Just like that, summer has sizzled out and autumn has arrived. I’m so pleased to have celebrated this seasonal change with the women of Desert Muse Festival 2026. Desert Muse is an inclusive women’s wellness retreat in Scottsdale featuring sound healing, rooftop yoga, mind-body workshops, live music, a Harvest Moon all-white soirée, meditative hike, sisterhood, connection, transformation and growth. Why am I sure this was right where I was supposed to be? It was an otherworldly experience; it was transformative; it was three days filled with loving kindness. Let me explain.
Otherworldly
When Jennifer, a friend from elementary, reached out and invited me to participate as a healer at Desert Muse, I was instantly a YES. I initially imagined I’d meet the group at the trailhead and lead them on an experience like I usually do, but Jennifer had other ideas. Jennifer had a plan for us all. She said “I want you to stay with us. I want you to participate for the whole weekend. I gave it some thought and remembered that the whole objective was to connect with women. So, despite the challenges it would bring, I said YES.
By the time Friday arrived, I was mentally and physically prepared. I was ready to step out of my everyday world. I was ready to see if I could be me, the one with all the health issues, away from the comforts home. I was ready to lead these women, when the time came, despite it all. I was open and I was so well rewarded for it. I only traveled a few miles to Scottsdale but it sure felt like I went far away, discovered something new, and came back better than before.
What I received was 3 days of my loved ones setting me free – no phone calls from home asking where something was. I was given 3 days of a calm environment and mind, perfect for exploring the new ways of thinking placed before me. Rather than working to conceal it, I took 3 days to be open about my chronic pain. These women had space for my pain, I didn’t need to protect them from the truth. Every day was a gift and so different from my regular experiences.
Transformative
One of many changes in perspective I’ve taken from the workshops was the idea of following our desire. Previously I thought of my time to experience this world as relatively short and only wanted to devote myself to learning things that would result in productivity. I had already decided to do away with this kind of thinking. I had already made a conscious effort to learn and do things just for the joy of doing them, but that’s easier said than practiced. Fortunately, Dr. Denite was the living example who made it click for me in a way that allowed me to choose differently the next time I had the opportunity.
Over the weekend the talent and skill of our sound healer, Teran, as a conduit for healing was so obvious to me. I knew I wanted to work with her but initially thought I just wanted some sound healing sessions. She mentioned that she offered a Singing Bowl Teacher Training and I thought “That would be cool, but I don’t really need that. What would I do with it?”
When I got home I was still thinking about the Teacher Training and I heard Dr. Denite’s voice encouraging us to go after what we desire. I remembered her story and how it worked out for her. I remembered this amazing creation who exudes freedom and fluidity sitting in front of me, telling her story and I thought “Ya, I want to feel like that. Why am I playing it cool? I’d love to learn the singing bowls.”
So no, I don’t need Singing Bowl Teacher Training, I desire it. On the Monday after the festival I signed up for Taren’s Singing Bowl Teacher Training. It will be part of my new journey into somatic healing. I’m open and excited to see what will unfold from this decision.
Giving Loving Kindness
I have so many questions about our purpose; what we’re supposed to do while we’re here. However, I always know I’m on the right track when I prioritize people. The universe always gives me something beautiful when I put time with other humans first. Desert Muse was a wonderful opportunity to put people first, to just soak them in. Most of us rarely experience truly being heard, so it’s a gift I love to give. Throughout the weekend I listened intently to the stories the other women told. I asked questions and tried to understand their world. I was giving loving kindness to strangers and it felt wonderful.
Receiving Loving Kindness
One of the many parts of who I am is someone who lives with chronic health issues that have changed my body and physical appearance far more than I ever imagined. I know I have major musculoskeletal deviations and a patchy bald head. I know that I’m missing teeth because we mistakenly thought my chronic pain was a root canal – my face now droops on one side. Ooops! Just the same, this weekend I let what felt like endless praise for my beauty wash over me like the loving kindness I recognized it to be. I’ve never heard the words “You’re so beautiful” so many times in one weekend. I believed it.
Invitation to Desert Muse Festival 2027
The women! The women were the BEST part of this gathering. Those ladies had me feeling so good! I have at least one special memory or moment with each of them. Imagine how special it would be if we could have you there. Consider this your invitation to get inspired under the harvest moon in 2027. Visit Desert Muse Website for more info and stay connected on the Desert Muse Facebook.
