Saturday Morning Psoas & Mystery with Erin

Erin Curren 8:45am + 10:00am (CT)

Saturday 6/29/24 Erin is teaching both the 8:45am Nia 5 Stages class and the 10:00am class.

With our June Challenge of Freedom for Creativity, Erin has curated 2 lovely experiences…

DAY  29 - Freedom to Stimulate Body Centered Creativity

Nudge you out of habit--TAI CHI, slowing down, does this for me! This Saturday explore how to discover your authentic, creative self--as ever, an unfolding happens during class between stepping in and stepping out, in which we see ourselves and sense ourselves in new waysfeed your brain with new, novel and fascinating information and experiencesgo on a hero's/heroine's journey, discover new places in your imagination and emotions, in the telling of your journey...stimulate health and well being throughout your body and life--all the goodness of Nia's 52 movesauthenticity ~ explore you doing what you dothrough the story of a journey through different landscapes, with different encounters of elements, animals, inner delights, and more

FOCUS, 5 STAGES: how psoas relates to stability in the core, which is challenged and strengthened along the hero's journey! ;)

FOCUS "MYSTERY" 10AM: creative imagining, visual storytelling

INTENT: connect to your own journey of discovery

ROUTINE: MYSTERY

MUSIC: NIA SOUNDS MYSTERY

TEACHER: Erin

Kin 252: Yellow Overtone Human

Your Galactic Affirmation is:

I Empower in order to Influence

Commanding Wisdom

I seal the Process of Free Will

With the Overtone tone of Radiance

I am guided by the power of Universal Fire

A Double HYBRID classes = 2 great choices:

1. Online via Zoom and/or

2. Enjoy a 24 hour replay

Usual Class Rates apply: Drop in for $15, buy a class pass or consider signing up for the 30 Day Challenge 30 classes, 30 days $99 and receive the class as part of your package!

This movement experience is suitable for beginners and people of all different fitness backgrounds.

In the Nia 5 Stages, you are invited to a place of sensitivity that enables you to observe and release the sensation of stress and embrace the sensations of Dynamic Ease, Pleasure, and comfort. Beginning with the Nia 5 Stages class, which most often is described as a luxurious healing hour of setting the focus for the 10am movement experience that follows.

“Nudge you out of habit—TAI CHI, slowing down, does this for me! ”

— Erin Curren

When you sign up for a class you are automatically sent the Zoom link for class. You can also find links for class at the top of our private Facebook Group, in “Featured": https://www.facebook.com/groups/helenterry

You are welcome to attend either class. And, when you’re able to attend both classes, something magic happens! The entire Nia 5 stages class is like a rich 60 minute introduction to the 10am Nia class, a beautiful compliment and super preparation.

In this gentle, self discovering, potentially healing Nia 5 stages experience

• your body gets to settle into and taste the Nia class focus

• your mind can learn new and novel information,

• your heart may open to receive more with fascination up and frustration down

• your spirit could be tickled and curious to experience more

Monthly Cuppa for St Jude

Our monthly “Community Cuppa” is a super time to visit Soma Ranch. Please join us for this lovely local community get together, on July 1 at 11am after class. This event is a fundraiser for our ““Soma Charity Partner”. All donations collected go towards St. Jude. We will be celebrating Summer and all the bright things happening in and around our community.

Enjoy Coffee or Tea, Health snacks, Fabulous conversation, and Great Company. This month we’ll be celebrating the grand finale of our annual fundraiser.

You’ll get to meet some fabulous local ladies (and sometimes men) who love to dance and leave feeling inspired. You’re welcome, and encouraged, to bring friends!

Entertain coming early to enjoy a “double scoop!” Dance at the 10am Nia Class before Cuppa at 11am.

If you prefer to dip your toe rather than dive in, you are welcome to sit and watch the Nia Class..

“After reading about the
monthly community cuppa,
and seeing the photos,
in the newsletter for years
I had a surreal experience,
to be attending in person”

— Caroline, Nia Brown Belt

Our next “Monthly Cuppa” is Monday, June 3, 2025.

https://www.somaranch.com/jude

Congratulations Nia Brown Belts

Congratulations Nia Brown Belt graduates; Jules, Julie, Natasha. Gratitude to repeaters Gigi, Sue and Lesa. Big thank you to Angela, Sarah, Gerise, Peggy and Krista who attended and retreated for part of the week, enjoying meals, some brown belt session reviews and joys.

The following photos give “favorite frames” of what happens at Soma Ranch.

• A favorite joy to witness is the life long, deep and meaningful friendships that are fostered during an immersive Nia Training retreat at Soma Ranch

• Celebration photo on the fence at the end of a Nia 7 day training is a precious moment in time, shared with Soma Ranch and Nature in all their glory

• As a Nia trainer, standing in the center of our circle at graduation I feel incredibly blessed and fortunate to be in the presence of such amazing humans who have been present, kind and vibrant throughout their training

• At the Nia Brown belt the special extra photo under “The Brown Belt” tree is usually an incredibly symbolic of growth. This year we were so in the flow we neglected this detail (Helen plans to photo shop a “recreation”) This was the 11th Nia Brown belt training hosted at Soma Ranch. At the first Debbie Rosas presented Helen (and Soma Ranch) with a 3 foot oak tree. The tree is now 11 times it’s size!

• Enjoying non alcoholic sparkling cider, witnessing the bubbles, hearing the fizz, giggling out our accomplishments is a sweet part of our graduation traditions.

• Joe is an artist with food, he provides fun visual yummy surprises at our graduation lunch. Like the Soma Ranch logo cut from a red bell pepper on top of guacamole and the Nia logo stenciled from paprika on top of home made hummus.

• Thank you Natasha, as a member of our teaching team and helpful participant, your role as joyful photographer is much appreciated.

• Something we LOVE about trainings and our adaptable tables in the dining hall, is the ability to all sit around the same table on the last meal. One by one we share favorite frames experienced from the Nia training week together, from life changing to laughable moments, the shares blend together into a beautiful, most touching, closing sharing circle.

Congratulations Nia Brown Belts. What an honor to share this experience with you at Soma Ranch, for friendships to deepen and opportunities to open.

Dreams come true as we celebrate our 11th Nia Brown Belt Immersive Retreat here at Soma Ranch. Congratulations Nia Brown Belts! YOU inspire, support and encourage us to keep on keepin’ on at Soma Ranch.

Now, as we say in Texas “y’all come back and see us soon now, y’ah here!”

Soma Class Rates

from $20.00

Soma Ranch Classes: Select Soma Ranch Classes $20 | Drop In$75 | 5 class pass$130 | 10 class pass$60 | Day Retreat$25 | Lunch or Dinner$25 | Sauna$96 | 60 Min Massage$145 | 90 Min Massage

Buy NOW

Nia Brown Belt Graduation

Congratulations FABULOUS Nia Brown Belts. You showed up, you shared, you shined, you succeeded. May you be returning home inspired, filled with energy and memories to enhance you dance and live your life fully.

Congratulations Nia Brown Belts. What an honor to share this experience with you at Soma Ranch, for friendships to deepen and opportunities to open.

Dreams come true as we celebrate our 11th Nia Brown Belt Immersive Retreat here at Soma Ranch. Congratulations Nia Brown Belts! YOU inspire, support and encourage us to keep on keepin’ on at Soma Ranch.

Now, as we say in Texas “y’all come back and see us soon now, y’ah here!”

Soma Class Rates

from $20.00

Soma Ranch Classes: Select Soma Ranch Classes $20 | Drop In$75 | 5 class pass$130 | 10 class pass$60 | Day Retreat$25 | Lunch or Dinner$25 | Sauna$96 | 60 Min Massage$145 | 90 Min Massage

Buy NOW

JULY Challenge of Sensational Movement

Sale

Each month for 2024 we feature a New Fun Challenge (See full list below).

For the month of July welcome to our focus of "Sensation"

Focus: Sensation in Movement

Intent: Taste the flavors of fitness with joy and community

Sign up: www.somaranch.com/booking/challenge

All 30 classes are provided online via Zoom.

The July Challenge “Sensation in Movement” is all about sizzling sensations and joy of movement. Providing you with classes that provide tastes of the flavors of fitness we often in Nia call the FAMSS; Flexibility, Agility, Mobility, Strength, Stability.

Some classes will explore the benefits of one of these sensations for example

• Flexibility, where we will explore the sensation of energy out, like laser beams extending down and through our bones, with the intent to feel lighter and longer.

• Strength, where we will explore the sensation of energy in, with muscles like sponges squeezing and releasing in and around our bones, with the intent to feel taller and stronger.

Other classes will explore duality and contrast between these sensations, for example.

• Mobility and Stability, where we will explore the sensation of balanced motion through the Body’s way of simultaneous stability and mobility of the body

• Agility and Stability, where we will explore the sensation of start and stop action in motion in relationship with the support of body and mind stability

• Flexibility and Strength, were we will explore the duality, and motion of, movement into and away from the body

A month to help

• improve your fitness

• feed your brain with new novel and fascinating information and experiences

• stimulate health and well being throughout your body and life

• provide balance and a holistic approach to fitness and movement

• enhance your dance with safety, comfort and pleasure

The “challenge” will provide a variety of modalities including Nia, Moving to Heal, Feldenkrais, Ageless Grace, 52 Moves, Move IT, offered by a stellar team of teachers, Helen Terry + Rock Stars and Special Guests. How to give gratitude for being able to move, feel vibrant, healthy and well, from an abundance of choice and variety.

Duality Foci will include:

strength | flexibility

mobility | stability

agility| mobility

flexibility | stability

stillness | motion

doing | non-doing

Would you like to join us? Gain support and encouragement from a lovely welcoming community? Be inspired to develop a daily practice of self care through movement.

https://www.somaranch.com/booking/challenge

When you sign up for the July 30 day challenge by June 28th you can bring a friend for FREE!

Receive 30 classes that include: 30 mins, 60 mins, Nia, Nia 5 Stages, Feldenkrais, Fabulous Rock Stars and Saturday Special guests.

Program includes Support, Coaching, Education, Community, Connection and lots of laughs along the way.

All for $99.

The Nia Sensations of Fitness include:

• Flexibility

• Agility

• Mobility

• Strength

• Stability

Other dynamics to be explored include Stillness, Balance and Force

Sale

30 Day “Journey with Movement”

Sale Price: $99.00 Original Price: $120.00

Join our ONLINE 30 day Soma class “Journey with Movement” for only $99

• Receive a gift; 30 Day “Journey with Movement” with Helen & Friends, to give to anyone new to the program. (WHEN YOU REGISTER BY 28th of the PREVIOUS MONTH)

• Receive LIVE classes + Enjoy 24 hour replays

• 30 classes (Nia, 52 Moves, Feldenkrais, Moving to Heal, Ageless Grace)

• 3 x 30 min 8am Classes + 3 x 60 min 10am classes a week (US Central Time)

• 1 Weekly Nia 5 stages healing class

• Great Beginners Introduction to Nia

• Feel supported and stay motivated

• Learn more about Nia

• Learn the 52 moves of Nia

• Learn about Nia 5 stages

• Experience Feldenkrais Method

• Experience Ageless Grace

• Receive information about anatomy

• Develop a healthy regular practice

• Meet people from all over the world!

• Be part of a fabulous community

• Connect, cheer and encourage

• Supportive Private Facebook Group.

• Adapt to Your Body’s Way and Life

• Learn about The Body’s Way

• Combine LIVE class + 24 hour replays

• Sustain Fantastic Somatic Movement every day for 30 days!

CLICK HERE to learn more about the 365 day journey with movement.

Options: Select Options DecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovember

BUY NOW

When bringing a guest for free for the month thank you for completing the following form. The only information required is your Name and Email address, your Guest’s Name and Email address, and confirmation that your guest is new to the 30 day challenge. The other information is optional (helpful when available). Then scroll to the bottom and click submit.

Soma News

For the Record, Owner Joe Terry is an amazing creative constructive craftsman at Soma Ranch.

Howdy from Soma Ranch!

Our Nia Brown Belt Retreat week begins today! (Thursday)

Joe is like Santa, making his lists, checking them twice to be sure of feeding the 6 full time guests and 5 “drop in for mini retreat” Guests and 3 “day spa with Lunch” guests. Check out this amazing “table seating” sign Joe created. Maybe we’ll move into the creative wedding business!

Our June 30 day Movement challenge continues, with some lovely feedback and comments. We’ve opened up registration for the July challenge and encourage you to sign up by the 28th to be able to bring a friend for free.

Helen is continuing the creativity theme this week. With Brown Belt, Full Moon, and Solstice all coming together, we’ve opened up the Fun Friday Blue Monkey to YOU. Check out more information about how to Embrace New Beginnings Under the Summer Solstice Full Moon from Dr Deb Kern. Here’s a summary of classes this week:

• Fri 08:00am Full Moon Solstice Blue Monkey

• Sat 08;45am Nia 5 Stages “Spirals”

• Sat 10:00am “Afro Celt”

• Sun 05:00pm Soma Faith “Kaleidoscope”

• Mon 10:00am Nia “ChakraDancer”

As we turn the half way point on 2024 the Soma Teaching Team celebrate how as individuals and as a group we continue to flourish, grow and enjoy the challenge process. This week Natasha taught an incredible Nia 5 Stages experience, while Paul continues to evolve with excellence in his “Fun Friday” experiences (check back next week for video). We’re unsure what we will do after 2024, however we are ferociously determined and inspired to continue to grow in 2024. We’d love you to join us.

During our special Nia Brown Belt Retreat (June 20 - 26). Come enjoy an over night retreat, a day retreat or drop in for classes. Everyone is encouraged to attend classes (ONLINE or in person).

The July Nia White Belt is also filling up nicely. With 8 people already registered, we’ve decided to gift everybody who signs up for the course with the June 30 day challenge. A perfect way to bring ease, connection and joyful anticipation of our time together. Would you like to join us?

Interest in our Budapest Retreat in November during the Nia Blue Belt has been very popular. We have expanded to create 2 experience choices.

(1) enjoy traveling with Helen to Budapest during the November Nia Blue Belt.

(2) enjoy traveling with Helen through Europe, (London, Bristol, Budapest, Vienna, Prague) enjoying Nia classes and special events, getting to meet several local communities and having a grand time. Be sure to email helen@somaranch.com if you are curious to learn more.

Be well, with love from

Helen, Joe, the team and all the fond 4 legged friends at Soma.

ChakraDancer

Monday, June 24, 10am enjoy a Chakra Movement Meditation with Helen Terry ONLINE, In Person or Via 24HR Replay

Chakra Movement Meditation 2024

$20.00

Enjoy a magical, multi media, meditative movement experience, with 7 songs from the ChakraDancer CD. Experience:

• modulating through the 7 tones of the 7 charkas,

• illuminated by the light of the chakra through the room,

• guided through choreography specifically designed to align with each chakras.

The simple moves, and rich experience, provide you with an opportunity to

• relax your thinking mind,

• find pleasure in your moves and

• delve into healing for your Soma (Body Mind & Soul).

Regular Class Rates Apply

Fantastic Intro to Nia 5 Stages

Check out this fabulous introduction to Nia 5 Stages by Soma Ranch Rock Star Teacher, Natasha Villeneuve. We’ve edited the clip to give you the beginning and the end of the class to give you a feel for the experience.

Please entertain joining us any (or every!) Saturday at 8:45am (Central Time).

Each year we cover all the foundational 52 Nia 5 stages lessons. This coming Saturday Helen is teaching Nia 5 Stages “Spiral” class. The weekly Saturday Nia 5 stages is always included in the 30 day movement challenges.

Each year we provide all 52 NIa 5 stages lessons. One every Saturday at 8:45am). Here’s the schedule for class for all of 2024.

“The Five Stages Training takes a focused look at Nia’s integrative movement practice based on 5 developmental stages of the human experience, from embryonic to walking. When incorporated, these five movement stages have the power to holistically facilitate optimal alignment as well as improve function and comfort in the body.”

— Nia Technique

Soma Faith Kaleidoscope

Sunday 06/23/24 Soma Ranch Co-Owner, Helen Terry, is leading a special Soma Faith Dance at 5pm Helen’s latest “work in progress”, Kaleidoscope.

A fabulous class where we explore the relationship between the many parts of us (Body, Mind, Emotion, Spirit), with the many parts of our body (Bones, Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments, Skin) to express movement from the inside out, heart to hands, earth to heaven, with the intent to feel relaxed, expressive and fulfilled.

“ka·lei·do·scope
/kəˈlīdəˌskōp/
a constantly changing pattern
or sequence of objects or elements.
”the dancers moved
in a kaleidoscope of color””

— Oxford Dictionary

Soma Faith Class

from $5.00

Welcome to Soma Faith 5pm Sunday “Pop Ups” at Soma Ranch. These special Sunday events don’t happen every week. Please email helen@somaranch.com if you’d like to be including in the Soma Faith News List.

SOMA FAITH

Online (Via Zoom), In Person (at Soma Ranch), or via 24HR recording, come Praise, Dance, Worship, Workout, Pray, Connect, Move and Sweat with us!

We're in for a GLORIOUS TIME singing, praising and dancing to Christian music.

All Faiths and Fitness Levels Welcome.

Helen Terry creates all inspiring Christian workout/worship experiences. They combine her passion for Christ, with her love for movement and fitness and Nia.

Helen brings more than 35 years experience with holistic fitness and wellness.

Receive zoom link for class and 24 HR replay by clicking “PURCHASE”

Classes are on a sliding scale, choose your price $5 - $100.

• Pay for a class

• Pay for the month

• Pay as you go

• Make a one time payment

The choice is yours.

We never want finances to get in the way of your opportunity to connect, move and be moved through our Soma Faith program. We appreciate your support and how you give.

We never want religion to get in the way of your opportunity. All beliefs and faiths are welcome. Helen will pray at the beginning and end of the experience, and the name Jesus will be mentioned. All are welcome.

50% of all funds collected go towards our Soma Charity: St Jude.

Payment Option: Select Payment Option $5$10$15$20$30$50$100$500

PURCHASE

This classes are Triple HYBRID, where you can choose:

1. In Person at Soma Ranch

2. LIVE Online via Zoom and/or

3. Enjoy a 24 hour replay

This movement experience is suitable for beginners and people of all different fitness backgrounds.

“Each time you look at a kaleidoscope, new beautiful arrangements appear magically. This figuratively suggests that one should approach the most difficult situations in life by changing one’s attitude to the circumstances because life is truly amazing. It also means there is so much to look forward to, regardless of the worst lows you might encounter. Things fall apart sometimes, but they can always be put back together even if in a different pattern, much like the stunning art in a kaleidoscope.”

Sir David Brewster, the Scottish scientist, invented this wonderful instrument in 1816 when he experimented with light polarization. He mixed up a few Greek words that meant “observer of beautiful shapes” and succinctly came up with the word “kaleidoscope”.

When you sign up for a class you are automatically sent the Zoom link for class.

Embrace New Beginnings Under the Summer Solstice Full Moon

Blue Monkey Class

$20.00

Usually our “Fun Friday” Blue Monkey 8am Experience is exclusive to 30 day challengers. This Friday you are welcome to join us ONLINE (or in PERSON) for this special Full Moon celebration that coincides with the Summer Solstice.

A blue monkey class is where

1. the participants bring song requests

2. the teacher (Helen) teaches on the fly “Improv’”

3. together we co-create a fabulous magical experience

Please

1. sign up for the class

2. email helen@somaranch.com your song request

3. click the zoom link or show up to class (doors open 7:45am)

FYI 50% of class proceeds go towards our annual St Jude fundraiser.

Friday’s Full Moon coincides with the Summer Solstice, marking the halfway point of 2024. This cosmic event nudges us to set intentions for how we want the second half of the year to unfold. With *two* Capricorn Full Moons this year, it’s a rare chance to start fresh. This first Full Moon is the start of a journey that concludes with the second Full Moon on July 21st.

Here’s some fabulous information from our dear friend Dr Deb Kern:

**Why is this special?**

Full Moons are for letting go and making space for the new. This June Full Moon may reveal hidden emotions and truths. Allow these feelings to surface and breathe.

**A Wave of Emotions**

With Full Moons bookending Cancer Season , expect themes of emotions, compassion, and home life. Cancer energy urges us to nurture ourselves and our loved ones.

Capricorn’s influence might feel heavy or restrictive, teaching us about boundaries and clarifying our needs.

**Solstice Energy**

The June Capricorn Full Moon coincides with the Solstice, boosting its power. The Universe urges us to clear any blocks to our dreams. Often, the biggest obstacle is our own lack of acceptance.

Reflect on the intentions set under the December Solstice of 2023. What’s manifested? What needs releasing for your dreams to come true?

**Embrace Acceptance and Responsibility**

Acceptance is key. When we accept who we are and take responsibility, we align with the Universe.

**Practical Steps for the Capricorn Full Moon:**

1. **Reflect and Journal** : Track emotions and insights. Watch the story unfold by July.

2. **Set Boundaries** : Be clear about your needs and communicate them.

3. **Embrace Change** : Trust new beginnings, even if the path is unclear.

4. **Acceptance and Responsibility** : Accept where you are and own your journey.

This Capricorn Full Moon is a time to release, reflect, and renew. Trust the process, embrace new beginnings, and step boldly onto your new path.

Wishing you a courageous heart for new beginnings,
Deb

THIS WEEK IN DEB KERN’S VIRTUAL DANCE STUDIO

Shake off the stagnancy, connect to the Divine, and step into your power — radiant, clear, and free!  

 Friday, June 21st — Embrace New Beginnings 

Join Deb Kern for a transformative PranaShakti class that aligns with the powerful energies of the Capricorn Full Moon and the Summer Solstice, marking the halfway point of 2024. This session offers a unique opportunity to release old energies and set intentions for the second half of the year through conscious dance, healing breathwork, and guided meditation.

 
9am CDT / 7am PDT / 10am EDT / 2pm London

Click Here to Register

If you cannot attend live, you can still register for the class to receive a downloadable replay. To find your time zone, click here.

UPCOMING RETREATS with Deb Kern:

There is ONE spot left for a female shared room in Kenya 2026!

Claim Your Spot

For a New Beginning
by John O'Donohue

In out-of-the-way places of the heart,
Where your thoughts never think to wander,
This beginning has been quietly forming,
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time, it has watched your desire,
Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,
Noticing how you willed yourself on,
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the gray promises that sameness whispered,
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,
Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream,
A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not yet clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life's desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure;
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;
Soon, you will be home in a new rhythm,
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

Saturday Morning AfroCelt Spirals

Super excited to be sharing this special Saturday, 10am Class via Zoom. Adapted from an original Nia routine “SkyDancing” by Carlos Aya Rosas. The AfroCelt Experience leads us through a journey of discovery, with the Core and Extremities (Legs and Arms).

We explore:

• Gift of Travel ~ Legs - Low Extremities

• Gift of expression ~ Arms - Upper Extremities

• Gift of connection ~ Core

“I LOVE this routine. It’s a well refined vertical routine that transcends me to a different time, takes me to a fitness level that I love to reach and I think carries the class along with me! I love the look on participants faces. when we are in the peak of get moving, the expression says something like “wow! how did I get here!””

— Helen Terry

This Saturday let’s come together to dance and sense spirals. The spiral is the path of movement in a human being and almost all organic growth – plants spiral up. A tightrope walker has to practice a really longtime to walk on a straight line. Our natural walk is a shifting, a spiraling back and forth. Our breath spirals. Even an idea spirals – it begins, spirals up, goes back down, and then we say something.

“We are not going in circles, we are going upwards. The path is a spiral; we have already climbed many steps.”

— Hermann Hesse

FOCUS: Celebrate Spirals through Core + Extremities

INTENT: Leave invigorated and inspired with a sense of greater connection through your body and beyond. Connect the dots physically and energetically.

ROUTINE: AfroCelt

MUSIC:  Afro Celt III “Further in Time”

An Album like “Further in Time”, with a band like Afro Celt Sound System, creates a fun, fabulous and expansive sound back drop from which to choreograph moves. The result being a magical experience.
A routine inspired from the SkyDancing routine designed by Carlos Aya Rosas. In class I choose to give thanks to Carlos Aya Rosas, for all the life changing inspiration he has brought to my life and the lives of many….

“There are no bones in the human body that are straight, there is a roundness and a spiraling action to most bones.
The forearm bones are the only two that spiral over each other. Energy moves along a curved line more functionally versus a straight line. ”

— Nia 5 Stages

oh MY!! in preparation for my classes tomorrow (teaching adapted version of Sky Dancing called Afro Celt (named after the band who plays the music LOL) I found this wonderful breakdown & visual display of a song (by Afro Celt)... how cool is this...

Beginning with the Nia 5 Stages class, which most often is described as a luxurious healing hour of setting the focus for the 10am movement experience that follows.

The 10am class will be “Afro Celt”, will be an experience led by Helen Terry that explores spirals in relationship with Core and Extremities.

Oh my! if you’d like to get a little geeky, or simply enjoy listening the this beautiful run of anatomy words with spiraling visuals. Check out this great video which provides a wonderful journey along the spiral line of the body.

“The spiral is a spiritualized circle. In the spiral form, the circle, uncoiled, has ceased to be vicious; it has been set free.”

— Vladimir Nabokov

“The whole universe is based on rhythms.
Everything happens in circles, in spirals.”

— John Hartford

When you sign up for a class you are automatically sent the Zoom link for class.

You are welcome to attend either class.

And, when you’re able to attend both classes, something magic happens! The entire Nia 5 stages class is like a rich 60 minute introduction to the 10am Nia class, a beautiful compliment and super preparation.

In this gentle, self discovering, potentially healing Nia 5 stages experience

• your body gets to settle into and taste the Nia class focus

• your mind can learn new and novel information,

• your heart may open to receive more with fascination up and frustration down

• your spirit could be tickled and curious to experience more

Oh what a night!

Over the past couple of weeks Joe Terry and Janet Chandler made this really cool table chart thing for a very special wedding… anyone in class at Soma Ranch for the past 2 weeks now you can see it in full glory.

Oh what a night! having known Jenna since she was 2, Soma Ranch Co-Owners, Joe and Helen, felt honored to witness her getting married and delighted to join in the celebrations.

Wonderful to catch up with the Chandler family, a lovely surprise to be sitting with neighbors who we haven’t seen in more than 10 years, and to make some new fabulous friends too.

One of our favorite moments was seeing the “Jenna with brothers dance”. One at a time, from oldest to youngest, the 4 brothers came up to dance with Jenna. Precious to see each of their personalities, the different ways of dancing and a window into each unique special relationship. = priceless.

At Soma Ranch, we’ve been selling “toys” (boat, RV, truck, car) to create more space in the barn for Joe to play and create. This recent project was certainly a taste of possibilities to come for Joe. As a very creative artist, we hope soon Joe will have both more time and space to explore arts and crafts.

Soma Ranch receives frequent enquiries about hosting weddings. So far we have chosen to provide accommodation for the wedding party, while they attend one of the 30+ venues in our area.

Jenna’s wedding, and also the wedding of our own daughter, has inspired us to rethink the possibility of offering special unique boutique bespoke intimate weddings for up to 18 guests at Soma Ranch. If you are interested, or have experienced such a wedding, or know of someone who is already offering this kind of service, please let us know.

Thank you Monthly Cuppas for St Jude

Our monthly “Community Cuppa” was a wonderful time for connection, conversation and support. Thank you Susanna, Kay, Peggy and Chris. We LOVED Celebrating Chris’ return with her new kidney and enjoyed checking in with all that this new season is bringing .

This event is a fundraiser for our ““Soma Charity Partner”. All donations collected go towards St. Jude. We raised $45 for our 2024 fundraiser and we are 12% there with a total of $597!

2024 Fundraiser Campaign

Please continue your prayers for Chris (most front, center) she has returned from Mayo Clinic with a new kidney.

Our next “Monthly Cuppa” is Monday, July 8th.

https://www.somaranch.com/jude

Every dollar donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital counts! Take a look at some of the possibilities that your effort could provide to the kids and families of St. Jude.

• Infant Care Supplies for 10 Babies: $50
  These supplies help parents and nurses care for babies in treatment and include items like diapers, baby bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, footies and heel warmers.

• Wagon: $70
  Wagons can make traveling through the halls of St. Jude easier for parents and more fun for a young child.

• Parties to celebrate birthdays, holidays and "coming off chemo": $75
  St. Jude provides parties, decorations, cakes and more to keep spirits high during the holidays and to celebrate special occasions like birthdays and a child's completion of chemotherapy treatment.

• Creative Toys: $100
  Play is an essential part of every child's life, and it's important for the children to have fun as often as possible. At St. Jude, colorful, toy-filled play areas are just as plentiful as exam rooms.

• Delicious Meals: $210
  St. Jude provides meal cards so that patients and families can enjoy the comfort and convenience of good, nutritious meals in the Kay Kafe, our cafeteria.

• One Day of Oxygen: $447
  Oxygen is key to keeping the immune system strong. A gift of oxygen can help a young body thrive and help fight cancer at the cellular level.

• Child-sized Wheelchairs: $700
  These special wheelchairs help children move easily through St. Jude.

• Airfare for a parent and child: $1,000 Average
  For a patient referred to St. Jude, the hospital covers the cost of airfare for a child and one parent or guardian.

2023 Fundraiser Campaign

Soma News

Joe burns off the worms’ web to let the birds get in there and help naturally descend the population.

Howdy from Soma Ranch!

This week we are in full preparation for our upcoming Nia Brown Belt Retreat week AND taking care of many outdoor tasks. Here’s a photo of one of Joe’s bright ideas. Our recent run of historic floods have created the perfect conditions for Web Worms. These little white worms cluster together and create protection by weaving a web like tent around them. Rather than using chemicals Joe created a curious contraption (pool pole, duck tape and a propane torch “BURNER”) he’s been burning off the webs to expose the worms, leaving the birds to “to get in there and help naturally descend population” READ MORE from Houston Chronicle

Our June 30 day Movement challenge continues, we still have folks signing up and would love for you to join us for a month of inspiration and encouragement:

Focus: Freedom in Movement through choice and variety.

Intent: Stimulate Body Centered Creativity

Helen is continuing the creativity theme this Saturday with 8:45am Nia 5 Stages Awareness of Bones into 10:00am SkyDancing. Then an extra special Monday 10am class where Helen adapts the choreography from SkyDancing to the music of Afro Celt III “Further into Time”.

Our Next Nia Training retreat at Soma Ranch is Nia Brown Belt (June 20 - 26). there’s still time (and room) to join us. Come for the training, a retake, a 7 day retreat, or drop in for sessions (if you’re a Brown Belt). Everyone is encouraged to attend classes (ONLINE or in person), or entertain a day retreats.

The July Nia White Belt is also filling up nicely. With 8 people already registered, we’ve decided to gift everybody who signs up for the course with the June 30 day challenge. A perfect way to bring ease, connection and joyful anticipation of our time together. Would you like to join us?

FYI we’re making plans for our Budapest Retreat in November during the Nia Blue Belt, with a fabulous lead on a large house where 10 participants can stay for a retreat, enjoy daily public classes with Helen, with the option to take/retake the course, or tour the most beautiful city of Budapest. Be sure to email helen@somaranch.com if you are curious to learn more.

Thank you Monthly Cuppa Community, we raised $45 towards St. Jude.

Be well, with love from

Helen, Joe, the team and all the fond 4 legged friends at Soma.

Afro Celt Creativity, Monday 10am Class

Super excited to be sharing this special Monday, June 10, 10am Class in Person, via Zoom or through 24HR replay. Adapted from an original Nia routine “SkyDancing” by Carlos Aya Rosas. The AfroCelt Experience leads us through a journey of discovery, with the Core and Extremities (Legs and Arms).

We explore:

• Gift of Travel ~ Legs - Low Extremities

• Gift of expression ~ Arms - Upper Extremities

• Gift of connection ~ Core

“I LOVE this routine. It’s a well refined vertical routine that transcends me to a different time, takes me to a fitness level that I love to reach and I think carries the class along with me! I love the look on participants faces. when we are in the peak of get moving, the expression says something like “wow! how did I get here!””

— Helen Terry

This Monday let’s come together to dance and explore creativity.

FOCUS: Celebrate Expressive Creativity through Core + Extremities

INTENT: Connect the dots physically and energetically.

ROUTINE: Afro-Celt

MUSIC:  Afro-Celt III “Further in Time”

An Album like “Further in Time”, with a band like Afro Celt Sound System, creates a fun, fabulous and expansive sound back drop from which to choreograph moves. The result being a magical experience.
A routine inspired from the SkyDancing routine designed by Carlos Aya Rosas.

oh MY!! in preparation for our adapted version of Sky Dancing called Afro Celt, I found this wonderful breakdown & visual display of a song (by Afro Celt)... how cool is this...

“The whole universe is based on rhythms.
Everything happens in circles, in spirals.”

— John Hartford

When you sign up for a class you are automatically sent the Zoom link for class.

Creativity of Bones SkyDancing

This Saturday we explore the creativity of Bones with “Awareness of Bones” Nia 5 Stages, followed by SkyDancing Creative bones at 10am:

We explore:

• Gift of Travel ~ Legs - Low Extremities

• Gift of expression ~ Arms - Upper Extremities

• Gift of connection ~ Core

This Saturday let’s come together to dance and sense creativity of bones. Every bone tells a story. Their shape and size indicate how they were designed to be used and moved. For example smaller bones are not designed to take as much weight as bigger bones. And more irregularly shaped bones are designed to offer more movement variety, compared to the more regularly shaped bones that bring more consistent movement.

“When you are born, you have about 300 bones that are made primarily of cartilage, which is a softer and flexible tissue. As you grow, the cartilage grows and it’s replaced - its composition, with the help of calcium, it turns into bone. As an adult, you have 206 bones”

— Nia 5 Stages

FOCUS: Creativity with bones through Core + Extremities

INTENT: Step out lightly, inspired with a sense of spacious connection through your body and beyond.

ROUTINE: SkyDancing

MUSIC:  Nia Sounds SkyDancing (Apple link below)

Driver 4:12

Clouds 6:33

Takshaka 10:42

Lung Fu 7:41

Come With Us 4:58

Maha Lakshmi 5:19

Denmark 5:07

Lavender Hill 4:31

Ascension 4:50

“Long arm and leg bones are like mechanical levers
– they can lift, reach, you can move them behind, across, etc.
Shorter bones are meant for articulation –
like the tiny bones of your spine, which are meant for intricate movement.”

— Nia 5 Stages

In preparation for our classes tomorrow (Sky Dancing) I found this wonderful breakdown & visual display of a bones, their structure, design and more.

Beginning with the Nia 5 Stages class, which most often is described as a luxurious healing hour of setting the focus for the 10am movement experience that follows.

The 10am class will be “SkyDancing”, will be an experience led by Helen Terry that explores spirals in relationship with Core and Extremities.

Oh my! if you’d like to get a little geeky, or simply enjoy listening the this beautiful run of anatomy words with spiraling visuals. Check out this great video which provides a wonderful exploration about the bones of the body.

“Bones are not only strong, but they’re very, very light”

— Nia 5 Stages

When you sign up for a class you are automatically sent the Zoom link for class.

You are welcome to attend either class.

And, when you’re able to attend both classes, something magic happens! The entire Nia 5 stages class is like a rich 60 minute introduction to the 10am Nia class, a beautiful compliment and super preparation.

In this gentle, self discovering, potentially healing Nia 5 stages experience

• your body gets to settle into and taste the Nia class focus

• your mind can learn new and novel information,

• your heart may open to receive more with fascination up and frustration down

• your spirit could be tickled and curious to experience more

JUNE Challenge of Freedom in Movement 2024

Sale

Each month for 2024 we feature a New Fun Challenge (See full list below).

For the month of June welcome to our focus of "Freedom"

Focus: Freedom in Movement through choice and variety.

Intent: Stimulate Body Centered Creativity

Sign up: www.somaranch.com/booking/challenge

All 30 classes are provided online via Zoom.

Originally we called the June Challenge “FreeDance”, then we realized you might think we were FreeDancing through the entire 30 classes, which we are not! Thus the choice to tweak the name to “Freedom in Movement”. Throughout the 30 classes in June, we will be drawing from the wisdom of the 8 stages of FreeDance in the Nia technique. There will be a variety of physical, mental, emotional and spirit foci. Some classes will explore the benefits of polarity, for example bringing emotions to your motion through both acting out and the real you (not necessarily at the same time LOL)

A month to help

• nudge you out of habit

• feed your brain with new novel and fascinating information and experiences

• stimulate health and well being throughout your body and life

• authenticity ~ explore you doing what you do

• discover your authentic, creative self

The “challenge” will provide a variety of modalities including Nia, Moving to Heal, Feldenkrais, Ageless Grace, 52 Moves, Move IT, offered by a stellar team of teachers, Helen Terry + Rock Stars and Special Guests. How to give gratitude for being able to move, feel vibrant, healthy and well, from an abundance of choice and variety.

Duality Foci will include:

tight | loose

found | lost

get it | don’t get it

silence | sound

stillness | motion

doing | non-doing

Would you like to join us? Gain support and encouragement from a lovely welcoming community? Be inspired to develop a daily practice of self care through movement.

https://www.somaranch.com/booking/challenge

When you sign up for the June 30 day challenge by May 28th you can bring a friend for FREE!

Receive 30 classes that include: 30 mins, 60 mins, Nia, Nia 5 Stages, Feldenkrais, Fabulous Rock Stars and Saturday Special guests.

Program includes Support, Coaching, Education, Community, Connection and lots of laughs along the way.

All for $99.

The Nia Creativity Circuit includes 8 stages:

1. FreeDance

2. Art of Listening

3. Feelings + Emotions

4. Creative Source

5. Authentic Movement

6. Witness

7. Accidental Click

8. Body Centered

Sale

30 Day “Journey with Movement”

Sale Price: $99.00 Original Price: $120.00

Join our ONLINE 30 day Soma class “Journey with Movement” for only $99

• Receive a gift; 30 Day “Journey with Movement” with Helen & Friends, to give to anyone new to the program. (WHEN YOU REGISTER BY 28th of the PREVIOUS MONTH)

• Receive LIVE classes + Enjoy 24 hour replays

• 30 classes (Nia, 52 Moves, Feldenkrais, Moving to Heal, Ageless Grace)

• 3 x 30 min 8am Classes + 3 x 60 min 10am classes a week (US Central Time)

• 1 Weekly Nia 5 stages healing class

• Great Beginners Introduction to Nia

• Feel supported and stay motivated

• Learn more about Nia

• Learn the 52 moves of Nia

• Learn about Nia 5 stages

• Experience Feldenkrais Method

• Experience Ageless Grace

• Receive information about anatomy

• Develop a healthy regular practice

• Meet people from all over the world!

• Be part of a fabulous community

• Connect, cheer and encourage

• Supportive Private Facebook Group.

• Adapt to Your Body’s Way and Life

• Learn about The Body’s Way

• Combine LIVE class + 24 hour replays

• Sustain Fantastic Somatic Movement every day for 30 days!

CLICK HERE to learn more about the 365 day journey with movement.

Options: Select Options DecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovember

BUY NOW

When bringing a guest for free for the month thank you for completing the following form. The only information required is your Name and Email address, your Guest’s Name and Email address, and confirmation that your guest is new to the 30 day challenge. The other information is optional (helpful when available). Then scroll to the bottom and click submit.

Class Price Adjustment

We are implementing a price increase across all our class offerings at Soma Ranch. This adjustment is necessary to account for rising operational costs and to continue providing you with the exceptional experience you have come to expect from us. We appreciate your understanding and continued support.

All current class passes will be honored.

Soma Class Rates

• $20 | 1 class

• $75 | 5 class pass (3 month expiration) ($15 per class)

• $130 | 10 class pass (3 month expiration) ($13 per class)

• $99 | 30 Day Challenge, 30 Classes, ALL 8am + 10am ($3.30 per class)

• $45 | Day Retreat (click for more Info)

• $25 | Lunch or Dinner

• $96 | 60 min massage

• $145 | 90 min massage

30 Day Challenge Benefits:

1. unlimited 10am + 8am Nia Classes for 30 days

2. bring a “new to the challenge” friend to class for a month

3. enjoy before and after class conversations and nuggets

4. receive automatic 24HR replays via email

Budapest Retreat

I’ve been traveling to Budapest and providing trainings, workshops and classes for 15+ years. This city is like none other. I feel safe, I feel inspired and I feel at home as I walk through the streets, run in the park, explore new cafes and of course dance, laugh and have a grand time with the local community at The Shift Studio.

This November I return to offer a Nia Blue Belt. Kinga Brezina (studio owner and hostess of the mostest) is helping us secure fabulous accommodation downtown Budapest, close the the studio for 10 guests. Would you like to join me? have the opportunity to explore this beautiful city AND enjoy daily morning and/or evening classes? Taking or re-taking the Nia Blue belt is a fabulous option to consider.

Email helen@somaranch.com if you’d like more information.

Here’s a taste of my morning run through the city and park…

Monthly Cuppa for St Jude

Our monthly “Community Cuppa” is a super time to visit Soma Ranch. Please join us for this lovely local community get together, on June 3 at 11am after class. This event is a fundraiser for our ““Soma Charity Partner”. All donations collected go towards St. Jude. We will be celebrating how Chris has returned to classes with her new kidney and checking in with everyone as we head into Summer Vacations.

Enjoy Coffee or Tea, Health snacks, Fabulous conversation, and Great Company. This month we’ll be celebrating the grand finale of our annual fundraiser.

You’ll get to meet some fabulous local ladies (and sometimes men) who love to dance and leave feeling inspired. You’re welcome, and encouraged, to bring friends!

Entertain coming early to enjoy a “double scoop!” Dance at the 10am Nia Class before Cuppa at 11am.

If you prefer to dip your toe rather than dive in, you are welcome to sit and watch the Nia Class..

“After reading about the
monthly community cuppa,
and seeing the photos,
in the newsletter for years
I had a surreal experience,
to be attending in person”

— Caroline, Nia Brown Belt

Our next “Monthly Cuppa” is Monday, June 3, 2025.

https://www.somaranch.com/jude