In the Coachella Valley, a homegrown group has become a vital sanctuary for men. Created by Mikiyah Jackson, a 24-year-old fitness trainer, the community called DYLD (Discipline Your Life Daily) encourages men to step out of isolation. Driven by a desire for personal growth and faith, Jackson felt called to act. For two years, this group has gathered weekly at Forja Gym in Palm Springs. The format is intentional: for the first hour, men engage in physical activity such as lifting weights, running or playing pickleball. Once they move and their guards are down, they pivot to sharing. The men create a safe space to speak openly about internal struggles, where themes of self-doubt and feeling alone may surface. What began as a meeting of three men has grown to 10 showing up consistently. Societal data underscores the need for spaces like DYLD. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, men ages 18 to 30 spent 18% more time alone in 2023 than in 2019, averaging 6.6 non-sleeping hours in isolation per day.1 This is 22% more alone time than same-age women.1 Furthermore, an Equimundo poll revealed that almost twothirds of men in this bracket feel “nobody knows them well.”2 This narrowing of social capital has severe ripple effects. As social networks shrink, young men lose career mentorship, which directly affects their confidence to enter the workforce. Jackson understands these statistics because he lived them. Growing up without a father, he spent his childhood searching for positive male role models, finding them in sports through coaches who uplifted him. Yet the pain ran deep; his mother battled drug addiction. This environment left Jackson navigating childhood sadness and anger, turning to marijuana as an emotional salve during downward spirals. When the clouds cleared, he realized the strength he searched for was something he could cultivate within himself and his higher power. One fellow DYLD member, Raul Garcia, joined as a shy, uncertain individual. Through the circle’s support, Garcia now leads the group and speaks publicly with confidence. By turning his pain into purpose, Jackson has sparked a pay-it-forward movement of men lifting each other up. The prerequisites for DYLD are simple yet uncompromising. Members honor the motto: “What’s said in the circle, stays in the circle.” Beyond confidentiality, Jackson asks for authentic presence. In a world of digital distraction, putting away phones to be truly present is a radical act. At DYLD, men from all walks of life show up, move, share and heal together. Jennifer Di Francesco is a wellness explorer and desert adventurist and can be reached at www.coachellabellaboho.com. Mikiyah Jackson welcomes others to join the group and can be reached through Instagram @DYLDCommunity. References: 1) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). American Time Use Survey (2019–2023 data). bls.gov; 2) American Institute for Boys and Men. (2024). Male loneliness and isolation: What the data shows. aibm.org After more than 40 years in health and wellness, I've developed a deep appreciation for the body's remarkable ability to regulate and restore itself. Through decades of bodywork and breathwork, I've witnessed how profoundly people respond when given permission to slow down. Breathing deepens. Muscles soften. The mind's constant chatter, what I affectionately call the "rowdy roommate," begins to quiet. This is where healing begins. However, the process is not easy for everyone. An emerging approach being used to enhance the body's natural restorative processes is frequency-based technology. Simply put, frequency describes how often something vibrates or oscillates. Sound, light, vibration and electromagnetic stimulation involve different frequencies that interact with the body in different ways. Some have established therapeutic applications, while others remain experimental. Chronic stress can keep our nervous system in a heightened state of alertness, affecting sleep, digestion, concentration and overall well-being. Breathwork and bodywork encourage relaxation, but what happens when we introduce frequencies into that experience? What is the science discovering? A 2020 systematic review published in the journal Bioelectromagnetics examined 22 clinical trials involving 1,468 participants. Researchers found encouraging evidence for certain applications of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) in the healing of fractures and relief of pain, although further research is needed. Another systematic review, published in Health Psychology Review, examined 104 randomized trials involving music-based interventions, reporting reductions in physiological and psychological measures of stress. While these findings don't validate every frequency-based approach, they demonstrate why researchers continue exploring their potential. Creating an environment for restoration Recently, I've begun incorporating frequency-based experiences into my breathwork, bodywork and restorative sessions. In a peaceful setting, participants lie comfortably, close their eyes and rest while experiencing selected frequency-based stimulation. There's nothing to accomplish, nowhere to be and nothing to figure out. What fascinates me is whether these additional sensory experiences might complement the body's relaxed state, although benefits beyond relaxation itself remain unproven. Participants who have enhanced their breath and bodywork with the frequency have described deeper relaxation, improved sleep, greater mental clarity and reduced discomfort. These are personal experiences, not scientific proof, but they inspire continued exploration. www.DesertHealthNews.com November/December 2026 MYOFASCIAL RELEASE The Missing Link To Authentic Healing For the Treatment of: • Headaches/Migraines • TMJ • Neck and Back Pain • Fibromyalgia • Carpal Tunnel • Plantar Fasciitis • Neurological Conditions Benefits Include: • Decreased Pain • Decreased Inflammation • Increased Range of Motion • Increased Mobility • Increased Circulation • Improved Posture • Improved Mood & Cognition 760.895.5145 online scheduling at: https://gina-malloy.clientsecure.me Gina M. Malloy, PT, MS Licensed Physical Therapist Offering Specialized Treatment for Women’s Health Issues Including, but not limited to: Endometriosis • Bladder Incontinence Mastectomy Pain and Scars Natural Options The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 11 www.livewellclinic.org 760.771.5970 78900 Ave. 47, Suite 102 • La Quinta info@livewellclinic.org www.livewellclinic.org @LiveWellClinicLaQuinta @LiveWellClinic Sonja Fung, ND Naturopathic Doctor Medical Director Live Happy, Live Well Offering Telemedicine Naturopathic Primary Care Photodynamic Therapy GLP Weight Loss Integrative Cancer Care Living with Jennifer Di Francesco Wellness Dunn uses PEMF to enhance other wellness modalities. DYLD is breaking down barriers for valley men. Healing Through Frequencies By Susan Dunn Continued on page 21 Fighting the Isolation Epidemic
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