Today we cross the finish line together

TRACK HELEN’S RUN: https://track.rtrt.me/e/RNR-LV-2026#/tracker/R8H6742C

MAKE A DONATION: http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/soma2026

I (Helen Terry) am back in Vegas, running the 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles) for St Jude today, Sunday, February 25th. Thank you everyone who has made a donation. As a St Jude Hero, I pledge to raise/donate $5000 each year. There's still time to join us and donate. The run begins at 5:00pm today Sunday, Vegas time, that is 7:00pm US Central Time.

We'll cross the finish line together. I’ll have your names written on my arms and legs!

“I love the idea of y’all running with me,
together we cross the finish line.
On Race Day I’m writing the names of donors on my body;

$52 and above on my legs
$100 and above on my arms”

— Helen Terry, St Jude Hero

I choose to run for St. Jude Children's Hospital, for children with cancer, and their families.

We love St. Jude for many amazing reasons, including:

1. Financial Support

   Families NEVER receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food - why? all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

2. Excellent Research

Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since it opened more than 50 years ago.

3. Resilient Tenacity

St. Jude won't stop until no child dies from cancer.

4. Share discoveries

St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.

We love supporting an organization who is committed to research and ensuring families with children with cancer don't have the added financial stress of bills while their little loved ones navigate treatment.

Personal Story

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is an organization very close to my heart. Growing up I had a friend die from leukemia. When I moved to Houston a dear friend, called Liliana (who I named my daughter after) was at MD Anderson for an experimental research project in the hope she'd win her battle with cancer. The program gave Liliana 2 years of joy, including our fast and furiously fun friendship. Unfortunately she then declined suddenly and died from cancer.

Annual Commitment

This is a run and a pledge we have committed to annually. As I run I think of all my dear friends who have died from Cancer. I want to do my part to help KILL CANCER. The race is through the streets of Vegas. it's the one night they close down the traffic. We run down the strip with amazing lights, fabulous cheers from the crowd and live bands playing all along the course!

This year the names of each person who donates, $52 and above on my legs and $100 and above on my arms.

We Cross the Finish Line Together

I love sensing how y'all are running with me, together we cross the finish line. You can even track me as I run if you like! Click HERE to Track me. We've been raising funds every month at our 1st Cuppa Events, at our Soma Faith classes and special events throughout the year. Thank you Deb Kern for your part in the Soma Faith Sunday project, where you generously taught classes and allowed 100% to be donated to the cause.

“I could never put into words what St. Jude means to our family,” Katie says. “They saved my baby boy not once, but twice. The care, dedication and love that are in the hospital are phenomenal. St. Jude will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

— Katie Bruce, mother of Ryan

Half Marathon Mental Plan + Playlist

Help us make the finish line:

I need all the help I can get this year, today is the day, I run “our” annual St. Jude 1/2 marathon. I am the least prepared ever, 10 lbs heavier, and 1 year older.

To help reduce stress I have lowered my expectations:

• don’t keep up the pace, instead aim to finish without injury;

• shift from “run all the way” to run slow and walk when necessary;

• let go of the desire to achieve a great time and instead focus on enjoying the experience.

• The goal is FINISH.

With this being the 6th year I have run this race, my life-long goal continues: to complete this 1/2 marathon, and raise a minimum of $5000 for St. Jude every year, until I can’t walk, when I hope to someone push me and continue raise funds for St. Jude.

Help us make the finish line: http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/soma2026

---

TRACK HELEN’S RUN: https://track.rtrt.me/e/RNR-LV-2026#/tracker/R8H6742C

MAKE A DONATION: http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/soma2026

---

Past experiences have been

1. get too excited and start out too fast

2. start to feel my right knee tweak around mile 6

3. suddenly around mile 7 my gut starts to turn

4. miles 8, 9, 10, 11 uphill, dark, begin to question why I do this

As well as adjusting expectations check out these mile by mile foci. The summary for each mile will be written on my arms and I have created a playlist that accompanies the journey.

Would you like to track me and play along? On the playlist there are HOPEFULLY more songs for each mile than needed. To keep track of what I am listening to, each time you track I’ve covered another mile, skip to the next mile songs. (Playlist below notes)

Theme: “I do not run alone”

Smooth, steady, strong, SAFE…

Mile 1: Surrender

Prayer:
“God, set my pace. Steady my heart. I give this run to You.”

• Release pressure

• Release outcome

• Receive presence

Donor focus: “Their belief moves my feet.”
I picture everyone who supported me standing at the start line, with hands on my shoulders:

“I’m not racing yet. I’m arriving”

Mile 2: Run with gratitude

Breath prayer: Inhale: Thank you
Exhale: for this body

I find my rhythm and feel the gift of movement. Tall chest, soft arms. This is where nerves fade.

Donor reflection: Each breath is a thank-you letter written with my lungs.

Mile 3: I’m being carried

This is where adrenaline settles. I check “am I breathing easily?” “can I smile”

Prayer: “Strength beyond my own lives in me.”

• Imagine: prayers spoken for me

• Imagine: encouragement sent to me

• Imagine: generosity flowing toward me

All of this becomes energy in my stride.

Mile 4: Run in service

Shift from self to purpose:
“Who needs this mile today?”

As I run, I offer the mile for:

• friends struggling, those who are sick, others grieving, all who believed in me when I doubted myself.

Mile 5: Embodied gratitude

This is living prayer through motion, I notice:

• heartbeat

• breath

• legs working in rhythm

• I am warm, loose, and in control

Mantra:
“My body is praise in motion.”

As I run, I offer the mile for: friends I miss (who have died), friends I celebrate (who are thriving beyond cancer)

Mile 6: Halfway

Prayer: “When I am weak, be my strength.”

Let effort dissolve into trust.

Donor reflection: I am spending what others gave, wisely and faithfully.

Mile 7: Presence v perform

This is my sacred middle ground. Not dramatic or flashy, I am steady faithfulness.

Spiritual truth:
Consistency is devotion made visible.

Run gently. Run attentively. Run humbly.

Mile 8: Carry their stories

One by one:

• I see their faces

• I speak their names

• I dedicate a few minutes to each

Let love become momentum.

Mile 9: Faith when it’s tough

Prayer:
“Give me endurance of heart, not just body.”

I am not proving strength
I am practicing perseverance

Mile 10: Joy in effort

Look around. Notice life happening. “I am alive enough to do something difficult and meaningful”

Mantra:
“Joy and effort can live together.”

Smile: smiling matters.

Mile 11: I am upheld

When my body tires, I remember:

I am supported by:

• generosity

• prayer

• love

• purpose

Visualization:
I am running inside a current of grace moving forward with me. “I am not pushing alone, I am being carried forward.” I see and feel held by every donor that is part of this race.

Mile 12: Sacred perseverance

This mile is the holy ground.

Every step says:

• thank you

• I remember

• I honor

• I continue

Prayer:
“Let my finishing be faithful.” This is for EveryBody….

Mile 13: Witness goodness

“Soak this in” Look around. Take it in.

I am about to complete something meaningful.

• I showed up

• I stayed steady

• I honored what was given

• I ran with love

“Gratitude fills my chest, my heart, my soul”

FINAL reach 0.2 miles “Dedication”:

“This is for all of us.”

I cross the finish line surrounded by:

• every donor

• every prayer

• every encouragement

• every person I carried in my heart

I do not finish alone.

We finish together.

FINISH LINE BLESSING

Hand on heart

“Thank you for the strength given, the love carried, and the purpose fulfilled.”

I stand still for a moment. I receive the felt sense completion (and celebration relief)

and then I CRY! :-)

Please help us cross the finish line with a donation of ANY amount, even $5 is SUPER appreciated.

The direct URL is

http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/soma2026

Songs:

Mile 1: Surrender

Interlude #1 0:57 Lauren Daigle

Back To Me 4:50 Lauren Daigle

Beautiful Day 4:08 U2

Don't Stop Believin' 4:11 Journey

Roar 3:44 Katy Perry PRISM

Lovely Day 4:15 Bill Withers

Mile 2: Run with gratitude

Thank God I Do 4:19 Lauren Daigle

Best Day of My Life 3:14 American Authors

Lean On Me 4:18 Bill Withers

You've Got A Friend 6:02 Bebe & CeCe Winans

Stand By Me 2:57 Ben E. King

Mile 3: I’m being carried

Higher Love 5:51 Steve Winwood

Higher Love 3:48 Whitney Houston

Ego 3:29 Lauren Daigle

Hero 4:18 Mariah Carey

Mile 4: Run in service

Hall of Fame (feat. will.i.am) 3:23 The Script

I Gotta Feeling 4:49 Black Eyed Peas

CAN'T STOP THE FEELING! 3:58 Justin Timberlake

September 3:35 Earth, Wind & Fire

Mile 5: Embodied gratitude

Shut Up and Dance 3:19 WALK THE MOON

Go Your Own Way 3:44 Fleetwood Mac

Born to Run 4:30 Bruce Springsteen

Run To You 3:54 Bryan Adams

Mile 6: Halfway

Life Is a Highway 4:27 Tom Cochrane

Let It Be 4:03 The Beatles

Breathe 4:10 Faith Hill

Mile 7: Presence v perform

Slow Ride 8:15 Foghat

Peaceful Easy Feeling 4:18 Eagles

Mile 8: Carry their stories

Unstoppable Joy 5:32 Marya Stark

To Know Me 3:31 Lauren Daigle

I'll Stand By You 3:59 Pretenders

Mile 9: Faith when it’s tough

Count on Me 3:17 Bruno Mars

Rise Up 4:13 Andra Day

Eye of the Tiger 4:04 Survivor

Mile 10: Joy in effort

Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) 3:42 Kelly Clarkson

Unstoppable 3:38 Sia

Happy (From "Despicable Me 2") 3:53 Pharrell Williams

Good Vibrations 3:36 The Beach Boys

Mile 11: I am upheld

You Make My Dreams (Come True) 3:08 Daryl Hall & John Oates

Hold On 4:27 Wilson Phillips

I Won't Back Down 2:57 Tom Petty

Stand 3:28 Rascal Flatts

Mile 12: Sacred perseverance

We Will Rock You 2:02 Queen

These Are The Days 3:51 Lauren Daigle

Turbulent Skies 3:34 Lauren Daigle

Don't Stop Me Now 3:30 Queen

Mile 13: Witness goodness

What a Wonderful World 2:19 Louis Armstrong

Celebration (Single Version) 4:59 Kool & The Gang Celebrate!

Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) 2:33 Green Day We Are the Champions 3:00 Queen

Chariots of Fire 3:23 A Century Of Movie Soundtracks

Born To Run 4:30 Bruce Springsteen

FINAL reach 0.2 miles “Dedication”

How Great Thou Art 5:21 Carrie Underwood

Thank you, in advance, for your support

TRACK HELEN’S RUN: https://track.rtrt.me/e/RNR-LV-2026#/tracker/R8H6742C

MAKE A DONATION: http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/soma2026

---

Peggy Renfroe donated $250

Sabrina Horne donated $20

JoAnn Scott donated $40

Kay Ward donated $20

Kitt Taylor donated

Bruce Ballantyne donated $50

Jane Francis donated $50

Run safely and steadily Helen - you are Amazing!

Janet E Chandler donated $25

Have fun, Helen. I want to do this with you next year.

Monthly Soma Cuppa donated $50

Cynthia J Roe donated $50

Ines Altemose donated $50

Sarah Geisler donated $100

Happy Birthday Helen! Thank you for running and supporting St. Jude's! <3 Sarah

Brenda & Ron Barker Christmas Donation donated $100

NYE + Monthly Community Cuppa donated $261

Kellie Lahey donated $15

Julie Wilson donated $50

Go Helen!

Mimi Healy donated $500

Helen - Thank you for your support of St Jude!!

Emily Shearer donated $60

a year's worth of cuppas- my goodness, how I've missed them.

Nina Khoo donated $20

Oonagh donated $30

Donating for clothes auction in Budapest to support this fantastic charity

1st Monday Cuppa Community Event donated $25

Virág Bodor donated $20

Tzipporah Eisen donated $15

Thank you for all the green

Kristi donated $50

Helen Terry donated $150

Julia's Light donated $888

May no parent ever have to outlive their child

Monthly Soma Cuppa donated $20

Clothing Donations during Nia Blue Belt donated $200

Monthly Soma Cuppa donated $88

Soma Monthly Community Cuppa donated $25

Link to Make a Donation: http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/soma2026

Here’s a great taste of the race, the people, the energy, the fun and more….

Hope you enjoy this gallery of photos. Where we can recapitulate on the many community events, like monthly cuppas, that have contributed to our annual campaign, raising $5000 for St Jude every year.

Time: a most romantic, sexy, personal movement experience.

“Time” is one of the the most sexy & personal experiences I’ve ever created. The lyrics are very moving, romantic and surprisingly relevant to today. This experience “Time” was created 30 years ago when my daughter, Liliana, was a baby.

The Story

I can picture Liliana in my little 2 seater 1993 Honda Del Sol car, in the passenger seat, in her car seat, looking up at me! She was less than a year old.. I used to click my fingers to stop Liliana from crying. It was one of my funniest, handy little tricks, used to distract my daughter. I could craftily shift her from tears to fascination with the simple click of my fingers!

One time, driving to class, with the Lionel Richie “Time” CD playing. A few clicks stopped my screaming crying child. Liliana began to play with her fingers, mushing them together to see if she could click them like her Mommy… And there, in the moment, Liliana clicked her fingers for the first time. I remember hearing the noise, looking down, seeing her beaming face, her eyes sparkling with joy, feeling joy as she communicated so clearly “look! yes! I did it! I clicked my fingers for the first time!”

I may have forgotten (or missed) my daughters first steps, first food, first many, and yet THIS is a most remarkable & memorable moment in time, something I feel I’ll remember forever.

On arriving at the Houston YMCA, Joe and I did our usual “Tuesday night relay takeover” where he’d get off work, wait in the Y parking lot to pick up Liliana as I dashed into teach class.

I put on the CD (yes 30 years ago we played CDs for class!) and began improvising “teaching on the fly” ~ teaching and creating the moves to music as I went along. In the first song I began in a closed stance (toes together and a little space between the heals) and began clicking my fingers from side to side. The movement was an instant match to the music, an “accidental” synchronistic, magical click. My moment in the car with Liliana flashed before my eyes, I felt light and a warm glow through out my body let me know YES! this is the beginning of something fabulous.

The Music movement clicks

Whenever possible I create movement experiences to follow the order of the tracks on the CD. Great to honor the artist and the order they choice for their collection of songs. The “Time” Class playlist is an exception. Songs click better slightly shuffled. The addition of Light a Candle is the perfect ending to the experience.

Every song from the CD is utilized with the exception of “I hear your voice”. This song comes highly recommended for when you want a good cry over someone you miss. Other than that it simply feels too depressing for our heart warming, love story class experience!

Each song is both unique and very meaningful. They provide music movement clicks that guide me to a personal story. For example “To The Rhythm” includes “I don’t understand what’s going on in the world around me” this song was written 30 years ago, and yet it’s ridiculously relevant for today as it mentions “Recreating the same failures, Violence, Abuse, Murder, Injustice…….” “seems we are making the same mistakes over and over again and I don’t know why!” we go on and on!!

The classic song Lady (which out of the whole album you most likely will know) can be received as a beautiful love story, I imagine the words to be my body sharing a poem about it’s relationship with me…. A funny play with words and yet so true.

“we belong together”

Yes! it’s true! I’ve been in relationships with my body since before I was even born. And my body has spent more time with me than any other person on the planet!! My Body has been with me through all my times - the good, bad and ugly!! and

“you have made me such a fool”

I laugh at this line in the context of it being my body talking to me. For example, that time I was so nervous I had to keep running to the bathroom. And how about when I ate too much, drank too much, and I threw up, passed out or fell over - yes! made my body such a fool!!…

Stepping Out

Inspired by Embodiment Teacher Mark Walsh’s “Self Care Pose” YouTube clip (below), I introduced the pose into the final “Stepping Out” Cycle of the class to the music of “light a candle”. Gently inviting participants to caress their body, to be held, to stay a little longer when they maybe feel they want to bolt was a magical self care moment. The lyrics in the song inspired me to guide them on a mediation while they shifted and then sustained the hug on the other side of their body.

“with your head bowed, softly hold you self in your arms, breath, be gentle and surrender into peace. Feel the warmth of your body and connect with your heart. Imagine lighting a candle. This candle is being lit for peace. Sense your desire for world peace and let the movement towards peace begin at home, here in your heart. Acknowledge true peace begins at home, here in your heart. Light a candle for your own personal peace, for self love, self care and self acceptance. Sense the radiance from your heart, imagine the ripples extending from your center. From your personal act of love on the quest for peace, feel love extending like tentacles from your heart center. Recognize anything in this moment that feels better. Notice anything in your body, on your mind, in your heart, anything unique, that feels better. Feeling better is a sign of self healing, in that when we heal we feel better. As you prepare to step out from class feel free to leave behind anything that no longer serves you well on the dance floor. Choose something special to take with you from this experience. And step into your greatness today, this is your time. All we know we have is now, make it a great day”

Here’s the playlist:

Why choose this playlist and class today?

1. Happy Valentines Day AND no need to isolate focusing on love for only one day a year! -I wanted todays class to be a reminder of how we can have a love affair every day, starting with our selves and practicing Body Love and Self Love.

2. I want to cherish my special relationship with Joe my husband every day. Dancing with line like “you’re my everything”, “you’re the closest thing to Heaven” help me feel my heart connection with my husband and my daughter.

3. it’s sexy - oh my! Lionel Richie is up there with Barry White and Keith Urban for me with regards sexy. What a great way to begin our week.

Soma News

Thank you Fabulous Hero Journey Retreat Guests….

Howdy!

We had a wonderful time where dreams came true at our Hero’s Journey Retreat, here at Soma Ranch. Thank you all who attended.

Our theme this week is “The Love of Being Human”. Please entertain a moving class (or 2) with Helen in this Saturday morning. Including “Time”, one of the most requested experiences of all time!

Feb 16 10am, Birthday Class Monday with Cuppa Celebration at 11am.

Remember Monthly Community Zoom meet up is this coming Tuesday, Feb 17 at 11am.

And thank you in advance for helping us cross the finish line together, raising funds for St Jude.

"You'll never know the value of a moment until it's a memory."

Be well, with love from

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

Dreams Came true Hero's Journey

Dreams come true at Hero’s Journey Retreat

Dreams came true at our recent 5-day Hero’s Journey retreat at Soma Ranch. Helen (Soma Ranch Co-Owner) has been developing this concept over the past 26 years since she discovered Authentic Movement while studying an alternative master’s degree program in dance therapy at the Houston Jung Center.

Guests were invited to relax into a sacred pause to listen deeply, move honestly, and remember who you are becoming.

Rooted in the 12 Hero Archetypes, this immersive retreat weaved together somatic practice, spiritual reflection, and communal witness to guide participants through a living, embodied journey of transformation.

Each day we explored different archetypal energies, not as concepts, but as lived experiences felt in the body.

Email helen@somaranch.com if you are interested in attending a similar retreat.

St Jude Update

St. Jude is our Soma charity partner. During the year Soma Ranch offers open houses, “Cuppa” coffee mornings, special events and classes where 100% of funds collected go towards Finding Cures. Saving Children

With a goal to raise $5000, we appreciate EVERY donation of any amount. Together we cross the finish line.

Every year Helen (co-owner Soma) runs the Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll 1/2 Marathon as a St Jude “Hero”, a group of runners who run to raise funds for St Jude. The event is Feb 22, 2026.

The direct URL to make a donation is

http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/soma2026

Meet Your Inner EveryMan

This Saturday, 2/14/2026 Helen Terry provides 60 minute 5 Soma Stages experience with the focus “The EveryMan”

An Embodied Movement Meditation experience Through 5 Somatic stages of Development

5 Somatic Stages of Development: Embryonic • Creeping • Crawling • Crouching • Walking

Archetypal Essence:

Human • Relational • Grounded • Real • Belonging

Meet Your Inner Everyman:

What does to truly belong feel like? not because of what we achieve, but simply because we are human?

In this guided Soma Faith movement experience, we explore the archetype of Everyman, the part of us that knows we are not separate from life, but deeply connected to the shared story of humanity.

Through a gentle, body-based journey across the five developmental stages of movement (embryonic, creeping, crawling, standing, and walking) participants are guided into an embodied experience of belonging. Not as an idea, but as something felt in the muscles, breath, and rhythm of the body.

This practice invites you to:

• Rest in the truth that you already belong

• Reconnect with shared humanity through movement

• Experience dignity without striving or comparison

• Walk forward grounded in humility and connection

Rooted in interfaith contemplative practice and developmental embodiment, this session offers a spacious, compassionate environment where participants move slowly, listen deeply, and rediscover the sacred ordinariness of being human.

This is not about becoming exceptional.
It is about remembering you are part of something shared.

Come as you are.
Move as you are able.
Leave with a deeper sense of connection: to yourself, to others, and to the living world around you.

“I am the voice of Everyman.

I am the part of you that belongs to the human family.
I remind you that you are not separate from life around you.

I do not measure your worth by achievement or status.
I know your worth because you are human.

I live in your shared breath… your shared struggles… your shared hopes.

I help you walk beside others with humility and dignity.
I help you see yourself in the faces of those around you.

When you feel isolated, I remind you of connection.
When you feel superior or inferior, I return you to equality.

I am the ground of belonging beneath your life.
I am the simple truth of shared humanity.

I am the voice that says:

You are one of us.
You are one among many.
You belong here.”

— The Voice of the EveryMan

Opening Orientation

Everyman is the part of us that knows we are not separate.
Not above. Not below. Not alone.

Everyman is ordinary in the most sacred sense of the word.
Human. Relational. Grounded. Real.

This voice reminds us:
You belong to the earth.
You belong among people.
You belong in the shared story of humanity.

Everyman does not strive to be exceptional.
Everyman seeks connection.

---

This coming week we invite you to playfully bring your “Inner EveryMan” into your awareness both in classes and life.

“Everyman” Daily Affirmations / Meditation Cues for the week:

1. Belonging: I belong to life just as I am.

2. Shared Humanity: I am connected to others through our shared human experience.

3. Equality: I walk among others as an equal in dignity and worth.

4. Simplicity: I honor the sacred beauty of ordinary life.

5. Companionship: I do not walk alone, I move within the human family.

6. Humility: I am neither above nor below, I am simply human, and that is enough.

7. Grounded Presence: I stand rooted in belonging and walk forward in connection.

Look Inward | Shine Light Outward

This Saturday morning (2/7/2026) we'll be "Looking Inward” with the intent to access our inner heroes, to be the best humans we can be.

As part of our Hero Journey retreat you are invited to join us for the Chakra Crystal Bowl 5 Stages class experience. Yes! why not begin your weekend with healing energy and light. The 10am class compliments the theme of looking inwards to shine outwards with the movement experience to the album The Mask and Mirror by Loreena McKennitt.

Zoom Link is the same as usual, whenever you Sign Up for a class the link is sent to you automatically.

Hope you can join us on this journey with healing, movement and dance.

“Stars were falling deep in the darkness
As prayers rose softly, petals at dawn
And as I listened, your voice seemed so clear
So calmly you were calling your god
Somewhere the sun rose, o’er dunes in the desert
Such was the stillness, I ne’er felt before
Was this the question, pulling, pulling, pulling you
In your heart, in your soul, did you find rest there?
Elsewhere a snowfall, the first in the winter
Covered the ground as the bells filled the air
You in your robes sang, calling, calling, calling him
In your heart, in your soul, did you find peace there?”

— FULL CIRCLE, Loreena McKennitt

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

Happy Birthday Class, 10am Feb 16

We seem to have a lot of birthdays this time of year, including Soma Co-owner, Helen Terry. Please come celebrate with us either on line or in person at Soma Ranch.

We’ll be celebrating all February birthdays with this special “Diva” class. Helen will be selecting favorite Diva tunes, including amazing songs from Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Donna Summer.

YOUR PRESENCE IS OUR PRESENT - PLEASE NO GIFTS REQUIRED!!!

Our special class will focus on a “Celebration” , feeling the Love and Joy of connection and wellness.

Regular class rates apply.

Stay for Coffee, Chai, Tea, Snacks and BIRTHDAY CAKE at our “Cuppa” after class.

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

Soma News

Soma Ranch “Pavilion” of truly epic proportions

Howdy!

We are having a marvelous time at our Hero Journey retreat. Come along for a public class (in person, online or via 24HR replay) to get a taste of the joyful connection.

Our theme this week is “The Hero’s Journey”

Helen is also teaching

Feb 8, Sunday 11am

Feb 9, Monday 10am

Feb 16 10am, Birthday Class Monday with Cuppa Celebration at 11am.

We encourage you to stay active, enjoy life and dance whenever possible.

"Life is precious. We should not take anything for granted. Living every moment as if it was our first and last is a genuine life of gratitude, acceptance and wisdom." - Akiane Kramarik

"You'll never know the value of a moment until it's a memory."

Be well, with love from

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

Soma News

Soma Ranch “Pavilion” of truly epic proportions

Howdy!

Does our patio cover say “we’ve got you covered”? What began as a modest idea for a small addition to our back deck at Soma during the lockdown grew into a pavilion of truly epic proportions, far beyond anything we imagined. We love how this shelter “Protector” now lets us enjoy the outdoors in comfort throughout the year.

Our theme this week is “The Protector.”

Rather than being about fear or restriction, The Protector is your inner helper, guiding your energy, holding boundaries, and keeping you safe. It works in partnership with your Controller and other inner voices to help you move through life with care, confidence, and presence. Read more and consider joining us for classes with this focus on Saturday Morning.

HUGE thank you to all the song suggestions from our community. Wow! what a fabulous resource. If you want to bring some joyful sparkle to your weekend please check out our playlists and entertain coming to dance at 10am tomorrow (Saturday) when Helen hits “shuffle” and we dance to what ever songs pop up.

We encourage you to stay active, enjoy life and dance whenever possible. We have some fabulous classes and retreats coming up to help you in this direction and would love you to join us. And remember when you sign up for February Hero’s journey by the 28th you can bring a friend for free.

Saturday morning classes continue our Hero’s Journey with the focus on “The Protector” 8:45am Movement Meditation Introduction followed by 10:00am Blue Monkey Dance.

Upcoming Full Snow Moon Overnight Retreat Feb 1

Special 5 day Hero’s Journey Retreat Feb 5 - 9

"Life is precious. We should not take anything for granted. Living every moment as if it was our first and last is a genuine life of gratitude, acceptance and wisdom." - Akiane Kramarik

"You'll never know the value of a moment until it's a memory."

Be well, with love from

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

The Innocent Music Playlist

Thank you all participants who provided suggestions for “The Innocent” Archetype Playlist. OMG! what a wonderful example of how we are more better together. Some of these songs are new to me, other songs I would NEVER have thought of selecting for our theme. I am reminded of how unique we all are and how we can learn from each other.

Here’s a sample of fabulous recommendations and some Apple Playlists

Snow Moon Overnight Retreat Feb 1 - 2

On Sunday evening, February 1, 2026, we gather beneath the Full Snow Moon for an intimate overnight retreat at Soma Ranch: a sacred pause to mark the turning of the season, listen deeply, and come home to the wisdom of the body.

““The February full moon rises as winter begins to soften. Traditionally known as the Snow Moon, it invites us into stillness, nourishment, and quiet illumination. This moon does not ask for striving, it asks for presence, rest, and honest reflection.

This overnight retreat is a container for slowing down and remembering what supports life within us.

What This Night Holds

As the moon lifts into fullness, we will move gently between embodied practice, silence, shared ritual, and rest. The Soma sacred land itself becomes our teacher, open sky, water, firelight, and the steady rhythms of nature (and donkey calls) guiding us back to what is essential.

Together, we will:

• Arrive and ground through simple, somatic practices

• Gather under the full moon for reflection and intention

• Honor what is ready to be released and what longs to be nurtured

• Rest deeply in community, held by the land and the night

• Wake gently into the morning with nourishing food, integration and closing practice

This retreat is designed to feel

1. spacious rather than full

2. listening rather than fixing

3. rooted in relaxation rather than production

Who This Is For

This gathering is for anyone longing to:

• Step out of urgency and into rhythm

• Reconnect with their body as a source of wisdom

• Mark the lunar cycle with intention and reverence

• Experience community without pressure or expectation

No prior movement or contemplative experience is required. All bodies, backgrounds, and spiritual paths are welcome.

The Invitation

The Full Moon reflects what is already present. This night is an invitation to let yourself be seen—by the moon, by the land, and by your own awareness—without needing to change anything.

Come as you are.
Rest. Reflect. Receive.

““The fire circle at dusk into early nightaligns beautifully with:MoonriseTemperature shiftsNatural inward turning

— Helen Terry

Retreat Schedule

Sunday, February 1, 2026

1:00 – 3:00 PM
Arrival & Settling In
Arrive at Soma Ranch, settle into your space, and begin to land in the rhythm of the land.

Tea and light snacks available upon arrival.

3:00 – 4:00 PM
Opening Circle & Gentle Somatic Movement
We gather to open the retreat with intention, followed by a guided, accessible somatic movement experience to support grounding and presence.

4:00 – 6:00 PM
Free Soma Time
Enjoy the amenities of Soma Ranch at your own pace: sauna, hot tub, cold plunge, and swimming beneath the open sky.

6:00 – 7:00 PM
Dinner by Chef Joe
A nourishing, thoughtfully prepared shared meal.

7:00 – 8:00 PM
Fire Circle & Full Moon Reflection
We gather around the fire for reflection and optional release ritual, honoring the Full Snow Moon.

8:00 – 10:00 PM
Free Soma Time
Return to the sauna, hot tub, cold plunge, or enjoy quiet time under the stars and moon.

Quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM to support rest and integration.

7:30 – 8:30 AM
Breakfast by Chef Joe
The “Famous Quinoa Porridge” with all the trimings and many options on the side. Includes fruit, yogurt, kefir, granola, seeds and more.

8:30 – 9:30 AM
Gathering/Closing Circle Connection
Ending in harmony with the melody of Soma in our hearts.

10:00 – 11:00AM
Optional Extra to stay for Soma Class with Helen
Guided movement practice integrating body, mind, emotion, spirit with the theme of “New Beginnings” with the brightness and energy of the full moon.

11:00 – 12:00PM
Optional Extra to stay for Community Cuppa

This our final Community Fundraiser Cuppa before Helen heads to Vegas to run the 1/2 Marathon as a St Jude Hero.

COST

Your registration includes:

• All retreat programming

• Overnight accommodations

• Arrival refreshments, Dinner, Breakfast

  $50 Non Residential

  $75 Dormitory

  $125 Semi Private

  $200 Private

Hero's Journey Embodied Retreat Feb 5 - 9

This February, you are invited into a 5-day Hero’s Journey retreat at Soma Ranch: a sacred pause to listen deeply, move honestly, and remember who you are becoming.

Rooted in the 12 Hero Archetypes, this immersive retreat weaves together somatic practice, spiritual reflection, and communal witness to guide participants through a living, embodied journey of transformation.

Each day invites you to explore different archetypal energies, not as concepts, but as lived experiences felt in the body.

Hero's Journey: February ~The Everyman

Sale

30 Day Hero's “Journey with Movement”

Sale Price: $99.00 Original Price: $120.00

2. The Everyman (Regular Guy/Gal) “The human”

Core desire: Belonging, connection
Strengths: Empathy, humility, groundedness
Shadow: Losing identity, seeking approval too much

Soma Faith reframing: Embodying “We are one Body” while keeping personal integrity.

“You are not behind. You are becoming.”

“You don’t have to be extraordinary to be meaningful.”

“You can only rise from the ground”

Let’s explore something quietly radical: ordinary life is holy.

February Soma Hero Journey: Honoring Ordinary Life and Celebrating being human.

This month we’re moving with the archetype of The Ordinary Man: the part of us that grows slowly, learns through repetition, and keeps showing up imperfectly. After beginning the year with The Innocent (belonging and trust), February grounds us in what comes next: the sacred work of becoming human.

This is not symbolic only. It’s somatic. We’ll let the body teach what words alone cannot:

You cannot skip stages.
You cannot rise without the ground.
You cannot walk without wobbling.

And nothing about that is failure.

The Ordinary Man archetype reminds us:
You don’t have to be extraordinary to be meaningful.
Your ordinary life is the exact place growth happens.

February is for the person inside of us who feels behind, tired of striving, or longing for grounded, embodied movement and spirituality.

You are not behind.
You are becoming.

Join us this month as we honor slow growth, embodied faith, and the sacred dignity of ordinary life.

We’re on a heroic journey for 2026.

Would you like to join us?

Each month we spotlight a different hero archetype through dance, movement, exploration, discussion, and education.

All experiences will be online via Zoom with 1-7 day replays.

There will be live movement classes 10am Monday, Thursday, Saturday, 8am Fridays, plus Saturday 8:45 5 Stages Developmental Experiences, all via zoom with replays.

Helen will teach the majority of these classes, Irene will continue to provide Feldenkrais experiences and Natasha and Gigi teach Nia.

You can also enjoy rePLAY experiences including dance breaks, EFT tapping, Evolutionary Mystic Meditations and more varying from 10 - 45 minutes with 3 day replays.

Beyond continuing to provide our regular somatic (Body Centered) movement experiences that support your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing, this new 12‑month, 365‑day, project aims to

• deepen our understanding of the personalities within us by exploring them through movement, exploration and education.

• develop additional resources for self‑awareness and fascination

• move toward being the best humans we can be (yes! let’s dream and aim big LOL)

The 12 hero archetypes, popularized from Carl Jung's work, are universal character patterns used in storytelling, branding, and psychology, representing core human motivations and experiences, and include the Innocent, Everyman, Hero, Caregiver, Explorer, Rebel, Creator, Lover, Jester, Sage, Magician, and Ruler, each seeking different things like freedom, connection, or mastery. 

The 12 Archetypes:

• The Innocent: Seeks happiness and safety; optimistic, simple.

• The Everyman: Wants to belong and connect; relatable, down-to-earth.

• The Hero: Aims to prove worth through courageous action; competent, disciplined.

• The Caregiver: Desires to help and protect others; nurturing, generous.

• The Explorer: Seeks freedom and new experiences; adventurous, independent.

• The Rebel: Wants revolution and to break rules; disruptive, transformative.

• The Creator: Aims to build something of enduring value; innovative, artistic.

• The Lover: Seeks intimacy, connection, and passion; sensual, loyal.

• The Jester: Wants to live in the moment and bring joy; fun, playful.

• The Sage: Seeks truth and understanding; wise, knowledgeable.

• The Magician: Wants to make dreams come true; visionary, powerful.

• The Ruler: Seeks control and order; authoritative, leader. 

How They're Used:

These archetypes help authors create relatable characters, build strong brands by aligning with consumer desires, and offer frameworks for personal growth by identifying one's dominant patterns. 

“In 1996, as a Nia Technique trainer, realizing I needed to do more of my own inner work and be better able to hold space for leading people through embodied movement experiences, I began a master’s in Alternative Dance Therapy at the Jung Center in Houston. That started a 30-year journey of fascinated interest in authentic movement, archetypes, and somatic (body centered) healing.

I’m excited to bring these passions to our 365 and 30 day movement journeys in 2026.”

— Helen Terry

Each month you will receive

• information, prompting questions and a group discussion session around the archetype

• movement classes with foci that support the “archetype of the month”

• pop up experiences that enhance our exploration of the “archetype of the month”

• group discussions and community connection through our private facebook group

As a community we’ll co‑create playlists and immersive experiences such as “Blue Monkey” improv’ classes and FreeDance explorations.

Sale

30 Day Hero's “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 1-7 day replays

• 30 classes (Soma Moves, Feldenkrais, Ageless Grace, EFT tapping, Evolutionary Mystic Meditations, Blue Monkey Improv’, FreeDance Explorations, Helen’s “Simple Kata” Formula, Nia)

• 3 x 60 min classes a week 10am (US Central Time) Mo, Th, Sa

• 1 × 30 min class a week 8/10am (US Central Time) Fr

• 1 Weekly 5 Stages Healing Class, 8:45am (US Central Time) Sa

• Great Beginners Introduction to Somatic Movement Practices

• Feel supported and stay motivated

• Learn more about how to be in your body (as a vessel for your mind, emotions and spirit)

• Learn about Developmental Anatomy

• 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 with Replays

• Sustain Fantastic Somatic Movement every day for 30 days!

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

BUY NOW

Sale

365 Day Hero's Journey with Movement 2026

Sale Price: $899.00 Original Price: $999.00

Join our ONLINE 365 Day Hero's Journey with Movement 2026

$899 thru December 31

$999 after December 31

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

• Receive 365 classes (Soma Moves, Soma Faith, Soma Dance Breaks, Blue Monkey Improv’, EFT Tapping, Evolutionary Mystic Meditations, FreeDance Exploration, Feldenkrais, Ageless Grace, Nia)

• Enjoy 1-7 day replays

• 4 x 60 min 10am classes a week (US Central Time) Mo, Th, Fr, Sa

• 1 Weekly 5 stages healing class

• 1 monthly 365 group check in with Helen

• Great Beginners Introduction to Somatic (body centered) movement

• Feel supported and stay motivated

• Learn more about how to live in and love your body

• Learn about Developmental Anatomy 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 + Replays

• Sustain Fantastic Somatic Movement every day for 365 days!

BUY NOW

Blue Monkey PlayDay Class on Saturday with Helen at 10am

Join us this Saturday at 10am for a very special Blue Monkey Soma Faith class as we celebrate the conclusion of our first Hero Month in the 365-Day Hero Journey Program. Our theme is The Innocent: the archetype of play, illusion, wonder, magic, and childlike joy.

What is Blue Monkey?
Blue Monkey is our most playful, co-creative class format. Participants bring song suggestions around the theme of The Innocent (think play, magic, illusion, imagination, and delight). Helen then creates movement on the fly, improvising with the music, the energy in the zoom room, and whatever Spirit stirs in the moment.

You can laugh with her or at her (depending on the moment), and together we co-create something beautiful and unexpected.

In this space, many things tend to appear:
✨ joy
✨ laughter
✨ creativity
✨ community
✨ fun

…and many things can disappear:
🌿 pain
🌿 tension
🌿 isolation
🌿 separateness

Theme: The Innocent
The Innocent invites us back into trust, wonder, playfulness, and hope. It reminds us how to soften, how to delight in simple things, and how to move through the world with curiosity instead of control. All music requests for this class will center around play, illusion, magic, imagination, and lightness of being.

Email helen@somaranch.com with your song suggestion before 9pm Friday 1/30/26. All we need is name of artist and name of song.

Our Shared Intent
The desired outcome for this class is to leave feeling:
💛 joyful connection
💛 inspiration
💛 hope

Helen’s Teaching Intent
Helen’s personal intention while teaching this class is to be as innocently, playfully cute as the Labrador puppy in the photo we’re including in this blog. Expect silliness, sweetness, spontaneity, and moments of pure embodied joy.

Come move, play, laugh, and wonder with us as we dance together and celebrate our 30-day journey with the spirit of The Innocent.

All are welcome. Come as you are. Leave lighter than you arrived. 🐒

“Helen brings a beautiful relaxed presence, with a grounded approach, her voice and phrases are delicious, she moves wonderfully and brings a special joy to the experience. ”

— 365 Journey Participant

Focus: Play with wonder, magic, and childlike joy.

Intent: Joyful connection, inspiration and hope.

Experience: Blue Monkey

Teacher: Helen

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

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old;
we grow old because we stop playing”

— George Bernard Shaw

• "A little nonsense now and then is cherished by the wisest men." Roald Dahl

• "Play is the highest form of research." Albert Einstein

• "The opposite of play is not work. It's depression." Brian Sutton-Smith

“Man is most nearly himself
when he achieves the
seriousness of a child at play”

— Heraclitus

As we close out our beautiful month with The Innocent, we now turn the page to our next chapter in the 365-Day Hero Journey: The Ordinary Man. This upcoming month invites us to celebrate the sacredness of being fully human; not exceptional, not perfected, not extraordinary, but real, relatable, and right where we are. We’ll explore the quiet power of belonging, the deep comfort of shared experience, and the surprising freedom found in healthy conformity, in choosing to participate, to fit in just enough to be held by community, rhythm, and routine. Together, we’ll honor the beauty of the everyday, the dignity of simplicity, and the grace of knowing we don’t have to stand out to be deeply seen and loved.

The Story of Blue Monkey Classes

More than 25 Years ago Helen Terry (Soma Ranch Owner) began teaching an Improvisation class once a week. The experienced evolved into being called a Blue Monkey Class. Here’s a short video where Helen shares how the name came about, including more information about what a Blue Monkey Class is and how it is co-created. This Saturday (1/31/26) Helen is leading a 60 minutes Blue Monkey experience online via Zoom.

Meet Your Inner Protector

This Saturday, 1/31/2026 Helen Terry provides 60 minute 5 Soma Stages experience with the focus “The Protector”

An Embodied Movement Meditation experience Through 5 Somatic stages of Development

5 Somatic Stages of Development:
Embryonic • Creeping • Crawling • Crouching • Walking

Archetypal Essence:
Care • Boundary • Preservation • Support • Attuned Restraint

Meet Your Inner Protector:

Every part of you has a role. One of the most powerful, and often overlooked, is the Protector.

This is your ally in body and life.

The Protector isn’t about fear or restriction. It’s your inner helper, guiding your energy, holding boundaries, and keeping you safe. It works in partnership with your Controller and other inner voices to help you move through life with care, confidence, and presence.

“I am the Protector. I am here to keep you safe, to hold the edges of your body and your energy so you can move through the world without harm. I am not here to control or dominate. I am here to watch, to notice, and to guide.

I sense where tension lives, where fatigue is creeping in, and where boundaries need to be honored. I offer pause when it is needed, caution when the path feels uncertain, and reassurance when you feel unsure.

I work quietly alongside your other voices, especially the Controller, helping you move forward with confidence, care, and grace. My purpose is service, not power; vigilance, not fear. I am always present, always attentive, and always here to remind you that safety and care are part of your journey.”

— The Voice of the Protector

Opening Orientation

This practice honors the part of us that learned how to care for life.

The Protector is not here to lead the journey,
it is here to support it.

At every stage, you are free to pause, rest, or choose another option.

Protection begins with choice.

---

Come as you are.
Move at your own pace.
Let clarity arise from within.
We’d love to move with you.

Class is held online via Zoom. When you sign up for the class you will receive the meeting link.

If you can’t find the automated response with the link, feel free to text 832-567-4550 for assistance.

All classes include a replay; if you can’t join us live and/or would like to revisit the material, the replay will be available.

Soma Class Rates

from $20.00

Soma Ranch Classes:

Select Soma Ranch Classes $20 | Drop In $75 | 5 class pass $130 | 10 class pass $75 | Day Retreat $30 | Lunch or Dinner $30 | Sauna $96 | 60 Min Massage $145 | 90 Min Massage

Buy NOW

This coming week we invite you to playfully bring your protector into your awareness both in classes and life.

Protector Daily Affirmations / Meditation Cues for the week:

1. I am here to keep you safe, guiding each step with care.

2. I notice what needs attention and create space for rest.

3. I hold boundaries so you can move freely and confidently.

4. I am steady, alert, and present, supporting all that you do.

5. I move with you, quietly guarding your energy and your peace.

6. I am service, not control; I am care expressed through presence.

7. I remind you that safety, rest, and attention are part of your journey.

Sale

30 Day Hero's “Journey with Movement”

Sale Price: $99.00 Original Price: $120.00

BUY NOW

Soma News

Keeping the fire burning… waiting on the freeze…

Howdy!

We hope you are safe and warm. Joe is at Soma Ranch surviving the “Artic freeze”, while Helen has popped over to the UK to see her parents. PLEASE NOTE TOMORROW (MONDAY 10AM CLASS) WILL BE ONLINE ONLY… stay safe.

Our theme this week is “The Protector.”

Rather than being about fear or restriction, The Protector is your inner helper, guiding your energy, holding boundaries, and keeping you safe. It works in partnership with your Controller and other inner voices to help you move through life with care, confidence, and presence. Read more and consider joining us for classes with this focus on Saturday Morning.

We encourage you to stay active, enjoy life and dance whenever possible. We have some fabulous classes and retreats coming up to help you in this direction and would love you to join us. And remember when you sign up for February Hero’s journey by the 28th you can bring a friend for free.

Saturday morning classes continue our Hero’s Journey with the focus on “The Protector” 8:45am Movement Meditation Introduction followed by 10:00am Blue Monkey Dance.

Upcoming Full Snow Moon Overnight Retreat Feb 1

Special 5 day Hero’s Journey Retreat Feb 5 - 9

"Life is precious. We should not take anything for granted. Living every moment as if it was our first and last is a genuine life of gratitude, acceptance and wisdom." - Akiane Kramarik

"You'll never know the value of a moment until it's a memory."

Be well, with love from

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