Patty Purpur deVries: Cultivating Well-Being Through Nature, Neuroscience, and Mindfulness
In a world shaped by fast-paced innovation and rising stress levels, some leaders rise not through acceleration, but by anchoring in presence. Patty Purpur deVries, founder of Living Well USA, is one such leader. With a career rooted in neuro-literacy, mindfulness, and positive psychology, she has created a sanctuary that helps people reconnect with themselves and the natural world. Her mission is clear: to empower transformation from the inside out.
The Roots of Living Well USA
Patty’s journey began with a deep connection to the Earth and a vision to build a place of renewal. “Living Well USA emerged from my personal connection to the land and my understanding of how nature guides us toward greater health and resilience,” she shares. The sanctuary was not born from market opportunity, but from purpose—a vision to restore inner peace in an overstimulated world.
As a former Stanford track athlete and Olympic Trials qualifier, Patty’s early passion for physical health evolved into a more holistic view of wellness. Her understanding that true well-being encompasses alignment with nature’s flow led to the founding of Living Well USA. Today, the space welcomes guests not just seeking rest, but seeking reconnection—with themselves, their values, and the Earth.
A Philosophy Grounded in Wholeness
At Living Well USA, the guiding philosophy centers on the holistic integration of mind, body, and nature. “Our mission is to empower people by helping them align with the flow of the universe,” Patty explains. With a strong foundation in positive psychology and mindful leadership, the company fosters psychological safety and authentic self-expression in every offering.
This belief in wholeness informs every aspect of the business. The retreats are designed to honor natural rhythms, integrating seasonal shifts and natural elements into each experience. Guests are encouraged to move away from linear thinking and step into a cyclical understanding of growth, healing, and change.
Adapting with Intention
In an industry constantly evolving, Living Well USA stays ahead by weaving research into experiential learning. “We’re continuously integrating insights from neuro-literacy and the science of well-being,” says Patty. This adaptability ensures that programs remain cutting-edge while staying grounded in timeless wisdom.
The team frequently updates its curriculum with insights from neuroscience and contemplative practices. Workshops explore topics such as the physiology of stress, the role of breathwork, and the power of positive self-regard. These insights help the retreat serve not only individuals seeking healing but also leaders and professionals desiring aligned, resilient leadership strategies.
A Leadership Model of Empathy and Safety
Patty leads with heart. Her approach is rooted in empathy and open communication. “Psychological safety is a cornerstone of our team culture,” she notes. Living Well USA isn’t just a business; it’s a family of like-minded individuals united by a common mission.
Her leadership style is influenced by her training in positive psychology and corporate wellness, along with her experience as a public speaker, coach, and business owner. At Living Well USA, hierarchy takes a back seat to harmony. Regular mindfulness check-ins, co-created decision-making, and shared reflection practices are embedded in the organization’s way of life.
Designing Transformative Experiences
From immersive leadership retreats to healing-focused wellness programs, Living Well USA goes beyond expectations. “Our programs are deeply educational and healing,” Patty explains. Participants leave with tools, insights, and a sense of reconnection with both themselves and nature.
Each retreat is custom-designed with modules focused on self-awareness, emotional regulation, and ecological belonging. Whether journaling under an ancient oak or learning about neuroplasticity in a classroom, each experience is carefully curated for transformation.
Sustainability as a Way of Being
Sustainability isn’t a buzzword for Patty—it’s a responsibility. “We honor the land, its history, and resources in every detail of our operations,” she shares. Living Well USA incorporates eco-conscious materials, water conservation strategies, and education about environmental stewardship into all aspects of its programming.
A Project that Redefined Impact
One of the most transformative initiatives is the nature-based leadership retreat series. These retreats help individuals tap into authentic leadership, resilience, and self-awareness. “Guests experience profound shifts in their personal and professional lives,” says Patty. It’s not just a retreat; it’s a recalibration.
Participants leave with more than a journal full of notes—they leave with a renewed sense of purpose. Many return to report promotions, career pivots, or even new business ventures inspired by their time at the retreat.
Leveraging Technology with Heart
While rooted in nature, Living Well USA embraces technology to broaden its impact. Virtual coaching, webinars, and digital resources help clients stay connected. “We’re expanding globally through digital platforms,” Patty shares, ensuring accessibility without compromising authenticity.
A Culture of Growth
Living Well USA’s team culture fosters continuous development. “We practice mindfulness and neuro-literacy so our team can show up as their best selves,” Patty says. The internal environment mirrors the healing experience the organization offers its clients.
Team members are encouraged to engage with nature, participate in retreats, and develop personal growth plans. Weekly connections include reflective sharing and mutual support. It’s a workplace where being human is valued and celebrated.
Resilience in Transition
Initially focused on weddings, the organization made a courageous shift toward wellness and inner transformation. “Moving away from high-ticket celebrations to quieter, purpose-driven events was challenging but necessary,” Patty reflects. Today, the space is a haven for healing and introspection. While a few mindful weddings are still hosted annually—mostly in June and September—they’re deeply aligned with the organization’s values. “We still love hosting our couples who want to celebrate their commitment together in nature,” she says.
This shift was not just logistical but philosophical. It meant rebranding, adjusting financial models, and embracing slower but more meaningful growth. In the end, the transformation allowed Living Well USA to fulfill its deeper mission: cultivating conscious change.
Lessons from the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed introspection and reinvention. “We realized the power of our thoughts and the importance of internal wisdom,” Patty shares. She and her husband, Greg, used the time to refine their mission, emerging with greater clarity on the importance of self-honoring practices.
Even before the pandemic, Greg offered free weekly meditation sessions. These now-online sessions support hundreds of individuals navigating stress and uncertainty. “It became clear that more people were ready to connect inwardly—and we were ready to serve,” Patty says.
Bridging Physical and Digital Worlds
Living Well USA now offers a hybrid experience. “We blend in-person retreats with virtual tools so clients can maintain their progress no matter where they are,” Patty explains.
This hybrid model includes optional follow-up coaching, digital wellness courses, and community Zoom circles where guests can reconnect and share progress. These virtual touchpoints help sustain momentum and build lasting community.
The Vision Ahead
Looking to the future, Patty envisions Living Well USA as a global leader in sustainable leadership and conscious living. “We want to create a ripple effect—helping people and organizations lead with mindfulness, authenticity, and care,” she shares.
Her long-term goals include becoming the caretaker of an additional five acres leading to a redwood circle and expanding collaborations with mission-aligned organizations. She has also recently published a book, LivingWell Within, now available on Amazon https://a.co/d/bnjxlvP. This work amplifies her vision and serves as a guide for those seeking purposeful leadership rooted in nature and inner wisdom.
Final Reflections
Patty Purpur deVries isn’t just building a brand—she’s nurturing a movement. Her work at Living Well USA is a testament to the power of nature, neuroscience, and intentional living. In a world that too often glorifies speed and noise, Patty invites us to slow down, listen deeply, and live well.
“Let this be the seed,” she says. “There is a need for this healing space.”
As more people walk the paths of Living Well USA, they’re reminded of a deeper truth: healing begins with presence, growth begins with stillness, and true leadership begins within.
To learn more about Living Well USA and its programs, visit https://livingwellusa.com.
To learn more about Living Well USA and its programmes, visit https://livingwellusa.com.
Quotes:
- “The sanctuary was not born from market opportunity, but from purpose—a vision to restore inner peace in an overstimulated world.”
- “Living Well USA emerged from my personal connection to the land and my understanding of how nature guides us toward greater health and resilience.”
- “Our mission is to empower people by helping them align with the flow of the universe.”
- “Psychological safety is a cornerstone of our team culture.”
- “We’re continuously integrating insights from neuro-literacy and the science of well-being.”
- “Our programs are deeply educational and healing.”
- “We honor the land, its history, and resources in every detail of our operations.”
- “Guests experience profound shifts in their personal and professional lives. It’s not just a retreat; it’s a recalibration.”
- “We’re expanding globally through digital platforms, ensuring accessibility without compromising authenticity.”
- “We practice mindfulness and neuro-literacy so our staff can show up as their best selves.”
- “Moving away from high-ticket celebrations to quieter, purpose-driven events was challenging but necessary.”
- “We realized the power of our thoughts and the importance of internal wisdom.”
- “It became clear that more people were ready to connect inwardly—and we were ready to serve.”
- “We blend in-person retreats with virtual tools so clients can maintain their progress no matter where they are.”
- “Let this be the seed. There is a need for this healing space.”