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.
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.
Goodbye, London
🎨 Liberated Woman
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.