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.
The Open Road is Calling
The Mountains We Climb
Some mountains aren't conquered. They're crossed. One slow step at a time….
Happy Fall Ya'll
Car Camping in Crested Butte
I love living in the woods, whether that's sleeping in a cabin or a tent. In preparation for my car camping road trip through New Mexico and Utah in October, I ventured up to Crested Butte, Colorado, with my cousin and her husband (and their dog Rocksy) over the weekend to test out some of our new camping gear.
Forest Church: Stillness is a Mirror for the Soul
"If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you, you are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows Where you are. You must let it find you." —David Wagoner
Fisher of (Wo)men
‘Am I content catching fish, or do I want to change lives?’
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.
Your Digital Nomad Questions Answered
As a digital nomad, I get asked the same questions often: (1) What do I do professionally that allows me to travel so much? (2) How can I afford to travel so much? (3) What do I pack? (4) and Do I ever get lonely traveling alone?
If you’ve ever wondered these questions, you’re in luck because I will try to answer them in this week’s love letter.
Digital Detox
A Weapon Against Burnout
Chronic stress is the fast track to burnout. Our body's autonomic nervous system (ANS) is constantly scanning our internal and exterior environments for signals of "safety" or "unsafety" and sends chemical messages through the body in response. As a survival mechanism, when this unconscious system perceives a threat (stress), it activates our sympathetic nervous system through chemical/hormonal signals that move us into a state of fight/flight/freeze/fawn.
Scheduling Rest
I learned the hard way that not scheduling rest into my days, especially a weekly Sabbath practice, means my workload (and idol of self-reliance) will take over and lead me right back into burnout. I’ve been there too many times, and out of necessity and the Spirit’s persistence, Jesus and I have been cultivating a lifestyle that prioritizes rest over the last 5 years.
Come Back to Your First Love
I was asked recently how I choose the places I stay in (ie- the expat commune in San Miguel) Like when I was dating, I have a list of “Must-Haves,” “Nice-to-Haves,” and “Red Flags.” And on the “Must-Haves” list is walkable access to nature. In addition to an oven, private bath, fast WiFi, outdoor space I can work from, and access to a market, I have to be able to walk into an open space of some kind for my afternoon dates with God (literally scheduled on my calendar that way).
Love is a Person
I truly believe that the greatest legacy we leave behind is how we demonstrate love for God, ourselves, and others. In Mark 12:30, Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment is to love God with all of our soul, mind, and strength (Love is the connective thread through the mind-body-spirit connection). So learning to demonstrate love begins with our ability to love (and be loved) by God.
Practicing The Way of Love
I want to inspire you to create your own practice of The Way by embracing the power of these spiritual disciplines: silence and solitude, Sabbath, simplicity, and stillness. Reimagine your quiet time with God and create a lifestyle of rest and refilling, where intimacy can thrive and you can flourish.
Immanuel, God IN Us
Look Up! 🔅
No Hiding
Breath of Life
The Wilderness
The Spacious Life Part 5
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.