces a plethora of major challenges and that we, as elders are handing our youth a world full of uncertainties unlike any in recorded history. These problems cannot be solved by either youth or elders alone. It is the evolution of culture that springs forth from the consciousness of shared responsibility inherent in the real life workings and interactions between generations that can make the difference. Indeed, our very future may depend upon it.
Meredith Project is a “values driven” action based, educational project. The focus is to assist young people in their personal healing and to give them the tools to discover who they are and what they came here to do. We will offer a variety of skills that are general life skills that will be of benefit no matter what the young person wants to do. Many of the classes/educational projects will be with “Wise Elders” who have the ability to assist ones with finding their true passion and calling in life. At the same time, respect for the contributions, perspective and wisdom of the young will also be a tangible part of the tapestry of experience at Meredith Project.
Woven into the variety of hands on learning experiences that will occur will be a deliberate focus on emotional literacy. The understanding and skills that make up this area of learning form the foundation of a happy fulfilling life and whose importance cannot be underestimated. Having the knowledge and ability to create good relationships, especially with ourselves, is a missing life skill. What we know is that this is a learned skill that moves us through life with grace and ease. Today our young ones are encouraged through technology to relate to screens as their primary tool for communication and relationship. Skills involved with building relationships, working on projects that require teamwork and physical skills are most important and often lacking in the lives of many young ones. Meredith Project creates a bridge between young people and elders, offering programs that are truly an immersion in wisdom teachings.