Loto Journal
Including thoughtfully created blog content about somatic healing practices, nervous system self-regulation techniques, and faith-based spiritual practices, Loto Wellness Collective’s blog focuses on the art and science of rest and renewal, drawing inspiration from the life of Jesus, monastic wisdom, and modern science.
Through personal storytelling and letter writing, follow our Founder, Jennifer Axcell, as she travels the 🌎 globe as a digital nomad and Desert Mother, exploring cultural expressions of rest and self-care.
Reader’s Note: In the Loto Wellness Collective blog content, except for direct quotes, the pronouns often used for the One True God are They/Them in reference to the triune personhood of YHWH. When referencing Jesus specifically, the pronouns He/Him are used. In keeping with the canonical New Testament, God is also referred to as Father.
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.
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.
The Art and Science of Sound Healing
Sound healing is an ancient therapeutic practice that uses sound frequencies to restore and maintain physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Rooted in traditions across various cultures, sound healing leverages the vibrational energy of sound to promote deep relaxation, reduce stress, and encourage healing.
Restful Resolutions in 2024
Contributors & Collaborators
Loto Living and Loto Journal, would not be possible without the ongoing support and generous contributions from an incredible team of writers, artists, healers, editors, creatives, and pastors.