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.
What We Hide in the Shadows
While death reveals attachment and asks us to let go, the shadow shows us why we can't…
Mirror Work: Learning to See Your Self
We invite you to find a mirror and sit or stand comfortably in front of it.
Notice the tendency to examine your appearance—to fix your hair, inspect your skin, evaluate your body, or decide whether you like what you see. Then, instead, look directly into your own eyes.
And stay.
Don't try to create a spiritual experience. Don't repeat affirmations you don't believe. Don't force yourself to feel love, compassion, forgiveness, or anything else.
Just notice.
The Love We Give
Maybe loving our neighbors well begins by ending the conditions we have placed upon Love within ourselves. Because if I am constantly trying to earn my own acceptance, I will probably keep expecting everyone else to earn theirs too. But if I begin to believe that I am beloved, then perhaps I can begin offering others the same freedom.
Allow Me to Re-Introduce My Self
Embracing the Burn of the Fire Horse 🔥🦄
What we're watching unfold across our feeds and news cycles is not new. The tension between Love and Fear began in the Garden. Control has always masqueraded as protection. Domination has always disguised itself as order. What is new is this: The Light is on. And when the light comes on, what has been hiding in the darkness begins to scatter. It's ugly. It's painful. And it is necessary.
The Returning: The Way of the Mirror
The Returning: The Way of the Explorer
Rather than seeking God “out there,” the Explorer turns inward—not in self-absorption, but in humility—trusting that deeper awareness does not lead away from God, but into God.
Finding My True Self
From a depth psychology standpoint, these perspective shifts have helped me to die to my false self, my egocentric way of living, sleepwalking through my life on auto-pilot. My experiences with these medicines have helped me spiritually awaken to my True Self and engage with the indwelling Holy Spirit in new life-giving ways.
Inner Sanctuary
From a modern mystical and psychological perspective, to be born again means to die to our flesh (our egocentric selves) and to be reborn of the Spirit of Truth (our True Self). As Paul says, our flesh becomes a sacred temple of the Spirit of Holiness, who lives inside our inner sanctuary.
Christ Consciousness: A Psychological Perspective on the Death and Resurrection of Jesus
So, let us ask ourselves not only “What do I believe about the cross?” but “What must die in me so Christ might rise?” The journey of faith is not merely about affirming a creed—it is about embodying a consciousness. Christ’s consciousness.
And that changes everything.
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.
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.