We’re Asking for Your Support in Making Inner Wellness a Priority!

Located in Little Elm’s Lakefront District, the property offers the tranquility of a secluded oasis while providing easy access to all the amenities of the city, making it an ideal sanctuary. Dr. Murray's vision is to create a premier destination for those seeking low-intensity inner wellness solutions that are culturally relevant. This space will offer a safe, nurturing atmosphere that allowsguests to prioritize restful healing and immerse themselves in self-care, cultural and spiritual enlightenment, and community carewithout the stigmas. Our Concentration Our commitment to the African American Community is multi-layered: Address “Low-intensity mental wellness,” which refers to experiences of mild mental distress due to life’s daily demands, which are often disregarded or minimized. To prioritize inner well-being by providing an alternative approach to mental and emotional distress early without extensive therapy or the social stigmas and shame associated with mental health. And finally, to provide every guest with the tools to be the architect of their own inner wellness journey. Every donation is a step closer to breaking ground on a safe haven where African Americans can escape the demands of the city right in the heart of the city.

Your support is an investment in a powerful vision and legacy: creating North Dallas’s first INNER wellness retreat—a sanctuary where people from all walks of life can experience culturally relevant healing, education, and community care. Author and poet Bell Hooks captured the spirit of our mission, noting, “People of all races are generationally wounded in the same heart place. In this society, we’re all managing the symptoms of heart attacks because our hearts are constantly being assaulted through a social system of inequity, violence, and divisiveness.” The goal of “The Learning Spa: Cultural INner Wellness Oasis” is simple: prioritize mental and emotional well-being within the African American Community by emphasizing radical self-care and culturally tailored experiences that mainstream wellness spaces ignore, minimize, and overlook. By contributing, you join a movement that champions inner wellness as essential to our community’s strength, quality of life, and generational longevity. Whether or not you visit in person, your generosity will help rewrite the narrative and usher in a legacy that prioritizes and values the psychological well-being of African Americans.

The journey begins with securing a bank loan to acquire a beautiful 4.49-acre property, nestled in a tranquil setting that features an existing residence, a serene pond, and significant growth potential. With the allure of an oasis, this land will be converted into The Learning Spa to offer a convenient departure from the demands of the city in the middle of the city. Once the property is secured, the next step involves working closely with city officials on planning, rezoning, and obtaining the necessary permits and licenses. This process ensures that every detail aligns with our vision of creating a safe, welcoming, and compliant environment for our guests. The most essential part of this journey is the renovation of the property and land. We aim to transform the space into a luxurious, state-of-the-art retreat designed to offer exceptional experiences that nurture restful healing, cultural learning, and community care. This phase will involve skilled designers, wellness experts, and contractors collaborating to create a space that seamlessly combines comfort and innovation with cultural relevance. Throughout this process, our dedication and focus will be on developing a well-deserved sanctuary where individuals can connect with their authentic inner SELF, the Ancestors, and like-minded others in an environment that prioritizes inner wellness and community care. This is LONG overdue... and the African American Community deserve it.

An African proverb gives us this counsel, “When there’s no enemy on the inside, the adversaries on the outside can do you no harm.” In the high-pressured demands of our society, inner wellness is often overlooked—especially low-intensity mental wellness. Yet, it is the bedrock of holistic well-being and success longevity. Unlike our outer appearance, which we have limited control over, our inner wellness is a tapestry of art that we have inherent power over and are urged to work on throughout our lives. A task too valuable to relinquish to others and their lack of consideration. Addressing mental and emotional well-being is essential to counteract the cumulative effects of stress and intergenerational trauma. When inner wellness is a priority—a lifestyle, individuals gain the clarity, focus, and self-agency needed to not just survive but flourish in environments that can often feel unaccommodating or even hostile. The Learning Spa seeks to make inner wellness accessible and culturally relevant, bridging gaps that mainstream wellness models lack experience. Here, guests are encouraged to engage in radical self-care, healing-centered education, and restful healing activities—practices that renew the self and the spirit of community care. Supporting and prioritizing inner wellness is an investment in the future. When the African American population has a culturally relevant safe space that honors the African American historical experiences, celebrates their identities, and uplifts the community in a way that prioritizes inner well-being, they carry that strength back to their homes and communities, inspiring a legacy of sovereignty and emotional fortitude. And a NEW legacy of mental and emotional well-being is achieved.

Dr. Pennie Murray, the heart and visionary behind The Learning Spa: Cultural INner Wellness Oasis, brings a wealth of experience as a small business entrepreneur, I/O psychologist, executive soft-skill coach, and the study of "The Success-Fearing Personality." Her diverse career spans that of being a police officer, business owner, niche marketer, and instructional designer; developing training programs addressing, softskills, health equity, and social initiatives. A dedicated champion of radical self-care, Dr. Murray’s work is rooted in the belief that giving yourself permission (self-agency) to realign with your SELF (Sacred Expressive Life Force™) is essential for our overall well-being. CLICK to learn more about Dr. Murray's background.

Imagine the power of $5 when it’s directed toward a purpose that transforms lives. With even a small contribution, you become part of a groundbreaking movement that prioritizes inner wellness in the African American Community—a movement designed to express that Black Lives do matter by taking possession of our own mental wellness. By planting your financial seeds, you’re helping our movement to reshape the future narrative of African Americans by making our INNER wellness a priority. Every dollar contributes to creating The Learning Spa, a sanctuary for culturally relevant learning, restful healing, and radical self-care. To Honor Your Support To honor your support, your name will be memorialized in our “Book of Names Appreciation Journal,” proudly displayed at The Learning Spa as a testament to those who helped make this vision a reality. For those who feel especially moved to give $500 or more, we’ll commemorate your generosity with a nameplate on our “It Takes a Village Honoree Wall,” honoring your belief in this powerful initiative. Of course, should you prefer to remain anonymous or dedicate your contribution in memory of a loved one, we will respect your decision wholeheartedly. Make this journey with us by joining our email list and following us on Instagram. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at info@penniemurray.com. Together, let’s create a space that nurtures inner strength and community wellness. Thank you for your support!