Joy’s Journey. Today is Day 30 of my Bikram Yoga 30-Day Challenge!

Today is September 19, 2017. 30-Days ago I wasn’t sure this day would ever arrive….you see on August 21st I signed up for my first Bikram Yoga class- in hopes of restoring my body, mind and spirit.

I know many people, men, women and even children love yoga and have encouraged me over my lifetime to give it a try, but up until a month ago I had no interest. It sounded boring and overly repetitive, at best!

Then a month ago I had a heart-felt talk with myself and asked my body, mind and spirit (soul) what it needed. I was tired, I had ‘tennis elbow’ due to overuse playing tennis, using the computer and lifting weights and I was discouraged. I was looking for something- and had no idea what that ‘something’ would be.

When I heard the loud “whisper” back telling me I need BIKRAM YOGA I wanted to ignore it, only I couldn’t. Why ask if I don’t want to hear my inner truth- right? So I looked up local studios in the Burlington VT area, dusted off an old Bikram for Beginner’s book (not sure why I still had it after a few classes back in the early 2000s) -then I made a personal commitment to do (or try?) Bikram yoga for the full 30-Days.

When I signed up there was a new student special, as is with most- if not all Bikram studios throughout the world. $30 for 30-Days. You can take as many classes as you want or physically can, in those 30-Days. I had no idea if that would mean 1 class, 5 or 20….and I certainly never thought I would or could do 30 classes in 30-Days.

Birkam Choudhury says to give Bikram 30-Days and it will change your body and give it 60-Days and it will change your life.

When I signed up for the 30-Day pass I had no other goal than to do one day at a time. The Bikram studio is 105 degrees of ‘heat’ and 40% humidity!!!!!

Day 1 I was petrified…. and although I had no idea what I was doing, with great instruction I did each of the 26 poses as best as I could, never sitting one out…. and I survived. (barely I may add, but I kept coming back!)

Now looking back Day 2-30 is a blur….but if you want details you can check out the MANY blogs I did during those days at www.WorkWithDaveandJoy.com. Some days were easier than others and there were those amazing days that I felt extremely strong….and then some days it was all I could do to complete the 90 minute class and keep my arms straight and glued to my ears, which for someone with ‘tennis elbow’ was a challenge!

On September 1st, the studio I go to (Queen City Bikram Yoga, which I highly recommend) started their OWN 30-Day Challenge. http://www.queencitybikramyoga.com/ Now I had a decision to make. Do I continue on with my own 30-Day Challenge AND then add on and begin a full 30-Days in September? If so, that would be 41 days in a row and that seems daunting!

Today is Day 30- for ME and my personal 30-Day Challenge… and I haven’t yet decided if I’ll continue on, but for sure I’ll CHAMPION MYSELF on doing what I once thought was 100% impossible. My husband has been ultra supportive in every way possible, even so much that he did 8 classes with me!

Today my husband Dave gave me a sweet CARD with a gift certificate in it for a pedicure and manicure combo. A nice treat. Heart

Looking back, I am so happy that today is Day 30 and that I accomplished what I thought was impossible! I do love big challenges in life…. AND along the way, I had FUN, challenged myself, made new friends and found a new ‘sport’ aka “practice” that I know I will continue.

From this day forth, I am thinking I’ll let my body decide how often to do Bikram Yoga. Right now it says 3-4 days a week, mixed in with my familiar activities of weight lifting, occasional tennis and ‘walks’ will be a beautiful balance….but only time will tell.

In conclusion, I highly recommend everyone trying Bikram Yoga and doing an introductory package so you can do as many (or few) classes as you want in 30-Days. I heard so many people in class share their experiences on overcoming physical challenges and injuries and how the THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS of BIKRAM made a huge difference in the quality of their lives. That’s what its all about!

For me, my ‘tennis elbow’ has improved and my flexibility and my balance is MUCH better than before! I breathe differently, which is great as I have always been a very shallow breather.

I melted many inches of FAT off my body, in particularly off my belly area, as well as legs and hips.

I did NOT lose any weight on the scale as of today, (bummer!) which shocked me as I thought I look like I dropped 5-8 pounds, but ya know what, my clothes fit better, I can wear my ‘tester’ jeans now and I feel like I am getting my ‘sexy’ back, after menopause. (Yup, my men-o-pot is smaller, thanks to Bikram!)

Make an investment in your health. Try something new, take a risk, even if you are not good at it- trust me here, I have never felt so incompetent in my entire life as I have while doing Bikram yoga!

Although I now KNOW the poses and am 100% better than when I began, it is a life-time ‘practice’…. and there is NO competition – other than against yourself.

Care to share YOUR feedback with your Bikram Yoga – or if you ever ever done 30 days or 60 days in a row? I’d love to hear from you! Thanks for reading and supporting me on my journey!

Joy Edgerton

802-846-7530

joyedgerton@gmail.com

www.DaveandJoy.com

(Products to enhance your body, mind & spirit) www.TryOurSamples.com

 

 

Taking Care of your “Generals” in MLM EARNS you the BIG $$$

If you are involved in network marketing and have a goal of reaching a high rank in your company, you know you can’t do it alone.

One of my favorite up-line sponsors in this industry is a friend who I’ll call Cody. He was a natural networker and had a great personality. He wasn’t flash and slick…he was ‘real’.

He really knew how to capture peoples attention without being too salesy and also made a point to get to know his key leaders ‘as people’ so that he could help each of his leaders reach THEIR goals….. not just his. Getting to know your leaders is crucial. Gratefully so, I was one of his leaders that he identified early on (even when I didn’t believe it) and helped along the way.

The interesting thing is by recognizing leadership qualities in me and taking a keen interest in MY success he actually accomplished his goals….and his goals were massive for a young man in his 30s.

During this time I came to learn some simple things that GREAT leaders do are:

When they ‘enroll’ someone in their business they get to know them and know what their goals are. Also ‘what color’ are they within the color code? By knowing what motivates the individual you’ll be able to speak their language and tune into what is important to them….rather than what is important to you. Here is one version of the color code test. http://www.mindperk.com/ColorCodeTest.pdf

An example of NOT doing this is assuming because you are a NUMBERS person and love statistics, that you need to talk numbers/stats and only income with your newly enrolled people. Heck no, not to me! That would be an instant turn off and I’d be looking for a quick way to escape the conversation. But if that same person knew that my ‘hot button’ was helping people reach their health and financial goals, and especially enjoyed working with women- then a conversation in those terms would be important.

When they enroll someone in their business they quickly introduce them (by phone, in person or online) to up-line and cross-line people on their team. Most people love being a part of something bigger than themselves and having other people to connect with on the same team is important…and bottom line, more fun! Also this gives them more people to do 3-way calls with…. which is a great way to validate information and edify people on the team.

When they enroll someone and identify that you are one of their leaders, they then take extra care of those people knowing without them reaching their goals and experiencing their level of success they understand that THEY won’t reach their goals!

Recognition is one of the top reasons people join and stay in network marketing. Never take your leaders or team for granted. Making income is also important! Helping your new members earn income their first 30 days -or less- is crucial.

 

Back to my friend Cody.

The company we were with had several rank titles from Member, to Part-time, Full-Time and all the way up to the top level which was called “Rainmaker”.

In order for you to rank advance (as with any mlm company) you need others on your team rank advancing and reaching their goals too.

Cody wanted to become what is called RAINMAKER. In order to reach that rank he needed “4 Full-Time” personally enrolled reps (or members) When I first joined the company he was a budding leader but within 2-3 years he was a top producer.

Lucky for me, I was one of his chosen ‘leaders’ or “Generals” as I often have heard the term. At that time in my career making an additional $5,000 a month income seemed golden! I had never earned that much in a month in my life. Cody on the other hand wanted to earn $50,000+ a month income. By being a great leader and making sure that I- and a minimum of three others reach and maintain a minimum of FULL TIME STATUS, he would reach Rainmaker!

He became the second person in the company to reach this highest rank and only person to maintain it many times over the course of the year…and the only reason that his income decreased and that he left for another opportunity was the company took on a whole new direction ….throwing most of the leaders under ‘the bus’. (Actually picture a speed boat taking a quick curve out of nowhere and people flying off the side of the boat and ending up in the ocean…without a life boat. Yup, that was what happened.)

Now, fast forward many years later my financial goals are more in alignment with what Cody’s were … so we, like other successful leaders, have identified our personally enrolled “Generals” and are working with them closely to make sure they reach the goals they desire, as fast as possible… as well as continue to grow their teams and their personally enrolled leaders. And it goes on an on with great momentum. (Key, never stop enrolling or developing leaders!)

Clearly, Together Everyone Achieves More when you work as a TEAM!

I know the above seems extremely obvious, but we have worked with other up-line sponsors who clearly do not understand it and do not take care of their leaders…. and you guessed it, success rarely happens long term for those leaders.

If you have dreams, goals and aspirations within your company and mlm business make sure you share them with your up-line sponsor and if they don’t ‘get it’ then share with others above them or with the corporate staff. This is a business of duplication and working together. TEAM! It cannot be accomplished alone.

Do you want to be honored, supported and recognized? It starts with each one of us.

Honor, support and recognize those you enroll onto your team is crucial. And if for some reason you cannot support them, then tell your sponsor so that they will not be lost in a crowd of reps. Encourage people on your team to reach UP and OUT and together we can all achieve amazing things within this industry.

Dave and Joy/ Global Leaders with Tavala

802-846-7530

info@DaveandJoy.com

www.DaveandJoy.com

Joy’s Journey- Day 24 Bikram Yoga- Going for the 30-Day Challenge!

Today is the first day I had to look at the calendar and count which day I was on with Bikram Yoga. Was it 23 or 24? and to my delight, today was 24!

Day 1 I had NO IDEA what I was doing or if I could survive 90 minutes of 105 temperature with 40% humidity, but obviously by taking one day at a time I am not only surviving but my Bikram Yoga ‘practice’ is improving little by little.

If nothing else it is showing me that I am dedicated and am willing to concentrate and work through everything that is unfamiliar…oh SO unfamiliar!

Like with most goals, simply showing UP and doing the best you can is the goal with Bikram Yoga. Do what you can- the right way- and you’ll receive 100% of the therapeutic benefit. So for that, I am grateful.

I’m not going to lie….it has not been easy. Yesterday both my arms felt heavy and stiff and actually ached, that even typing on the computer keys seemed difficult. Today I took it down a notch and was more gentle on myself and as a result feel more energized than tired. How cool to listen to your own body’s wisdom and when you do, you feel better! Imagine that for a concept?

Perhaps why I feel elated today is also because it is sunny and almost 80 degrees weather here on September 13th in Vermont. Hard to believe but so welcomed. It was only a week ago that we thought fall was here and that winter was just around the corner.

It is often said that it takes 21 days in a row with any habit, whether eating, working out, doing YOGA etc. and I have to agree this is true.

For me, my goal is 30-Days straight…and then this little voice in my head says but “Bikram” himself says give him 30-days and and you’ll change your body and give him 60-days and it will change your life!”

So who I am going to listen to? Myself or Bikram himself?

60-Days could be cool, after all I did recently turn 60 years old. Typically on my Birthday I’ll do that many pushups (and not the girl ones on your knees) for every year. I think I began doing that at age 55. 60 was a stretch, but I did it, but I believe I did rest this year for 10 seconds after 30 and continued on. So you see, setting goals is something I am quite familiar with.

So as I get closer to the 30-Day mark I decided to research what I can expect by going the full 30 days.

Can you change your life in 30 days? The benefits of a Bikram Yoga 30-Day Challenge

As mentioned above, Bikram Choudhury tells his students: “Give me 30 days, I’ll change your body. Give me 60 days, I’ll change your life.” While it seems impossible given the number of unsuccessful weight loss plans and other advertised fad exercise regimens out there, Bikram Yoga studios all around the world have been fortunate enough to see several students experience the truth of this statement first-hand.

30-Day Challenges are designed to help students delve deeper into their practice, refine their postures, and gain a better understanding of their body and capabilities.

What is a 30-Day Challenge?

The goal of a 30-Day Challenge is to take a class every day for 30 days and over time see the positive physical and mental changes realized by a consistent practice.

Are 30 days of yoga in a row too much?

Not at all. (Or so they say!) Bikram Yoga is different from most other forms of exercise. Because yoga does not tear the muscles, your body does not require time to repair itself between classes. Furthermore, Bikram Yoga restores health and brings your body and mind back to balance. It is safe to take class every day, even twice a day!

What are some of the benefits of a daily practice?

Most of the people who completed their Challenge have mentioned that they sleep better, gain flexibility and muscle tone, lose weight, handle stress better, smile more often, feel more confident in their appearance, see major improvements in their yoga postures, and find other forms of exercise and daily activities easier.

During a 30-Day Challenge you also have a chance to pay better attention to your body and to the physical and mental changes happening during those 30 days.

To the right you’ll see before and after pictures. I wish I had taken pictures of ME when I started for a comparison. One thing I have noticed is that I am kinder on myself, my body, my body image, my body weight and how I look in skimpy yoga clothes. For that, in itself, I am grateful.

I’ll end here with a picture of my favorite pose. Favorite, not because I love the ‘pose’ but because it is the last of 26 poses in the series and the ONLY pose you do one time….. and from Day 1, it is one of the few poses I could do!

I am currently taking Bikram Yoga at a wonderful studio in South Burlington, Vermont called Queen City Bikram Yoga. http://www.queencitybikramyoga.com/

It is an fairly new facility so it is up to date, clean, fresh, it has wonderful instructors and everyone is friendly and makes you feel welcome. They are currently running a 30-Day challenge for the month of September, so if I do “theirs” as well as the 11-days I had ‘under my belt before September 1st’ it means I’d do 41 days in a row. I’m not quite sure about that ‘yet’. One thing I will do is ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Joy Edgerton

802-846-7530

joyedgerton@gmail.com

www.DaveandJoy.com

Joy’s “Experiment” with 2 different QUANTUM ENERGY STRIPS & what she found….

Sometimes it’s important to make a comparison with a product so others can make an educated decision which product is best for them.

Let me share a recent ‘experiment’ I did with 2 different STRIPS, that help with pain/discomfort….and bringing Quantum Energy to parts of the body that need it most.

I have been doing Bikram Yoga for 3 weeks now. Today is Day 22…. in a row! I believe in the POWER OF QUANTUM ENERGY…as everything IS energy. I had heard a friend tell me that when he wears the Strips with Quantum Energy to YOGA that his balance and energy is better. When you think of it, it makes sense.

The brief 1 minute video below explains how the Quantum Relief Strips work…check it out.

So now you can understand how the STRIPS work, here is my experiment I did in the last two weeks.

I compared two different Strips on the market, from 2 different companies. Both hold Quantum Energy and both work…. but how do they differ and which one do I feel suits ME better? That was my experiment.

The real reason I started Bikram Yoga was I had a ‘tennis elbow’ which limited my activities of tennis and weight lifting. I knew I needed something so I sat quietly and literally asked my BODY and SPIRIT what it needed. I literally heard BIKRAM YOGA.

Yikes, I didn’t want to hear that as I don’t (or didn’t) like yoga and would NEVER have chosen that on my own….but the voice was a loud whisper that I chose not to ignore. Now 3 weeks later I am loving my new practice and my tennis elbow discomfort is almost gone!

So, what does this have to do with STRIPS for discomfort? I began placing the Quantum Relief Strips on my elbow area, cutting each strip in half and placing above and below the elbow joint area. It really helps with discomfort and inflammation. In fact, I can not imagine doing Bikram in the beginning without the Strips. In addition, I placed a half of QRS (Quantum Relief Strip) on my dan tien, just below the belly button. It is great location as it is an energy source in the body and helps balance the CHI and CHAKRAS. (As I mentioned a friend swore his balance improved in yoga doing this and I needed all the help I could get with MY balance!)

I really believe the Quantum Relief Strips have made a huge difference in the past 3 weeks…and truth be told, the “QRS” (as well as other Strip) are intended to be worn daily for keeping the body healthy, the chi and energy in flow and for ‘health and well-being’.

Last week I stumbled upon a Mylar bag of an older version of a STRIP with Quantum Energy (called the PowerStrip) … it was something I have used in the past before the Quantum Relief Strips were created. I decided to make a healthy and realistic comparison between the two Strips and to honestly assess which is better for me.

Day 1 using the older Strip version: I placed a half PowerStrip above my elbow and also below my elbow joint. I also placed half below my belly on the dan tien. I went to Bikram Yoga. Now keep in mind, Bikram Yoga is done in a studio that is 105 degree temperature and 40% humidity.

Within 30 minutes of sweating the strip started to peel off. Luckily due to the sweat, I was able to ‘press it back on’ over and over so that it actually did adhere most of the class. Each class lasts 90 minutes. Could I say this actually lasted the full 90 minutes? I suppose I could, unless some of the active ingredients on the exterior were sweat off, which the way I sweat, is a possibility. As soon as I left the class and my skin began to cool off, the Strips came off completely.

The half Strip below my belly lasted all day thanks to my waist band of my yoga pants. When I did remove it, I had a rectangular imprint in that area that looked and felt like a sunburn. Perhaps the heat of the room ignited the ingredients in the strip? That I don’t know.

A couple of days later I went back to the Quantum Relief Strips and placed them in the same areas on my body. I went to Bikram Yoga 2 days in a row. Although the Strips were still adhering in all three areas through two 90-minute classes and 2 showers, I removed them and applied a new ones. Each strip is effective for 48- hours.

For me, and this is only a personal observation, but FOR ME the Quantum Relief Strips work better and adhered superior to the PowerStrips. Are both products good products? Yes, indeed they are, but for me and my active lifestyle with Bikram, baths, showers and occasional swimming, the Quantum Relief Strips, hands down, are a better value. The cost of both products is approximately the same (PowerStrips are slightly higher in price) although for the Quantum Relief Strips through TAVALA, the cost for both customers and members is the same. $54.99. (USA pricing)

Interested in buying the Quantum Relief Strips? You can buy a single pack (or more) 14 strips = a 28-Day supply. Simply go to www.DaveandJoy.com

Interested in trying a SAMPLE 2-pack of the Quantum Relief Strips go to www.TryOurSamples.com You’ll find information on that website that will help educate you on the benefits.

Do you enjoy helping others? Interested in a home-based opportunity? We are looking for other leaders to spread the Quantum Relief Product throughout the world. Please inquire. It is FREE to join.

Dave and Joy/ Global Leaders

802-846-7530

info@DaveandJoy.com

www.DaveandJoy.com

 

 

 

Remembering Why I Started…. Joy’s Journey with Bikram Yoga and Beyond!

I don’t know about you but I must thrive on goals. I don’t know if that is normal but most of my life it seems like I am setting goals- planning the execution (usually creatively) and then hopefully remembering to celebrate when I actually attain them.

Sometimes in the past I have built up to attainment and then when I reach it there is a let down….or I forgot to actually ‘champion myself in attaining whatever goal I set out to attain’.

Has that ever happened to you? Always striving to arrive and not really enjoying the process ?

In mid-August I decided to slow down and enjoy each and every day in a new and different way. Since yesterday is the past and tomorrow is the future, enjoy TODAY for it really is the “PRESENT”….and today is all we have.

Recently I began Bikram Yoga. When I joined it was with an intro of 30 days for $30….. meaning you can take a class each and every day for 30 days. BAM! I don’t know when I created the goal to do Bikram 30 days in a row, but it has become my goal.

Funny thing is a month ago I never would have expected to do yoga EVER….and now here I am. What happened?

Our bodies create opportunities to have things show up if only we listen. My right elbow was my guide here as it became painful to play tennis and lift weights so I went ‘inward’ and asked my body & soul what it needed and I heard LOUD AND CLEAR, Bikram Yoga. ???? Really???? (By the way, without a sore elbow I can almost guarantee I never would have choose yoga.)

I could have fought it, however at age 60 I am old and wise enough to act when I hear that ‘special whisper’. I admit that sometimes in my life I have ignored that inner voice….and it took a lot longer to get where I wanted to go with the detour. Not good or bad, just a longer journey.

Several people who know me well have asked what changed where now I not only wear yoga clothes as I always have, but actually I am now DOING Yoga? Why did I begin and why am I driven?

Each and every day I wake up and remind myself why I started. Like most 12-Step programs…. one day at a time.

So 20 days ago I look at myself in the mirror. I didn’t cry but I also wasn’t totally excited with the woman looking back at me in the mirror.

I have always been healthy, strong and lean but the lady in the mirror looking back at me looked different. Confidence was missing in her eyes! So I talked to her and heard some reasons why I ought to consider the shift and why Bikram Yoga would be good for ‘her’, aka ME. Although I have gracefully embraced my age, I have not embraced my body since menopause.

The most driving reason I am doing Bikram Yoga is I want to be healthy/flexible and have a healthy longevity. I have a family I love, that include grandchildren and I want to be vibrant and healthy so I can see them grow up and can be a part of their world- and their children’s world. I’m in a loving marriage and want to be healthy together til our last breath.

Yes, perhaps across the board I am healthier than most women my age, but it still doesn’t mean anything unless you are happy with how you LOOK and FEEL!

I see my parents and in-laws age and although they are vibrant in their own way in their mid to late 80s…. I personally want to be able to travel and explore and have the strength and health to do so well into my 90’s, if I choose.

Much of my life I have concentrated on my physical body and my physical health- perhaps spurred on by body building at age 30. (Once again, another goal…can I do it and win after giving birth to 2 children 4 and 5 years prior? I needed to prove to myself that I could! Much like with 30-Days of Bikram Yoga)

Ahhh, the ultimate shape and size….body fat, etc. OK, so I proved that I could reach a lean (unhealthy I may add) 8.5% body fat and win my category in a Body Building competition but that didn’t make me any happier. In fact there was such a let down after that experience that I still can’t shake to this day.

Fast forward 30 years and the health I am seeking today is more well-rounded. Not just the physical beauty aspect of what one sees in the mirror, but the soul-spirit connection. Although some people think going to a zen yoga class that is gentle with spiritual music may feed my soul better, right now the challenge (mentally and physically) of Bikram Yoga is where I am at and fuels the challenge!)

Ultimately I want to love, appreciate and enjoy who I am in the world. Don’t we all? Since making ‘MY SELF CARE’ a priority it has shifted into other areas of my life. Hallelujah!

Yes, without question part of the transformation is still the PHYSICAL BODY and one ‘must do’ is melting my men-o-pot (belly fat) so that I am a healthier and lean post menopausal woman. Belly fat is toxic, unattractive and honestly, very difficult to have when trying to do yoga poses. (no kidding!!!) Not to mention, clothes just don’t fit the same when your belly is large.

CAREER & LIFE

Working with TAVALA is very gratifying on many levels. I enjoy mentoring other people who want to improve their lives either with their health (which includes WEIGHT LOSS with Tavala TRIM, or being PAIN-FREE and have vibrant energy with the Tavala Quantum Relief Strips!) Learn more here: www.DaveandJoy.com

TAVALA for Wealth Building and Fueling Dreams!

I know that having additional income in all households offers additional options, no matter the current level of wealth. It’s about a shift in consciousness with abundant thinking….not just MONEY! When we have abundant thoughts we think beyond ourselves…which led Dave and I to discover an amazing organization that is doing great things throughout the world, for women. (And when women are empowered, face it, families and communities are empowered!)

We recently partnered with an organization called WEA, Women’s Earth Alliance http://womensearthalliance.org/ and are donating 5% of our customer sales to their organization each month. This includes any of the products off our website, www.DaveandJoy.com or even through our sampling site, www.TryOurSamples.com. It may not sound like a lot of money, but in time, we hope it will add up to being able to make a difference in the lives of many.

So there you go… today is Day 19 doing Bikram. I am actually looking forward to my ‘practice today’. Will it be perfect? YES and NO. Yes for ME, as I’ll do my best, and that is all they ask at Bikram. If you can do it – DO IT, and if not, at least do what you can… but do it ‘the right way’.

I doubt the majority of my poses today will actually look like those in a Bikram book- but this is OK. Today is another day, another opportunity for self-care and self-love. By filling MY CUP daily I am in a great position to help others in my life and beyond.

So what is YOUR goal? Your STORY? Mine is ever-changing and I like the changes. It’s all about today and eventually tomorrow, but I leave my story from yesterday at the door. Life Coaching taught me that!

If you are inspired to share your journey or how you may be able to relate, let me know. I’d love to hear. If you have ever set a goal similar that seemed insurmountable like 30-Days of Bikram Yoga is for me, please share.

If you are looking for a way to become the better version of you in the HERE & NOW, perhaps I can offer guidance. I am a Transformational Life Coach although I don’t ‘practice’ that, rather I incorporate it in my life and in my Tavala business.

Joy Edgerton/ Transformational Life Coach/Busines Coach

802-846-7530

joyedgerton@gmail.com

www.DaveandJoy.com