Community at Living Heart Sanctuary

"If you build it, they will come...."

Living Heart Sanctuary (LHS) is in its third location. It began in a 30’ diameter yurt on 5 acres in southern Michigan, in 2012. I moved it to Englewood, Florida, in 2020, then on January 1st, 2024, moved it to another location in the same wonderful coastal town of Englewood. This year started off in the rush of the move, and I am delighted to share about all the positive energy that has graced Living Heart Sanctuary in its newest home. The circumstances surrounding the move were quite challenging, so it’s been really amazing and affirming to feel so much support and loving community giving LHS a hand in its reconfiguration. Clarity and pure intentions are at the foundation, and the Universe cannot help but respond positively to that!

Friends showed up to help with moving day, and since then more have showed up to help with many projects, such as creating a second kitchen for guests, a deluxe outdoor shower, a compost system, laundry lines, privacy fence, new ceiling fans, and many miscellaneous smaller things that are part of setting up any new place. I have worked very hard, too! And it’s really coming together. I am looking forward to planting fruit trees and shrubs this summer, in time to be watered in by Mother Nature during our rainy season.

Many guests have brought their love and laughter already, and tested out our new accommodations here. Melody came with me from our previous location, and she loved nurturing the caterpillars and butterflies in the gardens while she was here for a couple of months. LHS hosted its first fruit-luck here, which was very well attended despite a rainy day, and blessed with live music! I have made plans to offer fruit-lucks on a monthly basis again, starting in May. It’s a wonderful way to build community, and a sense of place for raw vegans and those enthusiastic about learning.

Renowned vegan leaders Will and Madeleine Tuttle passed through on their national speaking tour, staying a few nights in their camper in the driveway, and sharing in some community meals. Donna & Juan were the first official ‘retreaters’ of 2024, coming with the intention of renewing their vow to a raw vegan path as they head into their retirement years. Next was Nancy, who came on her own for a couple of weeks and enjoyed lots of R&R. She also pedaled against the wind all the way to the beach one day! Edie passed through for one night, and made time to enjoy some yoga in the yard, nestled in where the butterflies congregate. I have a beautiful image of her on her yoga mat, butterflies fluttering around her in the gentle morning sunshine.

Next was Shea, who offered her black sapote chocolate pudding recipe, and some good walks and talks together. And now Patti and Michael are here for a luxurious 2 weeks - we met each other at the recent Woodstock Fruit Festival in Homestead, FL in late January. We’ve had lots of interesting chats and shared plenty of banana ‘nice cream’ together. They have fallen in love with Englewood and are exploring real estate here! My colleague and longtime friend Don Bennett is here at the same time, with his RV, hanging out with us and generously completing several important projects for the Sanctuary.

Between retreat guests, some of my children and my little grandson came for a wonderful visit. They really enjoyed our easy access to Lemon Bay Park, with its nature trails through the woods and along the water. And of course some beach time! My friend Skyler came in his van and built a compost system, a fence, and a huge clothesline for the Sanctuary. We shared his cases of quickly ripening mamey sapote fruit from Homestead, purchased after the Woodstock Fruit Festival. My local friend Chase put our sign in the ground, and ceremoniously hung the sun sculpture on the front of the house. My new friend DC has been having a grand time building a beautiful and creative bamboo wall in the garage, to separate the guest kitchen & laundry from the area for the community bicycles. Hi bamboo kitchen cupboard creations are coming soon!

In the 3-1/2 months that I’ve been here in the Sanctuary’s new location, despite being newly single I’ve hardly been here alone at all, and I like it that way! Community in the house is fun, lively, and friendly. I grew up in a large family, and though I deeply cherish my quiet solo-time, especially out in nature, I also love the familiar scene of a house filled with inhabitants. It’s fun to share bits of our daily journeys with each other, and the beauty of this special place.

As the ‘high-season’ winds down, I am filled with gratitude for all the community that has filled this new space already, in these first 3 months. Every month in SW Florida is beautiful in its own way, and it’s always a good season for a visit. I hope to welcome guests throughout the spring, summer, and fall months, too. Summertime is abundant mango season!! And the warm summer ocean is very inviting. I have updated the website recently, with more photos and information about visiting the new Living Heart Sanctuary:

This summer & fall, I will be getting the food-forest started, and sourcing support for the build-out of a more rustic extra accommodation inside our cabin out-building, which will become nestled into the little food forest and communal hangout space. The visions are blossoming here!

A few words from recent guests:

“Thanks again for helping us reset the clock 10 years later, for us to re-establish our path to a healthy retirement. Your non-judgmental spirit makes it easy to be honest about our obstacles to achieving what we say we want.” - Donna & Juan

“Thank you for the opportunity to soak up the Florida sun, seashore, and fruit! I enjoyed the artistic community. I appreciate the warm healing environment of the Sanctuary, indoors and outside.” - Nancy

“Ellen, I’ll just start out by saying you are a very special person! You’re a visionary, have a balanced kindness and generosity, and you are full of such valuable wisdom that you love to share with those who avail themselves of it. I enjoyed being in your home sanctuary so much! The birds, the butterflies, the abundance of plants, nature, flowers, all around. I was so at peace in your beautiful environment that you have created…thank you for the beautifully appointed, peaceful, comfortable room that I slept and rested in. Thank you for the talks and wisdom! I loved so much about my stay here, but I must say, the birdsong was exquisite! The wisdom of nature is a priceless treasure, and so are you! Lotsa love.” -Shea

“Beautiful upgrade here, Ellen! Thanks for shining your light of peace, joy, & health! Onward to a world of vegan peace!” - Will & Madeleine Tuttle

“Dear Ellen, Just want to say that we are deeply grateful for the beautiful Living Heart Sanctuary and the lovely most comfortable room that we are staying in. Our 2-week visit with you is the perfect gift from Above! Such fun here, activities abound! The ocean beaches and Lemon Bay - all the palm trees and tropical plants, walking trails and open mic music - so enjoyable! We are grateful to you for all the tips and advice you have given us, Ellen. Your home is so warm and inviting and the lovely outdoor gardens - almost breath-taking! Fruit and fruit trees everywhere!! and a Thursday Farmer’s Market like none other. It is so wonderful to meet fellow vegan raw fruit lovers! Who knows - soon we may call Englewood our new home!
We love you so much…and “Sadie” too [the dog].
With love, Peace & Joy, Patti & Michael