October 2025 LEY News

Free Classes - Links below:

Yin: For IT Band

https://laughingelephantyoga.offeringtree.com/online_store/yin-yoga-for-the-it-band-with-bitsy

Rest Yoga Snack: Unwind & Recharge

https://laughingelephantyoga.offeringtree.com/online_store/restorative-yoga-snack-unwind-recharge-with-bitsy

Yoga Nidra: Walk in the woods

https://laughingelephantyoga.offeringtree.com/online_store/yoga-nidra-a-walk-in-the-woods-with-bitsy

Help our Community to Thrive!

We are so excited to have such a special place as Wild Lotus to practice within a community setting. For us as teachers and studio owners, we believe in our vision of what a community can and should be and with passion we work each day to deliver on that promise. We are hopeful that you will find ways to continue to support the teachers, offerings and Wild Lotus studio so that we may continue to thrive. WL has set up a community fund, should you desire assistance to support your ability to continue practicing in our community, email [email protected] for a discount code that will make all classes $10.

Collaboration with Wild Lotus Yoga Collective

As many of you know, I closed the brick-and-mortar studio last summer. However, I was invited to teach and join the community at Wild Lotus (WL). I've been honored to share our 200hr LEY YTT curriculum with them, so they could continue the tradition of training and holding educational space for a community. These programs are offered as teacher trainings or as a deep study of yoga for those who don't want teacher certification.

Their first cohort will be graduating December 2025. WL will be offering the Yoga Alliance certified 200hr Freedom Journey again in 2026!

https://www.wildlotusyogacollective.com/freedom-journey

We are excited to announce a new offering, The Jewel of the Lotus, 300hr LEY-Wild Lotus Yoga Collective curriculum starting April 2026. I am honored to be a part of the faculty, along with some incredible teachers! For more information on these two impactful training programs or to sign up, visit:

https://www.wildlotusyogacollective.com/jewel

My teaching schedule at Wild Lotus:

Yin Wed 12p

Rest & Restore Fri 12p

Rest & Divine Sleep Oct 19, Nov 23, Dec 21 2-330p $10/per

Subbing for Thr33

Kaiut 9am 10/22, 10/23, 10/29, 10/30

Hatha 12p 10/23 & 10/30

Thoughts on Fall/Autumn

Ah the seasonal shift - one of change in the air, the earth and the pace in which life moves. There is a well-shared quote, "trees teach us how to let go"...as does the earth teach us how to store nutrients and prepare for winter, we shed belongings, thoughts and burdens as well as things in our lives (patterns, people or behaviors) that no longer serve us. And the space that opens by shedding...wow -- we have time to read, cook, make new friends or reconnect with old, spending time within ourselves...digging deep into our inner being paying attention to our inner voice and wisdom so that we may plant seeds for our future self.

So, what have I been up to?I And what tips might I offer for this season?

Clean: Go through seasonal bins, decorating or even your keep boxes...purge what is no longer relevant or needed. Donate, consign or share with friends who may have needs post-Helene losses.

Read, think and learn: Join in with classes that might stretch you -- whether yoga, community college, or technical skills such as cooking, tasting, gardening or photography. Reconnect with topics and books that interest you and allow yourself time to delve in. Join a book club or other learning club if that helps you stay engaged and motivated.

Adopt a beginners mind: There are options here - by clearing and cleaning you create space to try something new or by giving yourself permission to shift out of a habit or regimented to do list, you allow yourself the freedom to see or do things in a new way. Try something new, or return to something you used to do and try it again (either with a new teacher, new mindset or the willingness to play at this new skill.)

Practice loving kindness: First, practice on yourself -- take a moment at the beginning and the end of each day to be grateful for you -- who you are and what you have to offer. Adopt healthy choices that support you -- whether walking, positive food choices or quiet/meditation time that is just for you. Practice how you choose to respond to others and the constant news/chatter in the world -- remember, you do not need to react or engage -- you can notice and even make note of something if important to you. The more compassion and empathy you can show yourself...the more capable you are of sharing this with others.

Build, keep and share hope: This feels like a tough cycle in our world right now and I think having and sharing hope is crucial. So, one small thing I do each day is build yoga classes and meditations on themes that resonate, then I show up and hold space for my students and community where I can share hope, compassion and kindness. All of us have gifts we can share, whether in volunteering, helping a neighbor in need, showing kindness to animals or taking time out of a busy day to "be present, listen and care." These small gifts of hope can sustain us through dark days and help to bring the light forth.

Recipes to Share Using Shrimp

Cajun Shrimp, Turkey Sausage and Vegetable Skillet

Ingredients:

28oz cooked shrimp

12oz turkey sausage

3 cups zucchini

3 cups yellow squash

1 cup asparagus

2 cups red bell pepper

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp cajun seasoning

Directions: In a large bowl add the shrimp, sausage, zucchini, yellow squash, asparagus, bell pepper and salt and pepper. Add olive oil and cajun seasoning and toss until coated. Add to a large skillet and turn to medium high. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until shrimp is pink and the vegetables are tender. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately. Makes 6 servings.

Shrimp and Green Beans

Ingredients

6 cups steamed green beans

1 3/4 lbs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/4 tsp old bay seasoning

1/2 tbsp onion powder

1/2 tbsp garlic powder

1/4 cup chicken stock (plain, unflavored)

8 tsp butter

juice of one lemon (or more to taste)

nonstick cooking spray

Instructions: Spray a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray and place over medium high heat. Add shrimp and dash of old bay, stirring occasionally until pink - about 2-3 minutes. Scoop out shrimp into a dish and set aside. Add the garlic and onion powders to the skillet and cook, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stire in the chicken stock and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until liquid is reduced by half (about a minute or so). Stir in butter until melted. Stir in shrimp and green beans -- gently toss to combine. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if you desire. Top with a light sprinkle of parmesan or feta. Serves 4.
As always, with love and kindness

Bitsy Merriman, E-RYT500 & E-RYT200, YACEP

401-439-5075 Cell

[email protected] or [email protected]

www.laughingelephantyoga.com

IG: bitsyoga FB: bitsyoga or laughing elephant yoga (ask to join)

PS if you've read this whole thing, another update. I am five months post-hip replacement and doing well. Back to teaching, walking about 6 days a week and using yoga and PIlates for rehabbing the hip. There are still a few poses they don't want me to do yet...but am making huge strides and feeling better and pain free!