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.
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.
Unlocking Calm: An Introduction to Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
What is Somatic Healing?
Somatic healing is an integrative approach that focuses on the connection between the mind, body, and spirit to address and heal trauma. Rooted in the understanding that our bodies hold onto experiences and memories, somatic healing seeks to release the physical and emotional tensions that accumulate from trauma, chronic stress, and systemic oppression. Somatic healing offers a path toward holistic wellness by recognizing that the body is both a vessel of both our human experiences and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
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.
Spiritual Disciplines: Meditation & Contemplative Prayer
Unlike the secular notion of emptying the mind, Christian meditation is a purposeful act of love, worship, and devotion. It involves intentionally giving time and energy to God, connecting with the sacred space within us where the indwelling Holy Spirit resides.
Christian meditation, also known as contemplative prayer, is about intimate relationship and a way of knowing God that goes beyond thoughts and feelings.
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.