Reunion at NiaMoves

We led a fun and fabulous jam celebrating the life of Constance Adams with some of her favorite tunes (including Kate Bush!)  How amazing how this thing called Nia Technique brings people together, fosters amazing friendships and helps communities connect and grow. 

Wonderful to reconnect with Kristie (former NiaMoves biz partner), Angela (new studio owner) and key Nia teachers at NiaMoves (Yvonne and Cambrey). Anita Csoma even managed to join us during her brief return from Budapest!

Houston Nia community donated $485 towards Constance's two daughters, who are under the guardianship of MaryScott Hagle (fellow Nia Belt/teacher). It was wonderful to see MaryScott at the jam, she brought both Constance's two daughter and her two daughters. They are an amazing family :-)

We came up with the idea of offering a special Nia White Belt at Soma Ranch for teens, young adults and maybe mothers with daughters... It will likely be held Summer 2019. Let Helen know if you're curious to know more.

Fabulous Soma BES 2018 retreat.

This year we celebrated 25 years of marriage and 25 years of teaching Nia. Yes Helen and Joe married so Helen could take the Nia white belt training, the beginning of a wonderful journey!  A super week to enjoy friends in a most relaxed atmosphere at and around Soma Ranch...

Enjoying baby donkey Conrad during our retreat was like icing on the cake

We were blessed with water as smooth as glass on Lake Conroe. Boating, tubing and Paddleboarding were so much fun. Especially with folks jumping on for the first time!

Swimming, dancing, meditating, walking the labyrinth, laughing, eating and enjoying each other's company was most delightful during our retreat...

Our final class, our delicious nap/meditation and seeing relaxed faces as guests departed, all added up to a retreat I'll cherish for a long time. Soma Ranch has blossomed into a wonderful Haven for relaxation, fun and friendships....

A New Baby Donkey at Soma Ranch!

We have a new baby donkey at Soma Ranch

We have a baby donkey at Soma Ranch!  

Of all the donkeys born at Soma, this fella is by far the most spirited one we've met. 

He was born on the day my dear friend Constance died. I immediately I thought "Ha! we'll call the donkey Constance"!  I then discovered the donkey was a boy and could hear Constance exclaiming  "you can't call a boy donkey Constance!".

After consulting Constance's daughters they have named the donkey, and I think it's a fabulous, creative solution.

Please welcome Mr. Conrad Henry, the most spritely donkey ever to be born at Soma Ranch!

All our donkeys have been rescued at Soma Ranch. i.e. we've not gone looking for them, and none of them have been bought. Most often we've received the request to take in a donkey when the previous owner falls on difficult financial times and/or they no longer have grass due to lack of water.

We keep our male donkey in a separate pasture, with a neutered male donkey to keep him company. (donkeys get depressed when left alone). 2 summers ago Nibbler (our boy donkey) did an impressive "limbo" under his fence AND under the fence into the main field, where all the girls hang.  We herded him back pretty fast, however he was able to get Sarah pregnant in record time!

BTW all visitors are welcome to go home with a free donkey. We prefer you take 2 at a time ;-) We love our donkeys, we have plenty and are most happy to share.

Celebrating 25 years with Nia

This year Helen celebrates both being married and teaching Nia for 25 years. We invite you to join in the celebration at public events during our annual Blue Electric Storm retreat.

• all classes, special event and meals are offered on a  Sliding Scale: $10-25
• SOMAday is Wednesday July 25 (boat, dance, eat, learn, play) (Sliding Scale: $90 - $185)

Pay on arrival (cash or check). Please text 832-567-4550 in advance to reserve meals.

SCHEDULE

JULY 24TH

• 6:30pm  Dinner
• 7:30pm Chakra Dancer Experience (Sliding Scale: $10-25)

JULY 25TH

• 6:30am Coffee
• 7:00am Sunrise Boat Trip or relax at Soma
• 8:30am Breakfast
• 9:00am Paddle Board/Kayak on Lake Conroe or relax at Soma
• 12:15pm Lunch (Sliding Scale: $10-25)
• 1:30pm  Play at the Ranch (nap, swim, sauna, sun, shade, porch, donkeys)
• 4:30pm Introduction to Natural Time (PlayShop and Dance) (Sliding Scale: $10-25)
• 6:30pm Dinner (Sliding Scale: $10-25)
• 7:30pm Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon Experience with Wiz Oz (Sliding Scale: $10-25)
• 8:30pm Bonfire with S'mores

JULY 26TH

• 6:00am Walk in the National Forrest or relax with Coffee/Tea! at Soma Ranch.
• 8:30am Breakfast
• 10:00am Nia Class (regular rates apply: $15 drop in, $40 for 4)
• 11:00am Play (swim, sauna, donkeys, relax...)
• 12:00pm Lunch (Sliding Scale: $10-25)
• 3:00pm Depart

Another wonderful AirBNB guest leaves a raving review.

Thank you to our wonderful weekend AirBNB guests. They took care of the property, appeared to have a marvelous time and left a RAVE review. When Helen's not providing a training, and Soma Ranch isn't hosting a retreat, we rent out the ranch to special groups and families. One of the ways people find us is through AirBNB who we are super thankful for over the past few years.

Constance Adams Dies at 53

Dear NiaMoves friends,

With great sadness I share sad news about a super cool member of our community. 

SPACE ARCHITECT CONSTANCE Adams, known for her projects supporting human exploration of space and the solar system, AND FABULOUS NIA MOVER, died on June 24 after a battle with cancer. Constance was 53 years old.

There was a wonderful memorial service Saturday, 7 July, at the Live Oak Friends’ Meetinghouse. From the wise words of Brené Brown. "Funerals matter, showing up to them matter"... so glad I went and deeply appreciate all the Nia folks who also showed up.   

We have a JAM at NiaMoves at 4:30pm this Sunday. This is a reunion of teachers and friends of old and new to celebrate the life of Constance with some of her favorite tunes.  We have a fantastic line-up of teachers to lead the fun.

Please bring donation if you would like to support Constance's children. 

Get more Information and Sign up

Constance Adams I love you , I miss you, I'm asking Angels surround your girls, wrapping them with abundant love. I look forward to when we dance together again in a very different time and space. Until then I appreciate every time you visit me in my imagination in class, I'm sure it will often be at the beginning of the 3rd song (when you most often would beautifully step into class LOL).

Constance was a regular participant at NiaMoves for years. She brought a most unique sparkle to class, a shining star like no other. She is dearly missed.

These photos were taken during the "one Billion Rising" event we hosted at a Houston Rockets (Basketball) Game.

As ever, Constance was upfront and center, as an ambassador of NiaMoves supporting a very worthy cause, bringing her daughter (who "stole the show" with fashion, flare and cuteness) with her.

God Bless MaryScott Hagle for her guardianship of Constance's daughters. Please lift MaryScott up in prayers. 

Here's more from Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brené Brown

"Funerals, in fact, are one of the most powerful examples of collective pain. They feature in a surprising finding from my research on trust. When I asked participants to identify three to five specific behaviors that their friends, family, and colleagues do that raise their level of trust with them, funerals always emerged in the top three responses. Funerals matter. Showing up to them matters. And funerals matter not just to the people grieving, but to everyone who is there. The collective pain (and sometimes joy) we experience when gathering in any way to celebrate the end of a life is perhaps one of the most powerful experiences of inextricable connection. Death, loss, and grief are the great equalizers."

https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/06/constance-adams-space-architect-obituary-culture/

Nia White Belt

The Nia White Belt Training is the first level of a five-belt training series that presents a body-centered approach to health, wellness and fitness.

With a desire to share Nia in a professional capacity, the White Belt Training is your entryway into teaching.

In pursuit of health and wellness, on the path of personal enrichment, choose this training as a starting point for becoming a master Nia student.

We have several Nia White Belt opportunities coming up:

July 7 - 13, Soma Ranch - enjoy public classes at 10am every day.

July 28 - 30, Soma Ranch - designed for folks short on time, this is a unique opportunity to receive a condensed White Belt training

Aug 13 - 19, Prema Arts, UK - Helen returns to an outstanding venue in the Cottswolds.

November 29 - December 5, Soma Ranch - our last training of the year.

UK Canal Vacation on a Narrow Boat

A trip of a lifetime! Highly recommend this experience.

Life at the ranch is vibrant, wonderful and requires a lot of time and attention. Taking a vacation is a rare and a big deal. Celebrating my Dad's 80th Birthday, we took a wonderful 7 day Narrow Boat vacation on a Canal in the UK. Highly recommend this as a family vacation. Feel free to contact helen@somaranch.com if you'd like more details.

A highly recommended family vacation.

We explored the Llangollen canal from Whitchurch to Llangollen. The 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom boat was 66 feet long and 8 feet wide.  Some parts of the canal were only 8.5 feet wide (i.e. 3 inches to spare on each side!) Sauntering along at 3 miles an hour we enjoyed peaceful scenery, amazing views and fantastic weather.

My dad, Ron, is awarded position of Captain.

My Dad, with minimal previous boating experience, was awarded "Captain" for most outstanding boating skills and performance!

I feel blessed to have such vibrant, happy and healthy parents. This vacation provided us all with with something novel, new and exciting. As we age I think it's important to find such "new skills to me" activities and this trip certainly provided tremendous physical and mental health benefits.

Navigating a lock to travel upstream. Fun to maneuver a 8' by 66' barge into a 8.5 lock!

You can moor along the banks of the canal almost any where. Each day we'd stop to fill up with water. Mum and I loved enjoying cups of tea at the front of the boat. Dad and Joe had fun navigating and steering from the back.

Highlights included

• Challenges: long tunnels, interesting bends and most of all the viaduct with spectacular views.
• Lovely rest stops: meals at pubs, hikes around lakes and walks, site seeing towns
• Life on the boat: traveling at 2-4 miles an hour, meeting fellow boaters and enjoying fun meals on board.

Don't rent a fifty foot barge with a girl you dont get on with too well...

Enjoy this amusing comedian's report on a canal boat holiday. While entertaining, like most humor, he makes several points that are close to truth.

FYI fortunately Joe and I had a great time and our relationship is flourishing.

I don't recommend you take a narrow boat vacation with someone you don't know well LOL...

Find a Tribe and Be a student

I've been a teacher and a leader most of my life! This last month I've dived deep into being a student at the Yoga Room Conroe, with their 30 yoga classes in the 30 days challenge. I knew cognitively how great it is to be part of collective consciousness, finding a group of people to feel aligned with. I also know how being a student and continuing to learn is a most beneficial practice.

In Nia I love feeling part of the tribe and I love learning to become a better teacher and trainer. I received something new from this experience. By being a true student, entering a new space, being part of a new tribe and practicing something new to me I've received insight, empathy and immense satisfaction.

The result is wonderful! My Nia practice is enhanced, I've made new friends and my heart swells with joy! oh and my core is BAD ASS!! Cynthia shared "I have ab envy" after taking my class on Monday :-)

I encourage you, play with what you can learn this month, find your tribe and as we say in Nia, if you have peak experiences, no matter how many times you walk through the door, come again!

Helen + Clytie, Nia + Yoga Experience, Thursday, May 3, 10am

Clytie in Greek means "bright, lovely one". In our Nia classes over the past few months Clytie has certainly been a big bright and lovely one!  She's is moving back to Utah at the beginning of June and we want to share a special "DUO" Nia/Yoga experience before Clytie goes. Folks have described Clytie's yoga skills/teaching as "the best" "world class" and "fabulous". Come experience this unique one off event and experience Yoga with Clytie before she leaves!

• Helen will lead the first 45 minutes with Nia.
• Clytie will lead the second 45 minutes with Yoga.
• Regular class rates apply ~ Drop in for $15 or use your punch cards (4 for $40).
• If you need to leave at 11:00am it's a OK.
• Stay after class for Coffee/Chai at our patio by the sauna (fondly named "the bistro").
• we are perfecting the ultimate "Soma dirty donkey" ~ a chai coffee fusion drink experience!

When planning this "impromptu" "pop up" Nia/Yoga combo our concept was "let's keep this Simple and Casual". Basically Clytie and I will be over the moon to experience team teaching together and enjoying a cuppa after class. Anyone who shows up, well, you will be a delightful, welcomed, addition to our already off the charts experience!! There's something super pleasurable about casting a 100% guaranteed peak experience with no push to market, no pressure (or even need) to have folks show up...

Helen is teaching AO (Alpha Omega) with the music of Bob Holroyd and the focus of Stability and Mobility. Clytie then picks up the focus and weaves her magic into an all inspiring yoga experience.

30 days, 30 yoga classes, life changing.

Tomorrow is a BIG deal for me. I took a challenge in April to be a student and experience 30 yoga classes in 30 days. The experience has been life changing. The teachers at The Yoga Room Conroe are amazing. I couldn't have done it without them, their big hearts, wonderful talents and excellent teaching skills. There's a class on the deck at the marina, Lake Conroe, we'll watch the sun set and the moon rise. It's followed by an amazing margarita celebration. Even Joe Terry is coming! I hope you can join us for the class and/or celebration. 

Lessons I've learned:

1. starting the day with yoga is a wonderful way to begin my day
2. a regular yoga practice has improved my flexibility and I'm sleeping better
3. committing to a challenge is a great way to motivate
4. being part of a tribe of lovely like minded folks is intoxicating and healthy!
5. witnessing another amazing lady/business owner is very inspiring for how I lead

What I've received

1. much needed stress relief and an opportunity to reset
2. the gift of being a student is a lesson to help me be a better teacher
3. more understanding and empathy for new students who attend my classes
4. fabulous ideas on how to apply more yoga to floor play in Nia
5. a wonderfully conditioned core LOL

fun observations:

1. I get to bicycle to yoga - such a gift!
2. I get to receive and learn something new on a daily basis
3. I get to feel like a grown up!
4. I get to do something for myself
5. I get to make new friends
6. I get it!

Men of Nia 2018

Congratulations and big thanks to the fabulous men presenters and wonderful attendees of our Soma Ranch Men of Nia 2018 retreat. Bringing in 4 master somatic presenters, who each shared a playshop and masterclass, developing the theme of Body, Mind, Emotions and Spirit, worked a treat. Each presenter drew from what had been already shared, building a monumental embodied experience.

Next year we hope to bring each guy back for a full weekend retreat, with the vision of then bringing them back again for a combined Men of Nia retreat 2019. Email info@somaranch.com to share your interest, to be first to know and have the opportunity to receive special early bird discounts.

Strong back, soft belly, wild heart.

Thank you Emily, who brought friends to class yesterday. We made double digits, with 10 participants in class, YAY!  and this was with 5 of our strong regulars being absent. Future looks bright and Soma loves to flourish.

The class focus was "strong back, soft front, wild heart". (Inspired by my 2nd reading of the fabulous book by Brene Brown "Braving the Wilderness").  We danced "SanMedusa", a Nia experience adapted from the Nia routine "Sanjana" set to the music of Annie Lenox with guest appearances from Prince and AC/DC!

With several new to Nia folks in the class the focus seemed to work well......

The concept of "strong back" included to sense the Body's Way of moving forwards, that is, to sense a guiding from beneath and behind (being pushed) instead of flexing/falling forwards with a sense of being pulled forwards. This helped participants to relax their feet, embrace moving softly through the belly of their feet with a heal lead and open their lower back.

The concept of "soft front" included sensing the pliability of the front of the body in relationship with a flexible spine, allowing the jaw to relax (which helps open the hips dramatically) and softening the muscles of the face.

The concept of "wild heart" included sensing and expressing emotions, encouraging feelings to be expressed through the body, arms and face. An invitation to take a safe risk with movement, expression and sounding.

The intent was to have an increased sense of back strength and improving vertical alignment, while sustaining relaxation and pleasure through the body.

2018 Challenge

Do you thrive on challenge? have a goal this month? this year? Setting goals is a major way I make things happen, without having something to work towards I think I'd float in limbo and self destruction! Part of my process is to:

1. set goals,
2. make a plan,
3. write it down!
4. share with others to be accountable
5. don't give up when there's a set back 
6. reward for good behavior and encourage on the tough days.

In 2016 I successfully ran 2016 miles. Last year I had the goal of 2017 and didn't accomplish it. This year I'm striving to achieve 2018 miles. I've had some rocky times (weather, illness, travel) yet now, with 1/4 of the year done, I'm on track!

I find my mile bank to be very similar to my money bank. An "overdraft" in miles is a dipleating upward struggle whereas a little mileage savings banked brings stress relief, joy and hope. 2018 divided by 365 (my daily requirement) is 5.53 miles. From experience I know I need to "stock up" for the "stuff happens" days. My daily minimum goal is 6 miles and whenever I can I'll squeeze in an extra run or mile. 

Part of my fail to achieve the 2017 goal was over training with lack of stretching. My body felt so great I'd slack off from this very important part of exercise. This year I'm determined to do better, making stretching after running a higher priority. This month I've enrolled in a month of unlimited classes at the local Yoga studio (Yoga Room Conroe). I've started the month with the goal of attending a class every day and seeing how many days I can sustain it! well today i'm 3 in 3!

What ever your challenge, the goals you've set, I wish you joy in the process and a successful outcome. Do your best every day ;-) and when you fail/have mini set backs, get back up, treating every day as a new day.

Last year, Kitt Taylor, decided to take the challenge. She walked 2017 miles in 2017! 

For inspiration here's a great video of a fellow mom who accomplished the challenge. Let me know if you're curious to play with the challenge for the next week, month or perhaps 2019!

My mom ran 2017 miles in the year 2017. She had to run just over 5 miles a day to achieve this goal. A fun capture of the year's last mile. ================================== Last Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEt7lQZKaL4 ============================= Social Media: Instagram: cjkirwan Snapchat: xcj3kx ============================= Don't forget to leave a like if you enjoyed the video!

Helen's UK Tour

Row 1: I love to fly, the arrival in Heathrow early morning was especially magical this time. I feel blessed to feel so refreshed when flying from US to the UK. A brisk walk with Michele and her dog is an ideal way to get energized before the morning class. I love returning to this wonderful community to teach a class within 2 hours of landing in the UK, it's becoming quite a tradition. Having Michele's husband Jez accompany us with live drums is amazing.

Row 2: "Team Helen" - what a support team! Jez (drums), Dad (driver), Michele (producer), Mum (co driver and bag carrier!). We drove to Stroud to walk with Yael and her dog, then off to venue No2 to teach a workshop and class.

Row 3: Fabulous workshop and class in an old "meeting hall" venue with stage. Then to Geri's home for dinner, sleep and yes! a walk with her dog and husband Dave.

Row 4: Amazing to teach my "Rising" Nia experience in a church on Palm Sunday. Fun to be present for Geri's 10 year of Nia teaching celebration.

Row 5: 3 key community leaders (Chris, Geri & Yael), 3 generations of Nia teachers! Beautiful crisp English morning. Mum and Dad seeing me off at Heathrow.

A Time of Celebration ~ "Rising"

As a Christian, at Easter time, I would feel the strong desire to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. I'd also want to honor the uniqueness of everyone in class and be accepting of all religions, beliefs and faiths. Therefore coming into class with "let's all celebrate Jesus!" simply was not going to work. I felt the creative tension between my personal faith and professional responsibility then found myself jumping up and down when a fabulous solution came to me! A playlist compiled of songs to do with Rising with a focus around the concept "Rising".

This Nia Experience “Rising” is adapted from the classic Nia routine "Mantra", originally designed by Carlos Aya Rosas and one of the first routines Helen learned.

Focus: Movement as mantra and a metaphor for self, community, life. Beginning with sensing the belly (our core) notice how this “moma cell” can:

1. contract/extend,

2. bend/lean,

3. figure 8.

The Belly is a substance with

1. strength (resilience),

2. elasticity (ability to bounce back),

3. fluidity (go with the flow).

After (1) embodying the focus in the Belly we (2) expand awareness to the belly of the 700 muscles in our body, then (3) to the 70+ trillion cells. All the same mantra of movement.

• We sense inward (Body, Belly, Muscles, Connective Tissue, Cell)

• We also sense outwards (Body, Self, Others, Class, Community, Global)

Intent: From inward + outward awareness we develop a sense of inter-connection "we are one". The Mantra, the movement, our lives and community continues. This is a time for celebration. An invitation to be inspired to rise up above anything that draws us down.

• We are strong

• We bounce back

• We go with the flow

You're invited to come celebrate and join in the dance at Soma Ranch. 

10-11am Saturday, March 31,  $15 drop in, $40 for 4 classes.

Wear comfortable clothes, bring a water bottle and a smile.

Celebrating 25 years of teaching Nia

This year Helen celebrates both being married and teaching Nia for 25 years. We invite you to come join in the 25 year anniversary celebration at our annual Blue Electric Storm retreat. Sign up NOW!!

During this year of celebration, Helen is sharing archives and memories from this fabulous 1/4 century journey. Here's a little background on why this annual retreat is called "Blue Electric Storm"

From the Natural Time Calendar the day we are born is

• one of 13 tones (moons) 
• one of 20 tribes
• the tribe is one of 4 colors (Red, White, Blue or Yellow).

Helen's tone is Electric, her tribe is Storm and the color for storm is Blue. i..e her signature is Blue Electric Storm.

Scenes from a three day Nia event at Nia Moves in Houston. This event was crafted by Nia Black Belt Instructor and Nia White & Blue Belt Trainer Helen Terry. The weekend was filled with Nia workshops, Nia classes, dancing for fun, and yummy body ecology meals prepared by Joe Terry.

In 2008 Helen became a blue belt trainer and bought/opened a new location for the NiaMoves studio with co-owner Kristie Bryant, it was also the Blue Electric Storm year in natural time!) Seeing this as 3 great reasons to celebrate Helen created a retreat called "Blue Electric Storm (BES 2018 for short!). She invited 13 black belts and 52 participants to enjoy a weekend of dancing, eating, connecting and having fun. Joe (Helen's husband) provided yummy meals. Massive dancing human puppets were part of the party surprise. The grande finale was a "Nia jam class" (where the 13 black belts team taught) at the Houston Grande Opera! With 13 black belts teaching and about 200 participants attending it was a marvelous way to end the celebration weekend!

Welcome to Houston's Blue Electric Storm 2010 Nia Black Jam at the Houston Grand Opera hosted by Helen Terry! Featured Nia Black Belts are Helen Terry, Danielle Woermann, Shannon Mairs, Charlotte Kerr Jorgensen, Julie Wylie, Rosanne Russell, and Joanie Brooks. Studio NiaMoves is located in Houston, Texas.

This retreat became an annual event that occurs over the natural time New Year (July 24 - 26). The experience was also a significant seed that influenced the birth of Soma Ranch. Something that ignited the dream to create a residential facility to hold retreats like BES. A place where folks could stay, eat, play, dance and have fun.

Receive more information and Sign up NOW

Tribute to Whitney Houston - Movement Videos

Helen created a "Tribute to Whitney Houston" Nia experience. Adapted from the Nia Routine Birth. Here's a series of 7 mini clips helping you to play with learning the moves.  If you are interested in attending a workshop on how to adapt a Nia routine or would like to experience this class email helen@somaranch.com for more details.

From Soma Ranch, Helen Terry shares a series of 7 mini clips on how to learn moves from the Adapted Nia experience she created from the Nia routine called "Birth". The focus is the 3 planes of movement (Low, Middle, High), exploring the vertical, horizontal and rotational lines.

Clip 1 "L arms, rotate across, draw circles"

Focus on the 3 planes of movement (Low, Middle, High), exploring the vertical, horizontal and rotational lines. The intent is by the end of class you will feel taller, with a relaxed spine and enhanced sense of spacial awareness.

From Soma Ranch, Helen Terry shares a series of 7 mini clips on how to learn moves from the Adapted Nia experience she created from the Nia routine called "Birth". The focus is the 3 planes of movement (Low, Middle, High), exploring the vertical, horizontal and rotational lines.

Clip 2 "Get moving HML, flamenco turn"

From Soma Ranch, Helen Terry shares a series of 7 mini clips on how to learn moves from the Adapted Nia experience she created from the Nia routine called "Birth". The focus is the 3 planes of movement (Low, Middle, High), exploring the vertical, horizontal and rotational lines.

1. Fast clock step 12-3-6 High, Middle, Low with Hands up, Elbows out, Arms Down/Back.

2. Add "L arms" pulse in preparation for

3. optional turn in place with small steps

From Soma Ranch, Helen Terry shares a series of 7 mini clips on how to learn moves from the Adapted Nia experience she created from the Nia routine called "Birth". The focus is the 3 planes of movement (Low, Middle, High), exploring the vertical, horizontal and rotational lines.

Clip 3 "Blade hand, cross arms, roll shoulder"

1. A stance, "blades" hands in pockets,

2. Cat stance with inward block (Lean)

3. A stance roll shoulders

4. add downward alt block "blades"

From Soma Ranch, Helen Terry shares a series of 7 mini clips on how to learn moves from the Adapted Nia experience she created from the Nia routine called "Birth". The focus is the 3 planes of movement (Low, Middle, High), exploring the vertical, horizontal and rotational lines.

Clip 4 "TID pump and swirl arms"

1. Travel in directions (TID) forwards with cha cha cha base and fist hands. Then TID backwards weave hands (R/L)

2. Add option of turning while traveling towards the back (R/L) then (L/R)

From Soma Ranch, Helen Terry shares a series of 7 mini clips on how to learn moves from the Adapted Nia experience she created from the Nia routine called "Birth". The focus is the 3 planes of movement (Low, Middle, High), exploring the vertical, horizontal and rotational lines.

Clip 5 "SPT wipe & clap with FC 12 3 6"

1. sink & pivot table wipe

2. add clap

3. add clock step 12 3 6 to SPTW

4. choose how low to step out

From Soma Ranch, Helen Terry shares a series of 7 mini clips on how to learn moves from the Adapted Nia experience she created from the Nia routine called "Birth". The focus is the 3 planes of movement (Low, Middle, High), exploring the vertical, horizontal and rotational lines.

Clip 6 "Sneaky Fast clock remember corner"

1. Fast Clock (FC) 12, 3, 2* Cross Behind (XB). Releve when you step to the corner (2*) 

2. A stance, cross midline w/ blade arms

3. choose how low to cross arms

Clip 7 "Heal lead with 180 turns to back wall"

1. Heal lead in your Fast clock 12/6 x 4

2. 180' turn to face the back wall

3. 4 heal leads FC facing back wall

4. 180' turn to face front wall

5. Repeat pattern with 2 Heal leads

6. Cross Front (XF), cha cha cha (CCC) 

Shadow Play Group

From our recent Body Shadow retreat we're inspired to begin a Sunday evening group gathering. Where we practice being our authentic selves, help witness each other and play with how to connect with ourselves and each other through movement.

"The body is merely the visibility of the soul, the psyche, and the soul is the psychological experience of the body. So it is really one and the same thing." C. G. Jung

Sliding scale offering: $10 - $100.

Stay for Sunday Night at Soma Ranch, enjoy Breakfast and 10am Nia on Monday! for $85.

Here's a little glimpse of the Body as Shadow work, a fun conversation JoAnn and Helen shared after attending the recent weekend retreat.

JoAnn and Helen chat about their experience at the Body as Shadow Retreat at Soma Ranch. For more information email helen@somaranch.com or call 832-567-4550.

Ageless Grace - Get your Brain Food

I love how, in only 10 minutes a day, I can feel the benefits for both my brain and body through the fabulous program, designed by Denise Medved, called Ageless Grace.  Soma Ranch is hosting an "Ageless Grace weekend" March 10 - 11. You are invited to attend a 45 minute class, 4 hour personal seminar or 12 hour educator certification course. Here's some videos to give you more of a feel for this fun, easy and playful program. No experience required! simply curiosity and the willingness to play, laugh and have a LOT of fun :-). Learn more about Ageless Grace Events at Soma Ranch

Denise Medved suggests that maintaining healthy neural pathways can be as simple as child's play. The internationally-known fitness entrepreneur challenges you to change your brain through fun, creative, physical movement, no matter what your age.

10 minutes a day can change your brain and body health! Want to be lifelong optimally functional? Exercise your brain by using the 21 Tools in Ageless Grace. The best way to work the core of your body is to engage your muscles while seated.

Learn more here: http://agelessgrace.com/ Ageless Grace is a cutting-edge brain fitness program based on neuroplasticity that activates all 5 functions of the brain - analytical, strategic, kinesthetic learning, memory/recall, creativity and imagination - and simultaneously addresses all 21 physical skills needed for lifelong optimal function.

http://agelessgrace.com/become-an-educator/ Ageless Grace consists of 21 Simple Tools of Lifelong Comfort and Ease - activating all 5 areas of the brain and all addressing 21 primary "aging factors" of the body. It is based on the cutting-edge science of neuroplasticity, with practice sets (or tools) that are designed to re-open the neural pathways created from the time we were born until we were about 18 years of age....