Nia in the Park

We’re super inspired by recent “Nia in the Park” experiences. With the weather changing, and Soma Ranch being pretty much like a park!, we’re playing with “Outdoor Nia” opportunities, let us know if you’re interested. email Helen@somaranch.com.

Here’s Ildiko, a Nia Graduate, who took the Nia White Belt with Helen 10 years ago in Budapest. After the training Ildiko chose to quit her job at a bank to follow her dreams. Ildiko now lives in the UK and is thriving, She has designed and produced a fabulous range of dance/leisure clothing, is teaching Nia and building a lovely local community.

Congrats Ildi for bringing Nia to St Neots! and all the wonderful joy you share.

And here’s Helen, co teaching with Anita and Kinga, during her recent trip to Budapest.

Nia Jingles On, 20 years later

We are hosting a very special retreat for 3 very special women; Joy Brown, Laura Gass Weaver and Jan Stringer, who took the Nia White Belt training with Helen 20 years ago! While looking for a photo from the training we came across this most memorable fun run we participated in around that time. Please come meet up with Joy, Laura and Jan at Monday 10am Nia class.

The following photos were taken at a Houston Downtown YMCA Jingle bell fun-run. We were invited to offer a warm up to kick off the “party”. We then played Nia music from a boom box, that was carried in Liliana’s baby jogger stroller, as we ran, danced and laughed along the route.

What is BARE Retreat?

4 times a year, for the past 3 years, Soma Ranch has hosted an amazing group of Christian women through 1Embrace. Their mission is "to bring people from all walks of life together to serve and embrace one another, to experience true wellness in spirit, soul and body. 1Embrace Inc. programs are designed to embrace, encourage, educate and empower people to discover their identity and purpose."

They are truly making a difference in peoples lives. (Joe and Helen LOVE welcoming them back home to Soma) The retreat they offer at Soma is a two-day, two night gathering of women who believe in sisterhood and desire to gather, worship, have fun, fellowship and be transformed by God. It's life changing. It's personal. It's intimate. It's sacred. 

BARE Retreat is more than an event.

It's a radical Embrace movement that will take your breath away. The Lover of your soul will Embrace you and meet you here.  

What Does it Mean to be BARE?

BE. AUTHENTIC. REAL. EXPOSED with GOD

We have order but 'No agenda' 

Prayer: "Lord, we're here to Embrace You, meet with You, commune with You, feel Your heart, and to Love you. Do something new in us. Have Your way. Surprise us, Lord!, in Jesus Name. Amen.” 

• Embracing You,  Sonja R. Lowe
• Visionary/Executive Director of 1Embrace Inc.
• sonja.lowe@1embrace.org
• Office: 832.365.7717 or 1.844.2EMBRACE
• www.1embrace.org

Read more about 1Embrace

Want to help? "1Embrace exists because people with a servant's heart came together and made an offering of their gifts.  Their coming together created something that wouldn't be here had they kept to themselves". 

Read more about how to get involved and help make a difference in the lives of others and be enriched along the way.

If writing a check please write to 1Embrace. 

Thank you! 

Medicine Woman We've got the formula

We submersed ourselves in a nurturing retreat, guided by the inspirational classic Nia Routine "Medicine Woman", set to the wonderful music of Medwyn Goodall. 

The retreat included a variety of classes:

• Nia Classic
• Nia simplified
• Nia 52 moves
• Nia Moving to Heal with Meditation
• Nia Jam

The format works beautifully. We've got the formula DOWN!!!  In a weekend participants have a great time, hone their Nia skills AND walk away with the ability to teach an entire Nia experience (if not a few!)

We will repeat this retreat next year and/or offer a retreat to learn ChakraDancer, SkyDancing or Chains. email helen@somaranch.com if you are interested.

Are Nia Trainings Intensive?

Someone recently asked me "are Nia Trainings as "intense" as the word "Intensive" applies?"

I had fun reflecting on my own Nia "INTENSIVE" training experiences, looking up the definition for intensive, reviewing what we've created as a training facility and celebrating what has been manifested for ultimate trainings at Soma Ranch.

The Nia educational program is based on a series of what are called "Nia Intensive Trainings". 25 years ago when I signed up for my first "Intensive", it was to experience the entry level, White Belt training, course in Portland, OR with co-founders Debbie and Carlos Rosas.

The course was fully inclusive. We stayed at their house. We were provided breakfast, lunch and dinner, mostly eating out around town at fabulous restaurants and cafes! (I was in food heaven!). The course was long hours, included extensive times in two extremely "new skills to me": FreeDance and Meditation.  There were opportunities for self expression through talking and dancing. I remember shedding a lot of tears on the dance floor and also down the phone with my new groom (I got married to stay in the country to take the Nia training!).

Looking back I conclude the course was "intense" for me, and all my following trainings had similar "intensive" impacts on my life.  I entered the blue belt an angry atheist and left with enough curiosity to begin a spiritual path that led me to Christianity, I took my brown belt 8 months pregnant, I seriously considered separating from my husband in Black belt.

What I loved about those early day Nia trainings was the opportunity to be 100% focused on the "work", the joy and discovery of Nia Technique. Many distracting decisions, like where to eat and how to plan for commuting and navigate traffic, were eliminated. Most of all, these immersion trainings were a unique and marvelous opportunity to get to know my training teachers (Debbie and Carlos) in a most intimate way, both on and off the dance floor.

Fast forward to the present day, Nia trainings have been developed and the technology has come a long way. From the clearly designed curriculum, the beautifully built PowerPoint presentations and the elegant supporting materials, I feel proud to be a member of the training faculty and deeply appreciate the ease with which we can deliver the promise of the Nia trainings. Through a thoroughly well thought out program, with exquisite architecture, we've built a monumental Body Mind program that changes lives and restores relationships.

So - back to the initial question - How INTENSE are these Nia trainings these days?  I suggest as intense as you'd like them to be. Participants have the luxury of concentrating on a single area within the Nia technology for a whole week. These trainings are an opportunity to learn more about Nia, the body's way, and (like it is impossible to study the body without the mind and visa versa) so it is impossible to study the body's way, without looking into our own way, our soma, our personality and our lives. 

The good news is trainees have their own volume control, to turn up and turn down the intensity (Physically, Mentally, Emotionally and Spiritually) as they please. We embody the training experience with the pleasure principle, encouraging each participant to self-monitor and make choices according to their body's way. For example I had one lady take the entire training laying on her back, exploring the movement components with only her fingers!

By the end of the course her back felt better and she exclaimed she had learnt so much about herself AND Nia by doing it on her back!

If you find a Nia training to intense...

• Physically: drop down to level one, or sit down and watch, or lie down and relax, if something hurts, rest and ICE.

• Mentally: trust in the process, let go of needing to understand it all in the moment, remind yourself you have a learn book, supportive Nia community and a web site with a wealth of information to follow up later.

• Emotionally: practice self-care, make sure you're getting as much rest and sleep as possible, ask your trainer for help, check in with fellow participants, journal

and with all 3, entertain booking a massage ;-)

At Soma Ranch I bring my passion for my first "early days" Nia trainings and my experience from amazing locations around the globe, to fuel my desire to build the ultimate training retreat facility.

Learning style is Safe, Pleasure based, Guided Discovery with plenty of breaks!

1. Safe: I believe the best learning happens in a safe, happy and pleasurable environment and therefore strive for every session to be upbeat, fun, clear, easy to understand and enjoyable.

2. Guided Discovery: Whenever possible, I teach through guided discovery techniques, as research shows when a learner figures something out for themselves the information is more likely to stick and they become empowered and encouraged. Ideally I help participants arrive at important conclusions on their own.

3. Plenty of Breaks: Are you challenged to do anything for a long period of time? I support the research that indicates optimum learning is best done broken into easy to digest chunks. By providing plenty of healthy breaks to allow the information to be assimilated, participants come back refreshed, ready to build upon what has already been learned.

We don't sit for a long period of time and back jacks are available if someone needs support. We don't dance for long periods of time and participants are invited to sit whenever they prefer.

Beyond the "classroom/dance hall" participants at Soma Ranch are submersed into supporting activities and options:

• nourishing nutrition: yummy meals support vegans to paleos, with gluten and dairy free options

• therapeutic options: complimentary Sauna, Hot Tub, Lap Pool and Massage therapy and foot detox by appointment

• animals and nature: rescued friendly donkeys and horses, 15.5 acres, 1 acre pond, porches, swings, bonfires, fire flies and stars!

Soma Ranch Celebrates 9 Years

Please join us this Sunday at Soma Ranch as we celebrate 9 years of business, friendships and joy.  Dress extremely casual, bring a suit and towel if you'd like to swim and closed toe shoes/boots if you'd like to brush donkeys or go fishing! 

There's no cost for the class, pool or visiting, come and enjoy the ranch as our guests. 

No gifts needed for this birthday party. If you'd like to contribute a cash donation you'll find a bowl in the kitchen! 50% goes to the B.A.R.E retreat ladies who retreat at Soma several times a year, the other 50% goes to our "build an orchard" fund at Soma.  

Please RSVP if you are coming, reply to this email or text 832-567-4550.  

With love and gratitude, Helen & Joe   

Senior Pictures Photo Shoot at Soma Ranch

We recently had the honor to host a photo shoot for a student wanting something "different" for her Senior Photos. Yes! a beautiful young lady, with a most talented photographer, AND Soma Ranch really shines too! especially Mr. ChaCha (of all our donkeys we love how it is Cha Cha who most often is the super star!)  FYI ChaCha is very "special" he can barely see or hear, he moves and functions a tad slower than the rest of the tribe and he's the best for many roles, like letting little children pet the donkey and now staring in a photo shoot! 

Lisa Shortino, Ayda Avenue Photography https://www.facebook.com/aydaavenuephotography/

Here's a fun photo showing how our donkeys always want to know what anyone is doing out in the pastures.

Lisa shared "Sometimes you have to do whatever it takes to get that perfect shot!!!

 #likefullonsurrounding #jacksinafield"

Lisa Shortino, Ayda Avenue Photography https://www.facebook.com/aydaavenuephotography/

Thank you Lisa Shortino for visiting Soma Ranch and capturing some wonderful shots.

We thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and hope you'll come back and visit soon.

Friendships Blossom at Soma Ranch

This weekend we're hosting our annual Medicine Woman Retreat. It's a wonderful retreat for nurturing and nourishing the soul. A glance at the guest list fills my heart with joy. Through Soma Ranch and Nia Technique some amazing friendships have been fostered, and this weekend is no exception.

For example Joy Brown (who took the Nia white belt with Helen 20 years ago!), Kathy McElroy (who came to the rescue when Helen and Joe needed someone they could trust to take care of the ranch while they went on vacation), Darlene Parker (a consistent supporter of Joe and Helen at Soma Ranch), Jan Hoff (a host of sold out retreats at Soma Ranch), Peggy Renfroe (who has brought the most folks to Soma Ranch - probably 200+ over the past 9 years!). They have all become great friends and they're all attending Medicine Woman Retreat this weekend!

We're excited to welcome Julie DeJean Marks to Soma Ranch for the first time. Julie and Helen become friends whilst taking their Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology at University of Houston 1990 - 92. They've kept in touch however not seen each other since the early 90s!

If you're looking for something for self-care this weekend, please consider joining us. We've had a couple of last minute cancellations so you could jump into the whole weekend retreat! or consider Day or class options! Click HERE for the full schedule and details

DAY RETREAT:

• Friday Includes: Dinner, Session, Class.
• Saturday Includes: Breakfast, Sessions, Classes, Lunch, Dinner
• Sunday Includes: Breakfast, Sessions, Class, Lunch

PUBLIC NIA CLASS OPTIONS:

• Friday 7:30 - 8:30pm "Simple"
• Saturday 10:00-11:00am "Classic"
• Saturday 7:30 - 9:00pm "MoveMeditation"
• Sunday  2:00-3:00pm "Jam" Team Nia

PUBLIC CLASS PRICES:

• $15 when pre-register
• $20 at the door
• $45 for all 4!

Nia White Belt magic in the UK

When Helen isn't at SomaRanch she shares the joy of Nia, most often the Nia White Belt training, around the world.

The latest Nia White Belt training was at the Prema Arts Centre in the heart of the English Cotswolds. 

The space is extremely conducive to a magical experience for both the training and classes.

The acoustics in this beautiful old building are amazing. We even had Jez, from Kings Langley (Husband of Nia Black Belt, Michele Kaye) accompany us with live drums for the last class.

Being up on the 2nd floor, the octagonal studio, provides a scenic look out on the quiet village of Uley, through beautiful windows. 

Folks would gather downstairs in the lounge area, enjoying getting together over coffee and tea after class!

The training was produced and hosted by Geri Timmins, who took the Nia training with Helen 11 years ago, who has since been a wonderful community developer and leader. 

In 2017 we offered the first training at Prema Arts with 4 participants. The classes were very well attended and, by the end of the week, there was quite a buzz about a return.

This year the training doubled with 8 participants, with one attendee being Sadie, Geri's daughter!

As well as great attendance with Nia trainees and participants, it's a joy to reconnect and meet many Nia belts who return to take a class or revisit part or even the entire Nia training. Nia Black Belt, Christine Davis, a "pioneer" of the Wotten-Under-Edge Nia area, attended several classes with many of her students. 

Bex, Nia blue belt from New Zealand, dropped in for classes, while on her UK vacation.

Participants flew in from Belgium, Ireland and the USA for the training. We had 7 Nia black belts, 2 Nia Brown Belts, 3 Nia Blue belts and countless Nia White belts attending classes.

Helen taught the first ever UK class back in 1994. Now 24 years later, she loves returning to her "birth" country to witness Nia UK blossoming, reconnect with trainees who feel more like friends and spend time with Mum and Dad (who attend every class!).

Congratulations to Nia White Belt graduates Kate, Liz, Sadie, Antonia, Emma, Edina, Jackie, Sandy.

Thank you Geri, Beverly, Maris, Yael, Lesley, Petro, Mary Claire and Claire for revisiting the Nia training.

And deep gratitude to 100+ folks who attended classes to contribute to a most magical experience. See you next year! 

Choice is powerful

Here's a great article about choice, by Liz Dawn, about Caroline Myss. (one of our favorite teachers/authors) celebrateyourlife.org/caroline-myss-teach

As we look out on our 15.2 acres of beautiful land at Soma Ranch, (celebrating the wonderful facilities and sparkling pool, loving the healing, vibrant, world class studio, recapitulating the amazing people who have come through our doors, time and time again, appreciating the remarkable friendships that have been kindled through this magical place) the effort, tears, stress and challenges, experienced, seem to dissolve into the background and the multitude of decisions required seem non existent. And yet, on those special moments, when Joe and I have time to sip tea, rocking on the front porch, enjoying the silence, once all the guests have left, after another fabulous retreat, Joe and I smile at the acknowledgement, "looks like we made enough "right" decisions to result in this sacred, satisfying and seemingly successful life". 

Wishing y'all a day full of peace and joy, in amongst the multitude of decisions to be made. Keep your eye on the "prize" and celebrate moments along the way.

Congratulations Alissa ~ New Nia White Belt

We completed our first "MiniMester" White Belt in 3 days. It was condensed, intense and relaxing all at the same time! As we plan for 2019 we are looking at how to accommodate and schedule the best Nia Trainings possible.

Thank you to Jeni and Cynthia for joining us. Lovely when folks return again and again, Soma Smiles :-)

Congratulations to Alissa! It was lovely to meet you and share the joys of the Nia training. We are excited to see how this journey continues. Anybody interested in fabulous skincare, particularly if you live in the Cypress/North Houston area, Check out Dr. Alissa ND.

A safe space to be you is a gift

Yesterday I was determined to make it to a yoga class. I felt like being on a slalom course, dodging all the distractions and things that kept popping up to get in the way of my intent. As I was walking into the yoga room I realized my sunglasses  were on my head. Determined to optimize my precious time on the mat, I choose to not back up and store my shades, instead I rolled out my mat and prepared for class.

A voice inside said "folks probably think you are ridiculous". A lady next to me asked "did you really not know your sunglasses were on your head?" The voice inside me exclaimed  "see!" then another voice declared "I will NOT be shamed". I replied to the lady "oh I know my shades are on my head" with a tone as if I planned it all along!  "...and I've never taken a yoga class with sunglasses on before, I'm going to give it a go!". Wading through the "you're stupid, you're ridiculous, you're not good enough" chatter, I took a look at myself in the mirror and said to myself "hey you look cool", I smiled and chose to focus on feeling cool, rewarding myself for doing something new and feeling a tad courageous for choosing to stick with the plan despite what others may think.

My yoga teacher entered, I immediately felt the familiar nervous contraction in the pit of my belly. I often felt this growing up at school.. with the thoughts "am I going to get in trouble?, oh no! now I'm busted! oh shit! is my teacher going to call me out? will she shame me in front of the whole class? force me to conform? make me be normal..." To my delight I saw a soft turning of the corners of the mouth of my teacher as we began class, nothing was mentioned and I wasn't called out. I loved relaxing into feeling accepted, safe and comfortable. I delighted in being able to play, be different and express my uniqueness. AND the shades helped me with my sensitivity to light! I have a feeling this is not the last time I'll be wearing sunglasses to class, perhaps I'll start a trend!

My class experience became something most extraordinary. I came home excited to share the news with my husband Joe and have him snap a photo of me in my joy! ;-)  I'm reminded, as a teacher, of the importance of creating a safe environment for my students.  A haven where everybody can express their individuality, and feel connected with others, all at the same time! I'm again super impressed with my yoga teacher and studio owner, Annie, who inspires me in new and different ways every time I attend her class. This is another reminder of how, to be the best teacher, I must continue to seek opportunities to be the student, to crave learning, find new experiences and be prepared to take risks. 

I'm teaching 10am Nia class at Soma Ranch in the morning (Saturday). It's a great day to be you and a Nia class is a great place to be you. Come dance! bring a friend and wear sunglasses if you like ;-)

Nia is like a Water Park Ride!

Welcome Annie, who attended a Nia class at Soma Ranch for the first time this week. And thank you regular attendee/Nia Green Belt, Barbara Durrant, for bringing your friend to Soma Ranch.

We are amazed and thankful at how you drive an hour each way from College Station to attend Nia classes at Soma Ranch so often.

At the end of class Annie, with a beautiful "after Nia class" glow on her face, shared how her first Nia class experience felt very much like a ride on a water slide at Schlitterbahn! "at the beginning I felt both nervous and excited as I really didn't know what I was jumping into. Then as we warmed up I felt like I was being moved gently through several curves, shoots and tunnels. As we really got moving I felt some moments of surprise and brief moments of concern (like a tight corner when a little water splashes up your nose!), then I really got into enjoying the ups and downs both physically and emotionally. Before I knew it POOF! the class was over. Now I want to do that ride again ;-)"

Thank you for sharing your Nia experience in such a fun way, we love your creativity, the joy you brought to class and look forward to your return.

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 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.