A holistic healing, friendship, and support network

DESERT GATHERING is a new holistic healing and support network whose vision is to promote a friendship community for anyone who has had, or currently has life challenges… be it, physical, emotional / mental, or a combination thereof.  It is a healing group that provides a network for exchanging resources and developing friendships.  Education and social interaction focuses on empowerment, the celebration of our life journeys, and the embracing of our holistic selves in the here and now.  This group places everyone on an equal platform without intimidating authority figures. DESERT GATHERING’S intention is to create a non-judgmental forum for people to come together and experience unity through a common language of the heart, and in so doing, discover meaning and purpose in their lives.

Central to DESERT GATHERING’S vision is the exploration of holistic principles and techniques that support the mind/body/spirit connection such as Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, creative arts & music, and meditation. Throughout history the arts have been a conduit for healing and transformation. DESERT GATHERING aspires to cultivate an environment that is conducive to creative expression - whether it manifested by music, movement and dance, painting, poetry or any form of expression that promotes inspiration and self-discovery.  Our intention is for this network to be multi-faceted.  We often invite guest presenters who share their expertise and wisdom about various healing modalities.  We incorporate a variety of activities into our meetings:  exercise indoors/outdoors, bodywork, sound healing, expression through art, music, movement and dance, etc.  We share wellness and survival resources, discuss personal concerns, offer information about advocacy and human rights; and generally support one another so that we do not feel alone on our path.  We also serve to educate those who have family members or other loved ones struggling with one or more of these challenges.  DESERT GATHERING provides a comfortable and intimate atmosphere for people to collectively help one another, and to connect with others of like mind. 

Desert Gathering is held in FRIENDSHIP HALL at JTRC

     (From entrance of Center, turn right, then take first left. Friendship Hall will be on the left side.)  

The founders of DESERT GATHERING are Catherine Penney, R.N. and    Victoria Williams-Manning.  Their energies intersected through synchronicity and a common vision for this network emerged.