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, this month we are delaying the Monday to coincide with Helen’s parents visit. Yes! come to Cuppa and connect with Mum and Dad! on September 16 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 the end of Summer and all the bright things that have happened 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, September16, 2024.

https://www.somaranch.com/jude

SEPTEMBER Challenge of CORE Movement

Sale

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

For the month of September welcome to our focus of "CORE" (the second of a 3 month series that takes us through BASE, CORE, UPPER)

Focus: CORE, 7 chakras, 3 body weights, 2 rings of air, 1 spine

Intent: Connect with our center physically, emotionally and energetically.

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

All 30 classes are provided online via Zoom.

The September Challenge “The CORE” is all about the core of systemic movement. Providing you with classes that provide exploration of

1. 7 Core moves of Nia

2. 7 Chakra energy centers of the body

3. sense core muscles, like the psoas

Some class Foci will explore the essentials of Central CORE movement, for example

• Sense the stability of your lower back as the firm foundation for the mobility of your spine.

• Sense the cupping action of your psoas that mimics the hand like shape of your sacrum

• Sense the 3 body weights of your core (Pelvis, Chest, Head)

• “Isolate to Integrate” sense the 5 parts of your spine

Other classes will explore duality and contrast between core principles, for example.

• sense the 2 rings of air (waist and neck)

• Sense the relationship between your pelvis, chest and head

A month to help

• improve your competence and confidence of your core moves

• you understand more about the anatomy, biomechanics and structure of your Core

• 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.

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 September 30 day challenge by August 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 CORE of the Body include:

• Pelvis

• Chest

• Head

• Spine

• Psoas

The 7 Base moves of Nia are:

A. CORE

1. Pelvic Circles

2. Hip Bumps

3. Chest Isolations

4. Shimmy

5. Spinal undulation

6. Spinal role

7. Head Eye Movement

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.

Saturday Morning Thigh Bone with Tina Tribute

This Saturday our focus will be the thigh bone and paying tribute to the one, the only, Ms Tina Turner. Helen is teaching both Nia 5 Stages at 8:45am and Nia “Improv’ Classic” at 10am. Both classes are available via Zoom with 24HR replay. You’re also welcome to come to Soma in person.

Key Concepts:

• The thighbone is the longest bone in the body.

• There is one big ball at the top of the thighbone and two small half-balls at thebottom.

• The two small half-balls at the lower end rest on the larger of the twoshinbones, and along with the kneecap, creates the knee joint.xThe ball of the thighbone fits into the pelvic girdle creating the hip joint.

• The thighbones are upright, vertical stilts. The mobility of the hip joint allows us to walk on these vertical stilts.

• In Embryonic, the thighbone moves in a very fluid way. In Creeping, the thighbone moves in a horizontal way, developing the hip joint and psoas muscle. In Crawling, the hip joint and vertical thighbone develop Mobility andAgility. In Standing, the thighbone and hip joint provide us with great Stability, allowing for the natural function of gravity. In Walking, the thighbone swings in a natural balancing act.

“By design, I am the longest and heaviest bone in your body, which makes me perfect for producing a large amount of your red blood cells.”

— Nia 5 Stages

Helen is teaching a creative Nia experience, adapting moves from several routines (ignite, earthsong, life, sanjana) to the music of the legendary Tina Turner this Saturday.

FOCUS: Awareness of Thigh

INTENT: Felt sense of energy flow, with an outward spiral as you walk forwards, out of class.

Like us all, Tina Turner had a unique way of walking, strutting and dancing, often elegantly in extremely high heels. Inspired by Tina as an artist, singer, performer, woman, survivor, thriver we will dance a Tribute to Tina, with the focus on the thighs; swaying, rolling, lifting, lowering, kicking, strutting, moving with confidence, sassiness and full of heart.

“At my top end, there is a round ball meant to move that fits perfectly into your hip socket.
At my bottom end, there are two crescent-shaped half balls, whose heads work together with your shinbones to create your knee joint.”

— Nia 5 Stages

“Think about it. Because the hips thrust the leg forward, we are literally taking a risk every time we step forward. So it makes sense that on a deeper level, contraction in that area will prevent forward momentum.”

— https://medium.com/@the_core/tight-hips-dont-lie-2afb075b8971

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.

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

2nd Summer Trip to Hiker's Cabin

Joe and Helen are back from yet another OUTSTANDING time at our Hiker’s Cabin in the Pacific North West Area. This was our 2nd time to experience the area in the Summer Season and the experience was fabulous.

• escape Texas summer temperatures

• sleep with all windows open = cool 50’ breeze through

• private parks accessible exclusively to Lake Cushman Residents (and their guests)

• who needs a pool when you can walk to a crystal clear lake

• miles of local trails to discover

• amazing National Park/Forrest within minutes

• this is our new “happy magical place”

This trip was prompted by Emily Mockett, who lives on Bainbridge Island. She enquired if we’d be in Washington the weekend they were attending a wedding, as they were in need of a dog/house sitter. (The Cabin is an easy 80 minute drive from Bainbridge Island). We check flights (there are 4 direct United flights a day between Houston and Seattle) and booked within the hour!

Our trip was balanced between:

1 night stay in Seattle with our daughter Liliana and husband Carter. Enjoyed a local restaurant, rode on scooters for the first time, fabulous dinner and “Happy Hour” at Facebook, meet up with fellow teacher Irene and husband for a delightful meal and stroll through the local area. (Irene teaches Wednesday Feldenkrais 8am 30 min classes as part of our 30 day challenge program), explore more of the Green Lake area, where Liliana and Carter live.

2 night stay on Bainbridge Island: borrow Liliana’s car, drive downtown, take the Ferry to Bainbridge Island, 10 min drive to Emily’s house, watch the dog for 2 days, enjoy the beach, electric bikes, local restaurant, coffee shop, brewery and enjoy the Saturday Farmer’s Market

1 night stay in Port Hadlock: drive the “back way” off Bainbridge Island via a bridge, stay one night at one of the best AirBNBs we have ever experienced. (our cabin was booked with guests!), visit Port Townsend for the first time, enjoy the beautiful scenic road to Hoodsport

4 night stay at the Cabin: enjoy cool breezes, lovely strolls, accept the invitation to join locals who play pickle Ball every day 12 - 1pm and 4-5pm. (I felt like a new kid on the block who had had their first new friend as them to come play!), we had a BLAST riding on an old railroad track, Emily visited and we jumped in the lake. I’m falling more in love with the cabin and area each time we visit. I was very sad to leave this time… Return the car to Liliana who then drove us to the airport.

Soma News

Helen, Joe, Emily and Indigo, on Bainbridge Island. Emily is a Soma Ranch Fabulous "Frequent Flier" and Friend

Howdy from Soma Ranch!

Joe and Helen are back from a fabulous time at the “Soma Satelite” Hiker’s Cabin Retreat in the Pacific North West. Read more and enjoy photos from our 2nd Summer Trip to the Cabin

Big thanks to Emily Mockett who was the ignition for this impromptu trip. We had a delightful time house/dog sitting AND Emily was the first visitor to the cabin. Also big gratitude to Emily for her most generous donation to our Annual St. Jude Fundraiser Fund.

Helen is teaching both Saturday Morning classes: The THIGH (5 Stages) and The Tina Tribute (with music from Tina Turner “simply the best”)

We’ve completed the August 30 day challenge. The team had a fabulous time bringing a variety of styles, foci and experiences that encompassed the BASE theme for the month. We continue our 3 month series “a journey through the body” with the focus on the Core for September; 30 days, 30 classes, including 3 Body Weights, Spine, Rings of Air, Chakras, Psoas and more.

No IN PERSON class on Monday (enjoy Labor Day Holiday if you live in the US). Please note Monthly Cuppa is Monday, September 16. We have shifted to include Helen’s Parents visit :-)

Hope to dance with you soon,

love

Helen, Joe, Horses: Zephyr & Roger and of course Da Donkeys ;-)

Montgomery Country Livin'

Fun informative video about Montgomery County!! I love living here.

We've been here at Soma Ranch, in Montgomery, 2 miles from the Historic Town, since 2009.

And on MY has it changed since then!

AUGUST: Foundational Movement

Sale

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

For the month of August welcome to our focus of "BASE". The beginning of a 3 month series that takes us on a “journey through the body” with monthly foci BASE, CORE then UPPER.

Focus: Foundation, Steps & Stances

Intent: Ground, the hands that touch the earth

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

All 30 classes are provided online via Zoom.

The August Challenge “The BASE” is all about the foundation of systemic movement. Providing you with classes that provide exploration of

1. steps, stances,

2. how to ground our body through our feet and

3. sense these incredible feet, sensing them as the hands that touch the earth.

Some class Foci will explore the essentials of Foundational BASE movement, for example

• Sense the stability of your feet as the firm foundation for the mobility of your body.

• Sense the 7,000 nerve endings in each foot like fascinating messengers who provide a wealth of fabulous information

• Sense the 3 arches of your feet (inner, outer, transverse)

• “Isolate to Integrate” sense the 3 part movement of your heel lead “ReLaX”

Other classes will explore duality and contrast between foundational principles, for example.

• Steps and Stances, sense the stillness of stances and the motion of steps becoming aware of the Body’s way of simultaneous stability and mobility of the body

• Sense how we step like “Dancing through life” and Stance like a “Living Meditation”

• Sense the relationship between your hip, knee and ankle joints

A month to help

• improve your competence and confidence of your base moves

• you understand more about the anatomy, biomechanics and structure of your Base

• 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.

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 August 30 day challenge by July 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 Base of the Body include:

• Feet

• Ankles

• Knees

• Thighs

• Hip Joint

The 27 Base moves of Nia are:

A. Feet Techniques

1. Heal lead

2. whole foot

3. ball of foot

4. releve

5. rock around the clock

6. squish walk

7. duck walk

8. toes in, out, parallel

B. Stances

1. Closed Stance

2. Open Stance

3. A Stance

4. Sumo Stance

5. Bow Stance

6. Cat Stance

C. Steps

1. Sink and Pivot Table Wipe

2. Step back on the Ball of the Foot

3. Cross Front

4. Cross Behind

5. Travel in Directions

6. Lateral Travel

7. Cha Cha Cha

D. Kicks

1. Front Kick

2. Side Kick

3. Back Kick

4. Knee Sweep

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.

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 August 5 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, August 5, 2024.

https://www.somaranch.com/jude

Soma News

Soma JAM Class - Group Hug Via Zoom - Magical Moment

Howdy from Soma Ranch!

Oh MY we had a blast at our July Community JAM and raised $75 for St Jude.

Fellow Nia teacher Elaine Dumphy shared

“anyone who says virtual classes have no real connection hasn’t been part of this community”

Helen is teaching both Saturday Morning classes: The BASE (5 Stages) and The DANCE (with music from George Michael “Faith”)

We’ve started the August 30 day challenge. and are super excited to have some new folks and some others return. We are beginning a 3 month series “a journey through the body” where we focus on the Base for August, Core for September and Upper Extremities for October.

““anyone who says virtual classes have no real connection hasn’t been part of this community””

— Elaine Dumphy

Thank you Lesa for the wonderful 5 star review. Also a yaHOO! celebration, 11 years later, we continue to be AirBNB SuperHosts.

Super excited that 10 participants have registered for the 5 Stages course. Please consider joining us on a special ONLINE weekend retreat with Helen November 8 - 10.

Remember Monthly Community Cupa is this Monday, August 5th, let’s get together, drink coffee/tea, support each other and raise funds for St. Jude. (what’s not to love there!)

We’ve already received a couple of 2025 bookings for our Soma Satelite “Cabin” Retreat by Lake Cushman, near Seattle, WA in the Pacific North West area. Read more and complete the form if you’re interested in renting the Cabin. (August is SOLD OUT, however there is some availability September - December)

Be well, with love from

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

Review of the Week

Thank you Lesa for sharing a lovely review about your experience with Soma Ranch. We appreciate you and how you keep coming back for more.

“Beautiful slice of Texas hospitality with Helen and Joe and the donkeys and horses! I’ve been a repeat customer since 2018 for retreats and Nia trainings and keep returning due to the sense of a truly cocooning retreat experience. Abundantly healthful and delicious food for the body by Joe while experiencing transformative Nia training and other retreats with Helen. Then there’s the comfy beds, pool, hot tub, sauna...great experience!”

— Lesa Walker

Lesa has been coming to Soma Ranch for over a decade! We love how, with Lesa living in the Dallas area, she’s able to attend retreats and trainings at the ranch and attend classes online via Zoom in between time.

Lesa has been a DAILY attendee of the 30 Day Challenge program since it began in January 2022! She finds a way to juggle her traveling and Grand Parent duties to make the commitment to dance on a regular basis, Lesa always has something encouraging to share with the group. Thank you for being a wonderful part of our community.

AirBNB SUPER Hosts with 5 Star reviews.

Soma Ranch Owners, Joe and Helen, love sharing Soma Ranch through AirBNB short term rentals and small group private rentals.

Thank you all fabulous guests who came to stay these past 3 months, we continue to received 5 star RAVE reviews and sustain SUPER Host Status.

The AirBNB Super Host Status, elevates us up to the top of searches and filters, while bringing benefits and bonuses. AND we now have a new listing, new property, new opportunity, a very special Cabin in Washington State:

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soma ranch house

Welcome home to our secluded 15 acre ranch retreat. Feel like a rock star and enjoy the whole ranch to yourselves. We're close to the Texas Ren Fest, only 2 miles from quaint Montgomery. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, enjoy a peaceful setting with the convenience of cafes, restaurants, wineries, boutiques, and grocery store (even Signature Krogers Grocery and 24 hour Walmart Super Center!) within minutes.

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Combo: Soma Ranch House + Pool Casita

Have a large group? or someone who really wants their own, very quiet, private space? Enjoy the entire Soma Ranch House and add the Casita; As above (Soma House) and add this charming private poolside casita tiny home, offering a delightful and tranquil stay for one extra person. This inviting space boasts a cozy interior, meticulously decorated with rustic yet modern touches. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a comfortable and inviting twin-sized daybed, perfect for a restful night's sleep after a day of exploration.

Soma Ranch Sweet Suites

Enjoy the entire upstairs of the Soma Ranch House. Whether solo, couple, triple or quad you are guaranteed the entire upstairs suite exclusively to yourself. Enjoy Full Private bath. And take it easy at this unique and tranquil getaway. Downstairs is shared space with Helen & Joe, however you may find you have the whole place to yourself as we're often out working in the pastures or off enjoying all things fabulous in Montgomery, Texas

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Soma Ranch ~ Pool Side Casita

At Soma Ranch, nestled in the picturesque countryside, awaits a charming private poolside casita tiny home, offering a delightful and tranquil stay for one person. This inviting space boasts a cozy interior, meticulously decorated with rustic yet modern touches. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a comfortable and inviting twin-sized daybed, perfect for a restful night's sleep after a day of exploration.

At Soma Ranch, nestled in the picturesque countryside, awaits a charming private poolside casita tiny home, offering a delightful and tranquil stay for one person. This inviting space boasts a cozy interior, meticulously decorated with rustic yet modern touches. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a comfortable and inviting twin-sized daybed, perfect for a restful night's sleep after a day of exploration. The casita features a kettle, selection of teas and coffee machine, allowing for convenient hot drink preparation, the mini fridge provides space for your chilled beverage and/or snacks food you choose to bring with you and a cozy sitting area where you can relax and unwind.

The true highlight of this tiny home is its private poolside location, inviting you to soak up the sun's rays or take a refreshing dip at your leisure. The sauna, hot tub and cold plunge are a welcoming triad of rejuvenation. Whether you're seeking solitude or looking to rejuvenate in the serene surroundings, this private poolside casita at Soma Ranch provides an idyllic retreat for a memorable stay.

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Soma Ranch Barndo Beauty

Get away from it all when you stay under the stars in our cozy rustic barndominium that is like none other! This spacious converted, fully insulated, barn, with excellent AC/heat system, ceiling fans and luxury thread counts, provides a unique haven for your romantic get away for 2 or a slumber party for up to 11! You get to choose.

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Personal Retreat: Private Room & Bathroom

Indulge in a rock star experience at our magnificent 15-acre Ranch Retreat, where luxury and serenity meet. Unwind in your exclusive private room, boasting a charming wrap-around porch that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding beauty. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of our Olympic lap pool, or rejuvenate your body and soul in the tranquil embrace of the sauna and hot tub. And if connecting with nature is your thing, our friendly horses and donkeys eagerly await your company. Feel like royalty as you settle into the cozy downstairs Queen bed, complete with a private bathroom for your utmost convenience. Need some inspiration? Look no further than the desk adorned with two comfortable chairs, positioned perfectly near your window overlooking the lush pastures. At Soma Ranch, we aim to deliver an experience that will make you feel like a true rock star.

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Book SOMA Ranch

Soma house

https://airbnb.com/h/somaranch

soma ranch Combo:

Soma House + Pool-Side Casita

Complete Privacy in Special Pool Side Casita Tiny Home: Twin Bed, Shower, Toilet, Sink, Sliding Glass doors to amaving poolside view. Porch area with complete privacy option with new Cabana Curtains

airbnb.com/h/somaranchwithcasita

Book By the Room

Personal Retreat: Private Room & Bathroom

Downstairs Private 1 Bedroom and Private 1 Bathroom: 1 Queen Bed, Desk & Chairs by Window

https://airbnb.com/h/somaranch-personal-retreat

Soma Sweet Suites

Entire Upstairs Floor: 2 Bedrooms, 4 Double Beds, 1 - 4 guests, Private Full Bathroom

https://airbnb.com/h/somaranch-suites

Soma Barndo Beauty

Exclusive Barndominium Booking: Large Bedroom. Queen Bed + 10 twins. 2 Full Bathrooms. Lounge, Kitchenette, Dinning Area

https://airbnb.com/h/somaranch-barndo

Soma Pool-Side Casita

Complete Privacy in Special Pool Side Casita Tiny Home: Twin Bed, Shower, Toilet, Sink, Sliding Glass doors to amaving poolside view. Porch area with complete privacy option with new Cabana Curtains

https://airbnb.com/h/somaranch-casita

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The Base + The Dance

Helen Terry leads both Saturday morning class this week; 8:45am Nia 5 Stages and 10:00am Nia Classic (Central US Time).

Focus: Base: connect to the sensation of our foundation,

Intent: to root our energy and stimulate movement and growth from underneath and behind.

Routine: The Dance, George Michael “Older”

We hope you’re able to enjoy the Saturday morning “double scoop” experience.

When you sign up for a class you are automatically sent the Zoom link for class. The link is the same each week.

““We will move to connect with our base as a powerful, dynamic and grounded foundation to stimulate movement variety for our whole body””

— Helen Terry

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

“The BASE: with feet, like hands, that touch the earth”

— Nia 5 Stages

Thank you Jayne for staying at Soma Ranch

Thank you Jayne for visiting Soma Ranch all the way from the UK. We loved your impromtu sharing of your experience while revisiting the Nia White Belt and retreating at Soma Ranch. And most of all thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting and having the honor of you staying with us for a week. Hope to see you next May (as planned ;-)

Budapest: a great city to visit and experience Nia

I agree with Kinga Brezina with regards Budapest being a beautiful city and a wonderful venue for experiencing a Nia Training. The vibe, the opportunities, and especially the people, make this a most unique and very special place to be. I hope you can find a way to enjoy 1 2 or 3 of these wonderful opportunities.

Here's what Kinga Brezina shared and links for all 3 training opportunities below.

“I think Budapest is the most beautiful city in the world and I dare to say that without any bias. Living history, European culture, breathtaking buildings, the world famous thermal baths, the language that is the mother tongue of several Nobel Prize winners (by the way, did you know that the ballpoint pen was invented by a Hungarian, László József Bíró, and that the first Hungarian institute for teaching therapeutic movement arts opened in Budapest in 1912? ), the flavours, the hospitality, the thriving Nia community are all reasons why it’s worth coming to this city on both banks of the Danube””

— Kinga Brezina, Nia Trainer

In the autumn of 2024, we're looking forward to welcoming you with three different in-person Nia trainings:

• 21-26 September AOS White Belt Training with Kinga Brezina

• 19-20 October Move IT Training with Ann Christiansen

• 17-22 November Art of Communications Blue Belt Training with Helen Terry

🌺Retakers are also very welcome!🌺

For accommodation, cultural and culinary programmes, please contact me at niakinga@gmail.com. The venue for the trainings is the Shift Studio, on Andrassy Avenue, next to the Opera House, also a World Heritage Site.

White AOS with Kinga: https://onlinetraining.nianow.com/courses/nia-art-of-sensation-new-white-belt-with-kinga-brezina-09-21-24

Move IT with Ann:

https://onlinetraining.nianow.com/courses/nia-move-it-with-ann-christiansen-10-19-24

Nia Blue Belt with Helen:

https://onlinetraining.nianow.com/courses/nia-blue-belt-with-helen-terry-11-17-24

Thank you 30 and 365 day Challengers

Thank you 30 and 365 day challengers, we appreciate how you continue to show up and sign up for classes and be part of our daily movement connection community.

Celebrating our challengers and program we are offering a Team Taught 30 Min Jam this Wednesday at 8am, July 31, 2024.

Whether you are a regular attendee in the program, have been gone a while or perhaps have never experienced a class in our 30 day challenge, this jam is a wonderful way to connect. We hope you can join us.

Soma Rock Star Jams for St Jude at 8am Jul 31

The Soma Rock Star teaching team are offering a 30 min Jam for St Jude this Wednesday, 8am. Everybody is invited to attend as our guests.

• A donation of any amount to our annual St Jude Fundraiser is appreciated yet not expected.

• This is also an opportunity to thank and get together with all who have attended any of our 30 day (or 365 day) movement challenges.

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.

When: Jul 31, 2024 08:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsdeivqT0iGtDDiTloFTOqlRrTChl73qU2

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Jul 31, 2024 8am Soma Rock Star Community Jam

3 Sunday 1pm Community JAM classes for 2024: LOVE (Feb), FREEDOM (Jul), THANKS (Nov)

3 Jams for 2024: Love, Freedom and Thanks

From the huge successful and joyful experience of our Thanksgiving Sunday Jam, we’ve scheduled 3 Community Jams for 2024: Love, Freedom and Thanks, save the dates!

Everybody is invited to attend as our guests. A donation of any amount to our annual St Jude Fundraiser is appreciated yet not expected. This is also an opportunity to thank and get together with all who have attended any of our 30 day (or 365 day) movement challenges

Feb 4, 2024. LOVE Jam

Jul 31, 2024 FREEDOM Jam

Dec 1, 2024 THANKS Jam

3 Sunday 1pm Community JAM classes for 2024: LOVE (Feb), FREEDOM (Jul), THANKS (Nov)

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.

When: Jul 31, 2024 08:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsdeivqT0iGtDDiTloFTOqlRrTChl73qU2

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Special Sale on 5 Stages Course

Helen is offering a very special 5 Stages course: 7 sessions shared over 1 weekend, Fri, Sat, Sun Nov 8.- 10.

This course has been added to accommodate our Soma Teaching team who all want to take this course and prefer to take the course over one weekend. You are welcome to join us. The foundations of the course will be covered with a strong emphasis on how the lessons are taught.

Use the code: SUMMERSPECIALTY at registration with HQ.

The discounted payment breakdown is: $190 to HQ + $289 to trainer for a total sale price of $479 > best price since before the pandemic!

Join Helen Terry for the Nia 5 Stages Training ONLINE.

Nia 5 Stages is an integrative movement practice based on the five developmental movement stages humans experience from the embryonic to walking. Practiced with awareness, these stages have the power to facilitate optimal alignment, improved function, energy flow and comfort in the body. As a practice, Nia 5 Stages supports your body holistically to sustain mobility, flexibility, strength, agility and stability.

Nia 5 Stages Training provides you with tools to deeply embody the Nia 5 Stages practice and experience its self-healing benefits - whether you are a Nia teacher, student, movement practitioner, somatic educator or health professional, Nia 5 Stages  Training will give you a new skill set to add to your somatic toolbox.

In this Training You Will Explore: 

• The Science, Craft, and Art of Nia 5 Stages;

• Adapting and Personalizing;

• Nia 5 Stages Class Format; 

• The Body’s Way Principles and Nia Lifestyle

• Body Awareness + Body Literacy

• Body Gratitude + Sensory IQ

• Sensory Anatomy – Look, Listen, Imagine

• The 7-Minute Body's Way Workout

• Voice + The Art of Somatic Guidance.

For Nia Sacred Athlete + Livelihood members, this training includes 52 ready-to-deliver lessons plans and access to a post-training program. Anyone can take the training for personal experience and growth.  

“For Nia Sacred Athlete + Livelihood members,
this training includes 52 ready-to-deliver lessons plans
and access to a post-training program.

Anyone can take the training for personal experience and growth.  ”

— Nia Technique

https://onlinetraining.nianow.com/courses/nia-5-stages-with-helen-terry-11-08-24

Nia 5 Stages

Growing up (and I still feel like I’m growing up!) I’ve been “plagued” by being challenged to connect; connect with my body, people, facts, learning, remembering… the list goes on. Something magical happens when I do 5 stages on a regular basis… the dots connect!! my body feels less tension and moves smoother, my mind feels less distracted and more focused, my emotions feel more balance and I’m less stressed.

Every time I lead a Nia 5 stages course, I'm reminded of how amazing this Nia practice is and how wonderfully the Nia 5 stages course compliments Nia technique, deepens the understanding of the human body, enhances how to teach Nia and provides the opportunity for deep healing. It's all in all, an awesome program.

Of all the Nia belts, and continuing education courses, I’ve taken over the past 31 years, Nia 5 stages is the one that has enhanced my knowledge of the body, enriched my vocabulary in Classic Nia classes and helped deepen my practice the most.

Nia 5 stages is a process that takes us through the 5 developmental stages we go through from an infant to a walking human (Embryonic, Creeping, Crawling, Standing and Walking)

The Nia 5 stages lessons are an in depth, well thought out program, that, utilizing these 5 essential movements provide an opportunity to learn, heal and receive deep benefits. All in one hour! The lesson is divided into 2 parts Your Body’s Way and The Body’s Way.

Part 1 Your Body’s Way is an introductory exploration to the 5 developmental moves, where you check in with your body and breathing, are guided through the 5 stages then reassess and recognize the healing that has already occurred simply from moving through the 5 stages.

Part 2, The Body’s Way includes an educational lesson providing more information about the body, this can be anatomy, biomechanics, enhanced sensory awareness and other fascinating, yet easy to follow, information sound bites. The theory is then applied to the Nia 5 stages in an extended experience where “interference” is applied to the process to create new neuron pathways and help the body restructure to provide more ease and greater efficiency in movement.

Debbie Rosas, co-founder of Nia, has poured her wisdom, knowledge, creativity and fascination for the human body into this wonderful program. Often participants who sign up for the course have no idea how valuable the course will be for them both personally and professionally. They don’t realize how part of the package, when you become a Nia 5 stages teacher, is you have access to more than 60 lesson plans.

For more than 2 decades Nia Founder, Debbie Rosas, provided a Nia 5 stages class called “the lab” before her most popular Saturday morning Nia class. This was Debbie’s exploration and development of the work we now call Nia 5 stages. Nia 5 stages teachers receive the amazing downloads from these classes, the transcripts have been formatted into an easy to follow, fascinating to read and amazing to learn from, format. I personally think it's the closest thing to getting a sneak peak into the brilliance of the mind who co-created Nia!

In a world that constantly pulls us outside of ourselves, our healing and well-being depend on our ability to stay present within our bodies. The many stresses of being a human in these times can cause our bodies to regress to a less evolved state. When we first learn to move as babies, we integrate what doctors call our primitive reflexes, moving from a cuddly ball to our backs, our bellies, all fours and finally onto two feet.

Stress can bring children and adults back to earlier stages of evolution on this spectrum, causing challenges in coordination, endurance, balance and mental focus. The best known way to re-evolve ourselves is to learn and practice movement patterns that look like that first learning we had with gravity.

“The Nia 5 stages teaches us how to stay present, and evolved, and guide others in the same. In my experience, this kind of work has the healing power of both physical and emotional therapy. I recommend this training not just to teachers, but to moving humans who want a better understanding of their senses and themselves.

So, for the love of gravity, please check out how to learn more about Nia 5 stages.”

— Elisabeth Commanday Swim: Yogi, Teacher, Extraordinaire

Nia 5 Stages

Focus: Art of Self Healing

Intent: To facilitate optimal function and comfort in the body.

As integrative practice based on the five developmental stages humans experience from the embryo to walking, Nia 5 Stages supports your body holistically to sustain mobility, flexibility, strength, agility and stability. Whether a Nia teacher, movement practitioner, somatic educator, health professional or individual seeking healing, this 2 day course provides a new skill set to add to your realm of expertise and practice.

““For everyone looking to dive into the wisdom of The Body’s Way, Nia 5 Stages is your answer. As a lover of the body, always interested in learning the how, what, and why, this unique somatic course makes it possible to learn, practice and teach what you love. During the course of the training and teacher apprenticeship, you will explore 52 unique lesson plans designed to teach you and your student what makes living and moving in the body an amazing sensory experience.””

— Debbie Rosas, Co-Founder, Nia Technique

1st Summer Trip to Hiker's Cabin

Joe and Helen are back from an OUTSTANDING time at our Hiker’s Cabin in the Pacific North West Area. This was our first time to experience the area in the Summer Season and the experience far exceeded our high expectations.

• escape Texas summer temperatures

• sleep with all windows open = cool 50’ breeze through

• private parks accessible exclusively to Lake Cushman Residents (and their guests)

• who needs a pool when you can walk to a crystal clear lake

• miles of local trails to discover

• amazing National Park/Forrest within minutes

• this is our new “happy magical place”