“Imagine making a difference in the life of a child whose parent is deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan. Just imagine how you can lift the stress for child and family.” These are the first two lines of an invitation to Kiwanians and other volunteers in Skidaway Island, Savannah, Ga., Hunter Army Airfield and the Fort Stewart community.

The volunteers were about to be introduced to music inspired creativity through the work of Linda T. Powell. Powell is a Polk County resident, facilitates music imagery sessions for youth studying at Adawehi Institute in Columbus, and teaches music at her Tryon studio.

On Saturday, Jan. 15, Powell presented a training program sponsored by the Music Medicine Institute for 15 adult volunteers who later will work with the children of deployed military. She is the author of “Stories, Music and Imagery: A Doorway to a Child’s Self Esteem.”

Her book, the basis of this training program and her work at the Adawehi Institute, Powell said, “combines stories, relaxation, focused attention, and beautiful music to help children grow their self esteem.” In sessions, the children share their own wisdom and are guided by the support of the adult facilitator.

Powell explained that the children of deployed military experience a tremendous amount of stress: the loneliness of being separated from parents, the worry of whether their parents are safe and the anxiety of possibly having to move to a new school and develop new friendships. Despite all of their concerns, they still must function every day and focus on school.

Through stories and music in Powell’s music imagery program, children often find role models in the stories of other children who have succeeded under challenging conditions. The children learn to use their imagination to open doors to possibilities that can help them meet their unique challenges.

Support for Powell’s workshop was provided by the Music Medicine Institute and The Skidaway Island Kiwanis Club.

To contact Powell regarding music and imagery sessions for eight to 19-year-old youth, call the Adawehi Institute at 828-894-5260. The Adawehi campus is off Fox Mountain Road in Columbus. To read more about Powell, visit http://www.adawehi.com/healers/music_imagery.asp.