Loto Journal
An evolving exploration of consciousness, spirituality, relationship, and what it means to flourish together.
Through personal storytelling and curious inquiry, we explore consciousness and the Self, contemplative spirituality and mysticism, psychology and somatic healing, creativity and relationship, and our connection with nature and the living world. Along the way, our Founder, Jennifer, shares letters from her travels as a digital nomad, exploring the people, places, traditions, and sacred landscapes that continue to shape her journey.
Reader’s Note: In an attempt to bring a conscious sense of responsibility to our language (where inclusivity and equality matter), in our Loto Wellness Collective blog content, except for direct quotes, the pronouns often used for God are They/Them in reference to Great Spirit, the I AM, the Universe. Also, we have taken the liberty of capitalizing the term “True Self” or “Self” so you will know that we are not referring to the “false self” (psychological egoic self), but the foundational Self that we are in God, Imago Dei.
Surrender, Generosity & Mission
While soaking in the tub looking out over the view of the valley, I heard the Spirit say to me, “See, I told you I would give you even more than you could ever ask or imagine. Enjoy this bath in My garden of creation.” I had been longing for my old garden soaking tub, as great as it was, but God was showing me that this longing for Egypt wouldn’t compare to what Jesus had in store for me.
Biblical Feasts: Chag HaMatzot (Unleavened Bread)—Purification
The Feast of Unleavened Bread is not about legalism but about integrity. It is the call to live without hidden agendas, without masks, without the bloating of pretense.
Biblical Feasts: Pesach (Passover)—Liberation
Passover, then, is the feast of release. It is the recognition that God is continually calling us out of narrowness into spaciousness, out of bondage into freedom. Liberation is not just external, but also internal.
Walking in the Way: The Desert Mothers and Fathers
The Desert Fathers and Mothers were early Christian mystics and ascetics in the 4th and 5th centuries AD, who lived in the deserts of Egypt, Palestine, Syria, and Arabia, renouncing the world to follow God's call. “Desert Mother” is a feminist theological neologism that compares these women to the Desert Fathers.
Home in God
The Desert Places
The Wilderness Seasons of Our Lives: Embracing God's New Beginnings
God's promise to do a new thing in our lives often comes during times of wilderness—those seasons of waiting, uncertainty, and trial. It is in these moments that God is at work, creating pathways where there seemed to be none and providing streams in the wasteland. The challenge is to perceive Their work and remain focused on Them instead of trying to make our own way under our own strength.
Contributors & Collaborators
Loto Living and Loto Journal, would not be possible without the ongoing support and generous contributions from an incredible team of contributors, collaborators, and our Desert Mothers.