Costa Women Blogs

4 out of 5 people will experience back pain.  Chronic lower back pain is becoming a big problem affecting over 18 million people in the UK preventing many from working. So what is the solution? Lumbar Fusion Surgery? The Backcare Charity states that; “Very few people require back surgery. Such surgery is only essential when there are extreme symptoms such as a paralysis of the bladder and bowel or loss of power to a foot. Surgery is considered as a last resort in the treatment of back pain”. Although there are a number of different methods, all involve joining or fusing together 2 (or more) of the bony discs in the spine so that they no longer move, the theory being that it is the bone movement that causes the pain. What is success? When you think of the criteria for successful surgery what are your definitions? No more pain? Full range of movement? Back to work? Studies show that only 32% of “successful” spinal fusion patients return to work within 2 years. The Charity also says that for stabilisation or fusion operations, “there is a 10-20% chance of staying the same and 10-20% risk of being worse or needing further surgery”.  They go on to say that you still may not be completely pain-free after this surgery so there is up to a 40% chance that the operation will not improve matters.  A recent lawsuit in the USA deemed that lumbar fusion surgery was successful even though it left the patient paralysed from the waist down. A group of American spinal surgeons were surveyed about the use of spinal surgery. Although 75% would recommend it for their patients, only 9% would have the surgery themselves. I guess practice what you preach isn’t an option?? So what are my options? Stay active – although doctors used to prescribe bed rest for back pain keeping moving stops the muscles stiffening up and causing more pain. So stay as active as you comfortably can. (marathons optional!) Ibruprofen and anti inflammatories can help in the short term. Try to stay away from cortisone and steroid injections as these actually break down the discs and tissues in the spine causing long term problems. BUPA state that “injections are usually only done if other treatments don’t work.” Physiotherapy – long term studies show that when it comes to those success criteria I mentioned before, no pain, full range of movement, back to work, that the groups that had only physiotherapy (no surgery) had was a much higher success rate. And that these patients had a greater range of movement, were back to work within 6 months and had reduced pain. With no risk. A win-win. Personally I believe that it is an individualised approach that works, combining a whole range of techniques from acupuncture to osteopathy and through to physiotherapy as well – it’s about finding the combination for YOU. Want more detailed information on this issue? Attend our FREE Seminar on Sciatica and Back pain – 11.30 Wednesday 22 May Download our indepth guide based on the latest research – www.TheBodyworksClinic.com

When living in Spain, it’s important that you pick up the lingo! It’s a great feeling to be able to communicate with people who speak another language and it’s even easier than people think! We’ve set out just FIVE simple steps to get you chatting in Spanish in no time! Step 1: Understand why you want to learn. If you’re learning because you have to, you probably won’t get very far! Truly appreciating the language will help you grow more eager to learn and will fuel your motivation! Why not read a bit about Spanish history and language development to really find your passion? Step 2: Immerse yourself in Spanish culture. Don’t opt for an English television straight away – Try watching Spanish shows with English subtitles to give you a great grasp of common words and the correct pronunciation! Make Spanish friends and perhaps meet for an educational cup of coffee, so you can teach each other your language. Step 3: Talk to yourself! As strange as this one may sound, it’s probably one of the most effective methods you’ll find! When you’re going about your daily life, try and translate the thoughts and phrases that cross your mind into Spanish…For example “I wonder what the weather’s like today” or “I’d love to go for a walk later!” You’ll be surprised at just how much you can learn by this internal studying technique! Step 4: Create your own phrase book – And don’t be afraid to use it! If you’re out and about in the Spanish towns and you overhear a new phrase, write it down! And, make sure you ask if someone says something to you that you don’t understand! The Spanish are open to foreign learners and will happily fight the language barrier for you! Step 5: Understand that it’s a process! You can’t become fluent overnight – But, you can do it pretty quickly! You just need to try hard, find the time and dedicate yourself to the language! Don’t shy away from any unknown conversational topics, just dive right in and figure it out when you get there – Learning a new language is all about trial and error, so be patient! Soon, you will be flying though Spanish with ease and tossing your trusty phrasebook to the side!

  Whether you are looking at how the world or your own life appears to be in crisis and falling apart… seemingly unexplainable and unsolvable as before… it is time for YOU to understand how Humankind is in the midst of a great Shift of Consciousness.    An Evolution of Consciousness is causing everyone to act out and everything to collapse that is not aligned with love. Creating space for a new way of being to be born, by awakening hearts who are realising the pure power of love each person truly is.   There is no longer a need for anyone to continue to endure the experience of enslavement… and experience the dual roles of victim/aggressor; whether in conflict with another or with our body/mind in some way.   Each person now has the opportunity to remember they are a unique, sovereign & essential part of Our Magnificent World… a being of pure consciousness or love, interconnected and interdependent with the harmonious aliveness of all life.   Life is indeed intense, as the light from our solar system and beyond continuously shines powerfully on and within us all, naturally raising our vibration, and quite naturally allowing each, to be the change and know our next step forward in a new adventure beyond everything known and experience a life of love, peace and harmony.   Now Now, is always an opportunityto put yourself in the lightto dance with joy and giggle in delightwith the intention of wholeness, of balanceno more excuses, you can do it NOWeven imagine or pretendstand up and dance and laugh out loudembracing all your fear & painall the darkness that you buried deepall the broken aspects you scattered widewelcoming all back hometo your physical body, mind & spiritthe sacred vessel that is preparingfor your next adventure beyondas One Body Consciousnessthe DivineHumanBeing Barbara Franken… Creative Visionary & MasterCreatorInspiring New Energy Consciousness   I continue to go through this physical integration and transformation too, my stomach has never fluttered so much as I feel the intensity of fear and pain. IAM embracing it all, breathing the conscious breath and loving myself like never before… AND then I hear the birds sing their merry song, and I feel my excitement as I remember my grand vision of living in a loving, peaceful and joyful world.   Tip bits of information to help you stay sane through these times…    Know you are not alone in this great transformation… everyone is going through this natural process of Ascension, integration and transformation in some way for them to handle and realise who they truly are… a magnificent and all powerful being of consciousness. All your Human experience of enslavement and lack of freedom is a great gift… for you to love yourself unconditionally, experience pure compassion and wisdom and realise your own truth. So please breath into the fear and pain you may be feeling, with no judgement being the presence of love you truly are. The intensity of the light is here for you to stand in your light, to dance with joy and giggle with delight… no matter how you feel or how you physically can’t! It’s about taking a moment… even imagine or pretend, focusing and allowing your light to dissolve everything but love and set you free! Once you dare breathe and stand up in the midst of fear and pain, dance in delight and laugh out loud, even imagining it… you’ll feel great and have no concerns, just for a moment. Acknowledge this and celebrate again and again and again. Until the moments are longer and you forget your fear and pain. You find yourself well on your way returning to your true wholeness… understanding the truth of the illusion of separation and how you no longer NEED anyone or anything. Without a doubt, you will realise life is all about YOU and your choice… so choose well… choose love… choose life and I promise, energy will serve you accordingly. AND as consciousness you will gradually shift out of fear and pain into love and health… birthing yourself anew. AND the world will follow your loving example of transformation. AND so it has been written.   Barbara Franken… Creative Visionary & Master CreatorInspiring New Energy Consciousness & Multi-Dimensional Living   A paperback and Digital Book is available from all Major online stores… Amazon and Apple   I share my own magical journey, exploring Who I AM with the help of nine Elemental Beings and expand from a world of fear, struggle and limitation into a New Energy Consciousness of love, grace and freedom. It is in this loving space that I discover my Divine and ALL LOVING self and allow myself to integrate together as one Body Consciousness… a DivineHumanBeing… and Magnificent Master Creator who expresses and creates heart and soul passion on the physical plane and beyond.   Join my MasterCreator Class and emerge yourself in the celebration of life through dance, song, art, relaxed inner journeys and beyond everything known… preparing yourself for your NEW role on New Earth.   There is no time like the present moment to Sign Up and give YOURSELF this magnificent gift… More Info: MasterCreator Class All the money raised from my books and classes go to my non-profit association The Magnificent Consciousness that holds free local projects in Benalmadena, Spain.

Marina Pearson is one of our Javea members.  She is a bestselling author, speaker and specialist in transforming your stress into effortless living and being in Joy!  Marina is revolutionising the understanding of stress and overwhelm for Mums to transform into unadulterated joy.   Lovely to meet you here Marina – when did your business journey start? It started back in 2011 when I was fired from my music business job. I knew then that I wouldn’t work for anyone again.    Whatever aspect of your business we look at, its always about effortless – can you tell us more of your experience as to why you choose that as a theme (or did it choose you?) We use the terms struggling, stuck as words to describe how we are experiencing business/life. I see these moments as states of mind. A mind that is searching that takes you out of the present moment.  Effortless for me is when you have clarity of mind and when you are in the present moment – without analysis. Some would call it flow/mental clarity. It’s possible to experience regardless of the circumstances. You see how we feel doesn’t come from our situations or other people. It comes from the thinking we have on the moment 100 percent of the time. The insights and realizations we have help us to declutter the mental chaos that we experience which is why over time we can spend more time in that peace and mental clarity I speak of. This is how we experience effortlessness.    What has been the ah-ha moment in your life and how did you cope with it?  Any special tips? I have had many. And keep having them. If I were to chose one it would be – we are built for insight. Who we are is universal intelligence in disguise.    You have written a new book Joy of Being – what can we expect to learn and understand within its pages?   The book points to 2 truths   We are always feeling our thinking 100 percent of the time  We are divinity in disguise  If you insightfully see this – you will experience more joy and miracles!!   What does ‘being’ mean to you? It’s a state of mind – being – in the present moment. Experiencing life without anything on our minds.   Who, or what is your main source of inspiration for joy / being and why?  My main source is the wisdom I experience. The intelligence that exists and that created us. Am in awe of it and am always extremely humbled by it.    Coaching is very much part of our world today – what does it mean to you and what would be the benefits of having a coach? For me, it’s about having someone sitting to really listen and understand your world. To create an environment for you to have your own insights. Coaching is hugely beneficial as it helps us uncover our blind spots that stop us from living the life we want. It makes navigating life easier. When you know how a sliding door works – you won’t be attempt to open and close it!      One thing you will achieve in 2019 to being you joy of being? To successfully launch (to have about 500 mums do the course this year)  my online #MumRelief: Back To Balance online course – to free mums of the mental burdens of motherhood and modern day life 🙂      What books have you read this year because they inspired you? why?   The Missing Link by Sydney Banks  The Enlightened Gardner by Sydney Banks Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert M. Sapolsky Clarity by Jamie Smart   I am guessing you are a lover of quotes – what is your favourite and why?       “And in this game of life, we all search for ourselves. When I say selves, I mean ‘inner selves’, the thing that created the life in the first place. Now consciously, most of us are not aware of this. But if you’re searching for happiness; if you’re searching for tranquility; if you’re searching just to have a nice, peaceful, loving, understanding life… in actual fact, you’re searching for your inner self.” by Sydney Banks  It really speaks to who we are and what we are made of. It’s also the quote that changed my life and set me on course to have the life I have today – one where I experience love and understanding as my default not as exception.    What would be your advice to the younger you? Relax. All the loneliness, depressions and suicidal thinking you have ever felt isn’t who you are. You experience these moments but they are not who you are. Notice the glimpses of joy – these moments are what you can trust and share insight into who you are.    I am waving my magic make it happen wand – what dream are you daydreaming about? To be in a committed relationship where love and understanding is the foundation that it stands on.    What’s your preferred method of connecting with you?   Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/fromfrazzledtofree/ Instagram – https://instagram.com/marinapearson   And if mums want to download their chapter www.marinapearson.com/chapter I can communicate to them better via email.  

Deadlines. Punctuality. Some people are always too late. Some people want to schedule everything to the exact minute. Why? What are these cultural differences and HOW do you deal with it EASILY. . Watch this video and find out:   . Punctuality.  UK and Germany VS India and Latin America (Cultural Differences) . Dealing with new cultures can be exciting, but also challenging. Whether you work with clients across the world, or have neighbours or  colleagues from diverse cultures, being aware of these differences will help you. . Tell me how you have experienced some ‘’timing’’ differences. Comment below. . .  Here’s the link to watch it on YouTube and SUBSCRIBE https://youtu.be/WXXqdDzwWrg  Find Free resources below each video. .  Feel free to share your questions in the comments or here below. I’d love to hear your experiences. Happy Journey, Rachel

From the blog, our 2014 interview with Nancy and Regina aka The Spain Scoop.  What has life been like for two Americans now living in Barcelona?  Why Spain? NANCY: Having lived in the same country all my life, I wanted to experience the world anew. Newness meant new food, traditions, architecture, art. I owned a company and designed products for the gift industry; very creative and hard work. All my businesses have involved my creative side.  Allowing my creativity to flow, being with beauty and being with creative people are passions.  REGINA: I’m from Portland, Oregon, USA. I left the rain about 11 years ago searching for adventure and sunny weather. That desire took me first to Costa Rica and then for a few years to Guatemala. From Guatemala I moved to Spain, having never been before. Barcelona was my pick because it’s on the sea, near France, and close to great wine! Also the art and architecture appeals to me. Long story short, I had dreamed of living in Spain and made that dream a reality. When I moved in 2005 I didn’t realize that I was moving to Catalonia, which, depending on who you ask, is not Spain. How did you decide to live in Barcelona? NANCY: I had never been to Barcelona but had been to other cities in Spain.  Barcelona had it all.  Mountains. Sea. Seventy museums. I moved as a single woman, knew no one in Spain, and knew I could do very well in a city with many options.  REGINA: Barcelona has the Mediterranean Sea, art, wild architecture and a sunny climate. It’s also more laid-bak and smaller than Madrid. Don’t get me wrong, Madrid is a cool city, but Barcelona is a better fit for me. Describe Spain in 5 words? NANCY: Aqua/blue    vibrant    food    wine     Art Nouveau architecture     REGINA: Castilian, Basque, Catalan, Galician, Occitan Are you a serial expat or is Barcelona now home? NANCY: I live in Barcelona and also spend time in France.  REGINA: I’ve never heard ‘serial expat’ before. I like it! I am not always on the move. Barcelona is my base. Will it always be so? I doubt it. I travel often and when I do I compare the cities I visit to Barcelona and ask myself, Could I live here? So far, Lisbon and Copenhagen have come close, but no place quite compares to Barcelona. I’m open to new places, if they call to me. I’ve been here for eight years and have a dog (The Blog Dog), a Catalan husband, and a flat. The Spain Scoop – how did that start? NANCY: With almost 700 posts and counting on The Spain Scoop, I would not have guessed this history was going to unfold. Regina and I met in a writer’s group.  We liked each others writing style and felt our styles complimented one another.  Regina suggesed we start a fun, expert travel guide to Spain  REGINA: I had heard about blogging back in 2007 and wanted to start one on Barcelona. Later, I met Nancy at a writer’s group in the city (a good place to meet interesting people) and asked her if she wanted to collaborate. She did! We had NO idea what we were doing, but we had a lot of passion. In the end, we decided to feature all of Spain, not just Barcelona. Our site differs in this way from other travel sites, in that we are not global – it’s just Spain, all the time! Where do you see The Spain Scoop in 5 years? NANCY: Regina and I attend travel conferences and want to stay on top of the technology in the blogosphere.  We will continue to hire consultants to assist us.  We want to increase our advertising revenues.  We will continue to combine travel info with personal experience.   We are not a ‘turn right here,’ ‘directions to the aiport’ kind of travel site.  REGINA: Hmmm, we have so many ideas, and not enough hours in the day. I think it will be interesting to see where blogs and online guides are in 5 years in general. One thing I’d like to see us doing is a eBook guide to several Spanish cities and also tours. “The problem has always been, that adventure trumps authority, curiosity forgets responsibility, and that the world is too unimaginably large to allow permanence.” – Regina, tell me more REGINA: Well, just that I think people get too caught up in what they ‘must’ do to think about what they ‘want’ to do. Some might say that it was irresponsible for me to move to Spain without a job, house, or friend to greet me, but I don’t think so. And it wasn’t an easy undertaking to come here alone, but eight years later I know it was the right choice. Generally, I’m restless and feel the need to ‘see it all’, which means being open to moving and changing…evolving. I’m the sort of person who never walks home the same way, always choosing a different route in order to feed the ‘curiosity beast’ or have a mini-adventure within the daily routine. Favourite childhood book? NANCY: Babar The Elephant REGINA: Anything by Roald Dahl. I especially liked ‘The Witches’. “Balls Under The Christmas Tree” – Nancy, tell us more! NANCY: My first writing endeavor was a play which I wrote, produced and directed in fourth grade.  It was performed in the family dining room.  Daisy the cat gave it two yawns.  I have no idea what the play was about but imagine it was horribly boring.  I loved the creative process. Regina, what has been your greatest challenge, whether personal or business? REGINA: As far as our business, The Spain Scoop, the challenge has been technology. Nancy and I had to learn a lot about how to run a professional WordPress site and also hire to our needs. We’re still learning. It’s a challenge to be a computer programmer, social media guru, writer, photographer, manager, editor, accountant, and marketing crack all at once. We do it all, because it’s our passion, but it’s not always easy. Regina, walking the Camino – we have a few members just about to start.  What advice would you give them? REGINA: I just did the last 110kms, which is the minimum to make it ‘count’ officially. My motivation for doing El Camino was a story I was writing about it. I went with my friend Terje, who I met in Guatemala way back when. We worked at a tequila bar together. It was a lot of fun (El Camino and the tequila bar). Advice: get the right shoes and break them in before you go; pack VERY light like two outfits – one on you and the other in the pack – and a coat and poncho; get into it and meet people! There is such an open and friendly vibe on El Camino that you are sure to make many friends along the way. I’m still in touch with several people I met during my walk. Nancy, women moving to Spain alone, what advice would you give them? NANCY: Follow your dreams. Do it.  Don’t stress over the details.  I moved with no place to live, didn’t know the language, and schelped two suitcases.  Join expat groups.  Friends you meet through these will become your family.  Frustrations are part of the move.  Live with it. Know it will get better and enjoy the wonderment of the new. Your table of 8; who would you invite to dinner and what would you eat NANCY: Michelle and Barak Obama.  Oprah, one of the greatest spiritual leaders and change agents the U.S. has experienced.  My two daughters.  Georgia O’Keefe.  Margaret Sanger.  Frank Sinatra. REGINA: Living in Spain my family is far away on the West Coast of the United States. I miss them. We talk on Skype and whatnot, but I’d choose them everyday over dinner with Joan of Arc or Cleopatra. We’d eat large pans of Fideuà , white wine, and tiramisu for dessert. Yum! What is on your wish list that you WILL achieve this year? NANCY: I love my life as it is.  The only thing differently I would do is to go back to the States four times a year and visit my family. REGINA: I have a new goal: one country for every year lived. I’m 31 and I’ve been to 29 countries. I need 2 more ASAP in 2013! So far, Croatia is planned, but I’m not sure what number 31 will be yet. Montenegro?… Something you would tell your teenage self. NANCY: Love yourself and value your individually.  Don’t try to conform to fit it.  Honor your strengths even if they aren’t popular.  REGINA: Pay attention in Spanish class. Regina, your life would be much simplier if… REGINA: Fideuà , white wine, and tiramisu were ‘diet-friendly’ foods…. How do we find out more about you REGINA: I’ve got my own website which is: http://regwb.com/ NANCY: Mine is http:www.nancy-todd.com AND The Spain Scoop The Spain Scoop: http://www.thespainscoop.com/ and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Spain-Scoop/137235449670775 Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/103637380342673909380/posts Twitter https://twitter.com/TheSpainScoop  Thank you Scoopettes!