Life as Art is pleasurably practiced at Soma Ranch. Chef Joe believes “everyBody eats with their eyes” and does his best to please….
27 days to Soma Summit
I’m jumping for Joy today. The weather is perfect at Soma Ranch. The grass is green. Our biggest event of the year “Soma Summit” is blossoming. Flights booked. Rolf, Kevin, Bill, Philippe and Sabine on their way.
Nia "WHY" Routine ~ Playlist
Thanks everyBody for playing this morning
Like the routine this play list is a work in progress AND a fabulous beginning.
I hope you had as much fun as me. I welcome all and any comments.
I played with choreography from Passion (Green belt begins today). Worked well for me. How about you? WHY don’t you give it a go?
| WU | Don’t Know Why | 3:06 | Norah Jones, Come Away With Me |
| WU/GM | Things You Don’t Have To Do (feat. Norah Jones) | 5:23 | Peter Malick, Humanity |
| GM | Why Can’t We Live Together? | 6:39 | Steve Winwood, About Time |
| GM | Shadows | 4:19 | Enigma Love Sensuality Devotion: The Greatest Hits |
| GM | Check Yes Juliet | 3:40 | We the Kings, Check Yes Juliet |
| GM | Y.M.C.A. (Single Version) | 3:45 | Village People, Disco Gold |
| GM | Yo Vivire (I Will Survive) | 4:24 | Celia Cruz, Buddha-Bar IV |
| GM | Why (DJ Sammy’s Extended Mix) | 7:11 | DJ Sammy, Why |
| GM | To The Rhythm | 5:14 | Lionel Richie, Time |
| CD | Why | 4:54 | Annie Lennox, Diva |
| FP | You’ve Got A Friend | 6:03 | Various, Tapestry Revisited |
Soma Summit ~ Feel Strong, Rich and among Friends...
28 Days to Soma Summit
“Reality, is not that you are weak, and dream of becoming strong. Poor, and dream of becoming rich. Alone, and dream of having friends. But that you’re already strong, rich, and among friends. Yet, at times, dream that you’re not.” The Universe
I’m reminded how strong, rich and among friends we felt last year - experience the reality this year!: Soma Summit Oct 19 - 21, 2012.
Helen Terry recognized in "Leaders Who Inspire" Texas
Helen Terry was recognized in Origins ~ “the Conscious Culture Magazine”. They include Helen in an article about “Leaders Who Inspire Texas. Check out the copy below, you can also pick up a physical copy on news stands Nationally at Whole Foods, Barnes & Noble and more..
Helen Terry. Houston. TX.
Inspirer. NiaMoves Studio + Soma Ranch
I’m passionate about moving people with Nia Technique, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I bring people together and inspire them, at my NiaMoves Studio in Houston, Soma Ranch in Texas, and around the world. That turns me on.
Entertaining, “to the point” speaker, International Nia Technique Trainer, Certified Body Ecologist, Dancer Therapy Specialist with Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology.
WWW.SOMARANCH.COM
Email Helen info@somaranch.com
Blue Electric Storm Retreat BES12 ~ Download
Annie Lennox Nia Routine "Medusa" Play List
Super “Sing a Long” Sensuous Nia mix.
Focus is super, smooth, sensuous, sustaining movement and mind.
Fairly “tight” adapted routine from the original Nia Routine Sanjana. I’m taking this experience on the road starting in September, in New Jersey. The workshop shares how to take an established Nia Routine and put it to new music. Sustaining the integrity of the original routine while honoring and enveloping the new music.
| WU | No More “I Love You’s” | 5:52 | Annie Lennox, Medusa |
| WU/GM | Take Me To The River | 6:30 | Annie Lennox, Medusa |
| GM | A Whiter Shade Of Pale | 4:50 | Annie Lennox, Medusa |
| GM | Don’t Let It Bring You Down | 3:52 | Annie Lennox, Medusa |
| GM | Train In Vain | 4:29 | Annie Lennox, Medusa |
| GM | I Can’t Get Next To You | 7:35 | Annie Lennox, Medusa |
| GM | Kiss | 4:58 | Prince, Hits/The B-Sides |
| GM | Back In Black | 4:52 | AC/DC Back In Black |
| GM | Downtown Lights | 4:08 | Annie Lennox, Medusa |
| GM | Thin Line Between Love And Hate | 4:45 | Annie Lennox, Medusa |
| FP | Waiting In Vain | 4:15 | Annie Lennox, Medusa |
| FP | Something So Right | 3:56 | Annie Lennox, Medusa |
| SO | Healing Senses | 4:48 | Parijat, Nia Routine Aya |
Day Out of Time "DOoT" ~ Celebration
July 24th, 1:30 - 4:30pm: DOoT workshop….
- Intro to Natural Time,
- Playful opportunity to connect with fellow tribes and tones
- Interactive experience to somatically witness how we weave and connect
- Dance and play in Natural Time honoring uniqueness and celebrating how we are all connected.
- Personalize and make your own T shirt!
$30 in Advance
$40 on the day
July 24th, 7:00 - 10:00pm, DOoT “Party”:
- Great Music
- Dancing
- The World’s Best Carrot Cake
- BIG bonfire & fireworks (weather permitting)
- Surprises
Women of Bhakti ~ special screening and presentation
At Blue Electric Storm July 22 - 26, 2012 we have a special evening feature for your enjoyment:
Women of Bhakti, shot in India and the United States, is an artistic and entertaining film that gives viewers an enlightened understanding of the bhakti, or devotional, tradition of yoga and how it relates to modern yoga practice. Notable figures include Sara Ivanhoe, Shiva Rea, Sharon Gannon and Dana Flynn.
Links:
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhXgUjwnGr0
Women of Bhakti: womenofbhakti.com
Jahnava: jahnava.com
Dark Side of the Moon Sync with Wizard of Oz TREBLED, Monday, July 22, 8:00 - 10:00pm
Come enjoy this TRIPLE amazing experience at Blue Electric Storm Retreat.
$20 in advance
$30 on the day
Read previous blog about synchronizing with Wizard of Oz.
I consider myself an artist with Nia as my “medium”. Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon is an opportunity to be part of art in the moment, something to share with other movers and groovers in a most delightful way. We dance to the entire Wizard of Oz movie, listening to Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon 3 times!
Yes! a tripee triple experience…
each time DSOTM plays we are guided through a unique movement experience:
- A floor play experience based on Nia 5 stages practice
- A 52 Moves experience, systematically move through Nia Technique
- we’re primed and ready for a full on Nia experience
Watch and also take part in “Art in the making!”
In this experience you are invited to both join in and step out. Observe as often as you like. Take the endurance “marathon” Nia experience challenge if you like. It’s all part of the collaborative creation.
Special BES12 Guest Presenter ~ Carla Winter, Graphologist!
Graphology is the study of all graphic movement including handwriting, doodling, drawing and painting in order to gain insight into the physical, mental and emotional state of the writer or artist.
As more people write than draw, we tend to equate the term graphology with handwriting analysis.
The brain generates the impulses that expresses graphically and reflects both conscious qualities and unconscious qualities of the individual.
Mind, body and emotions are all connected. An interesting aspect of graphology is that one can create changes in emotions, behavior and attitudes by making specific changes in ones writing. The body leads the mind in making the change, the inverse of psycho-therapy where the mind initiates the behavior change.
Carla Winter has been practicing and studying graphology since the mid 80’s and initially became interested in it as a fun entertainment for her party entertainment business. She has studied with\master’s in the field, including the eminent Marcel Matley. Ultimately, her interest in the field grew and developed and today she is considered an expert by many within her graphological community and greater society.
She is also a contributing writer to the newsletter for AHAF (American Handwriting Association Foundation) of which she is a member
She has been called to appear of television many times as an expert. Quite recently, (June 5) she was contacted by KRON News 4 to offer her insights on a lengthy handwritten letter they had just received from an incarcerated serial killer attempting to set the record straight. Although his words said one thing, his handwriting indicated a very different picture.
For the Blue Electric Storm workshop, Carla will present some simple exercises that create an easy visceral understanding of how handwriting analysis works.
She will also be looking at samples presented by participant and is available for further consultation during the workshop.
Carla really likes the color blue and holds blue belts in two styles of martial arts in addition to her blue belt in Nia.
Blue Belt - Classes, Schedule, Attendees
Blue Belt has begun,
Public Nia classes at 11am Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs
Lunch at noon
Blue Belts and above, you are encouraged to audit sessions
Download this schedule and select when you’d like to join us.
Lovely mix of diversity in experience, age and geography.
here’s our guest list:
Blue Belt Participants: June 2 - 8, 2012
Alina Matel
Chicago, Il
Jo Ellen Parker
Sweet Briar, VA
Karolina Mueller
Houston, TX
Marion Pellekaan
The Netherlands
Melissa Saunders
Carrboro, NC
Sarit Sela
Gainesville, FL
Visiting Nia Belts
Mary Singler, Cincinnati, OH
Ray Wooten, San Antonio, Texas
Robin Poer, Carrboro, NC
Susan McCulley, Charlottesville, VA
Guests
Gordon Poer, Carrboro, NC
White Belt Week Invitation
Please choose from the many fun options:
Here’s the White Belt Schedule (click it!)
- Nia keen sign up NOW!
- Nia graduates attend sessions complimentary
- Nia enthusiasts attend daily public classes
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Thursday
- Public classes at 11am ($15)
- Lunch at noon ($15)
- Enjoy a day retreat ($25)
- Enjoy a 6 Day Full Board, Inclusive Nia Retreat ($400)
It is very helpful when you can RSVP, yet not required.
Monday
Foot Detox on 6pm onwards ($40)
Massage appointments 6pm onwards ($90)
Wednesday
Reflexology on Wednesday 6pm onwards ($90)
email: info@somaranch.com to schedule treatments
Help us name our New Baby Donkey
What shall we call our New Addition?
Leave suggestions in “Post a comment” below:
- It’s a girl!
- Born May 5, 2012.
- Her mom “Moon Beam” was rescued in October 2011.
- “needs worming” turned into “Oh! she’s pregnant!”
New Program at NiaMoves Houston: "The Monthly Motivator"
Celebrate regular commitment to self-care.
We have a new program that highlights of our number one attender of classes at NiaMoves Studio in Houston.
We congratulate the recipient personally, ask a few simple questions to get to know them better and find out what makes them such a regular attender.
We then celebrate and feature the participant publicly, sending an email to all our teachers and members of staff, through an email that goes to our community and on the front page of our web site www.niamoves.com.
This month Jackie is the recipient. She describes herself, shares what classes she takes at the studio, what inspires her to attend so many classes, how she stays motivated and what she’d like to share to motivate others.
Jackie shares she has “released two larger pants sizes from her body” (I love how she puts that). Interesting the main motivating factor for Jackie is having a buddy that she is accountable to, someone who will call her if she doesn’t show.
Jackie’s words of wisdom:
“Go every day. You will feel better. You will experience better health. You will be more creative and feel more confident.”
http://niamoves.com/news-media/niamoves-motivator-april-jackie
Cinco de Mayo Nia Play List
Enjoy this Fun Fiesta Nia mix.
Focus was simply sense and celebrate being in a body, have fun, let’s party!
The play list is a keeper, repeater. Great for dance party or free dance event.
It’s a full 60 minutes of music. Good to cross fade by full 12 seconds.
Whitney song is fabulous for cool down and/or floor play yet can also be omitted (like we did this morning).
Earth Wind and Fire a fun boogie step out (can easily be omitted if you want to create a different ending)
Now I’m ready for Cinco de Mayo Siesta!
| WU | Idje-Idje | 5:52 | Agolo Nia Routine |
| WU/GM | Marrakesh Night Market | 6:30 | Loreena McKennitt |
| GM | Agolo | 4:50 | Agolo Nia Routine |
| GM | Amore (Sexo) | 3:52 | Santana Feat. Macy Gray |
| GM | Adouma | 4:29 | Agolo Nia Routine |
| GM | ¡Fiesta Fatal! Mega Mix | 7:35 | B-Tribe |
| GM | Smooth | 4:58 | Carlos Santana |
| GM | Habanera Redux | 4:52 | East Village Opera Co |
| GM | Hermes | 4:08 | Santana |
| GM | Lo Siento | 4:45 | B-Tribe |
| CD | Jingo | 4:15 | Santana “circle/freedance” |
| FP | Could I Have This Kiss (Met Mix) | 3:56 | Whitney Houston |
| SO | Boogie Wonderland | 4:48 | Earth Wind & Fire “Freedance Boogie!” |
Wellness Retreat with Coach Michelle
May Wellness Day Retreat SOLD OUT!!
Congratulations Michelle, the Wellness Day was a wonderful success.
June 19 Wellness Day Retreat focuses on Hormones and Nutritional Wellness.
- Wellness talk
- Nia class
- Far Infrared Sauna
- Detox Foot Bath
- Guided Meditation
- Mineral Hot Tub
- Healthy Lunch
- Retail Therapy (Fabulous books, designer clothing, gifts)
all for only $99 (value $300+)
Sign up at www.CoachMichelleC.com
Let's Clean up!
Want to clean up your eating? thoughts? desk? house? LIFE? We are creating a fun, friendly, FREE support group and you’re invited. We plan to go through several cleanses over the next 60 days, including the option of a 21 day detox program with Donna Gates.
Click here to join Helen’s “Cultured Friends” FaceBook Page,
then watch for announcements about free teleconferences with Helen, pot luck get togethers and lots of choices with regards cleaning up your act!
Do you wake up in the morning with a desire to eat right and go to sleep with disappointment? are you overwhelmed and challenged to get caught up? we are here to help support each other and make shift happen …
Reset Your Body and Mind! A 21-Day Whole Life Detox: Incredible Healing-Inside and Out!
Here’s a video intro from Donna about the 21 day detox
Nia White Belt in Thailand
Tracey Fenner is hosting Helen Terry at Kamalaya, Koh Sumaui, Thailand
We are both excited about this incredible experience.
Kalamalaya was awarded the “Spa Destination of the Year for Asia & Australasia’s” at the World Spa Awards in London.
This is the FIRST TIME EVER for a Nia Training to be hosted in Thailand.
Here’ more information on the Kamalaya web site (take a virtual vacation!)
http://www.kamalaya.com/nia-white-belt-retreat.htm
and a lovely piece written by Tracey Fenner about “Journey with us - Find your Purpose in Life”
http://niahongkong.wordpress.com/2012/04/10/journey-with-us-find-your-purpose-in-life/
Teaching/experiencing a "dusty" Nia routine ~ Infinity
One class opportunity at NiaMoves, (Friday 9:15am) before I head to KY for a blue belt training.
I’m excited to play/teach with music from the Nia Routine Infinity. We will have a “dusty” Nia Routine experience, meaning I haven’t reviewed the choreography or played the music in a long while. I’m curious to discover how much my body can recapitulate. It’s experiences like these where I feel the most like a student. I show up with little knowledge of what the choreography will be…
My body leads, giving me MAYBE 10 seconds advance notice of what is to come next. I wait, sustaining what we call RAW (Relaxed, Alert and Waiting). It’s a curious “dimension” as I wait for the cue to come, from within (with 20 classmates waiting right behind me!). YIKES!
When I sustain RAW, with the trust that all will unfold beautifully, the class and I have a magical time. I find this a meditative reflection and lesson of life - I hope you will join me.
Any teachers out there feel the same way?
Students - how do you feel when I/we Nia Teachers lead this way?
I’d love to hear from you. ADD YOUR COMMENTs TO THIS BLOG