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.
Janzu: A Rebirth
At its core, Janzu is a somatic journey: the facilitator cradles the receiver in body-temp water, guiding slow, rhythmic movements that coax the brain into deep Theta relaxation—a gateway to releasing stress, trauma, and emotional blockages while reawakening cellular memory and primal consciousness. This practice—often dubbed "rebirth therapy"—invites participants to revisit birth-like thresholds, fostering reconnection with the body and the Self.
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.
The “Ick”: Somatic Warning Signs from the Subconscious Mind
Ever feel like a day/week/month/year goes by you so fast that you can't believe it (or remember it)? Often wonder, "Where did the time go?" If so, please allow me to introduce you to what I call auto-pilot sleepwalking.
The Spacious Life Part 3
Breathwork & the Nervous System: Returning to the Body Through Breath 🫁
Breathwork is a powerful practice that can help self-regulate the nervous system and influence the polyvagal response. The breath is a unique tool because it can be consciously controlled and modified to impact our physiological and emotional states.
The Nervous System’s Relationship to Stress 🧠
Understanding how our nervous system responds to stress can help us become more curious about what is happening within us. Rather than judging ourselves for feeling anxious, activated, overwhelmed, exhausted, or disconnected, we can begin to recognize these experiences as information and develop practices that support greater flexibility, presence, and connection.
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.