2025 November Laughing Elephant Yoga News - Gratitude & Abundance

As the seasons change and the air grows chill and still, I invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and open your heart to gratitude. Gratitude reminds us that what we have is enough, and that joy grows when it's shared. Abundance isn't measured by how much we have -- it's how deeply we feel connected to life, to others, and to the moment we're in.

One of my favorite quotes by Melody Beattie that I share in my classes:

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend."

Gratitude

In both practicing yoga and in daily life, cultivating gratitude is a powerful way to invite abundance and joy into our hearts. Take a moment each day to reflect on the gifts in your life and express gratitude from your heart.

Abundance Tips

• Give back to your community or those in need.

• Focus on the present moment and appreciate the abundance you already have.

• Practice generosity and kindness in your interactions.

• Share your gratitude outward -- through service, compassion, and mindful giving.

if you like these ideas, here is a link to more gratitude practices you might enjoy:

https://laughingelephantyoga.offeringtree.com/online_store/yin-yoga-nidra-heart-chakra-2-with-bitsy

https://laughingelephantyoga.offeringtree.com/online_store/savasana-yoga-nidra-bubble-of-blessings-with-bitsy-3544b8d4-240f-4b2c-b5e2-d33f115549d1

https://mindfulnessexercises.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/13_Most_Popular_Gratitude_Exercises_and_Activities.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

NEWS!!!

I recently completed 108hrs cotinuing ed credtis in Restorative Yoga with internationally known Jillian Pransky. Am also completed my final 20 hour certificate in Divine Sleep with Jennifer Reis, a Kripalu teacher and the inventor of the Divine Sleep methodology I use for yoga nidra.

Finally, a long sought after goal, I have signed up for Barre training with Hendersonville Barre & Pilates - Woo hoo! All of this training feeds my brain, body and soul and gives me new creative ideas to share with all of you.

Wild Lotus Yoga Collective - https://www.wildlotusyogacollective.com/

I am so grateful to have a lovely studio sitting in the bowl of nature in Highland Lake Cove. Please come and visit the studio and try some of the classes or workshops. My schedule is:

Wed 12p Yin and Fri 12p Rest & Restore

1 Sunday a month Rest & Divine Sleep 2-330p 11/23, 12/21, 1/18

Yoga Pose for Gratitude: Fish Pose (Matsyasana)

Try the restorative/yin version of this pose using a blanket and/or bolster to provide support. An eye pillow is nice if you'd like an inward mediation while resting in this pose.

Place a bolster or folded blanket either horizontally (under shoulder blades) w/arms over the prop or vertically (short end of blanket or bolster at tail, with bottom resting on the floor and legs in any comfortable position you desire. You may wish to place a blanket/towel under your head/neck for more support. (See the picture of this pose at the end of the newsletter.)

Vegan Recipe: Golden Tumeric Lentil Soup

A cozy, nourishing bowl that warms the body and fills the heart.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil (one of my new favs from a yogis family - www.sierraysolimportsllc.com), 1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 cup red lentils - rinsed, 1 tsp tumeric, 1/2 tsp cumin, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup coconut milk, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Fresh cilantro to garnish.

Directions: In a pot, saute onion and garlic in olive oil till golden. Add tumerick, cumin, and lentils - stir till fragrant. Pout in vegetable broth and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until lentils soften. Stir in coconut milk and season to taste. Finish with lemon juice and cilantro. Enjoy this soul-warming soup slowly - a delicious reminder of nourishment and gratitude.

From My Heart

This month, let gratitude move beyond words -- into compassion, service and shared joy. Every breath of kindness expands the circle of abundance. Thank you for being a part of our Laughing Elephant Yoga family -- a community that continues to shine brighter together.

With love, light and incredible gratitude for all of you.

Bitsy Merriman, E-RYT200, E-RYT300, YACEP, RYS

[email protected] or [email protected]

Facebook: Carolyn Bitsy Merriman or BitsYoga

IG: bitsyoga

Laughing Elephant Yoga