5 Years of Team Coaching

As we step into our 5th annual Coaching Retreat for Upper Nia belts, here’s some fun facts and photos.

It all began 5 years ago when Helen entertained how best she’d like to celebrate her 50th birthday:

I thought about what I LOVE to do; Teaching, Sharing Soma Ranch, Helping others and having a GREAT time are 4 things that light me up! Creating a 7 day coaching retreat for upper Nia Belts seemed like a perfect solution!

Each year, in a very relaxed manner, Helen invites folks to join her for a week of coaching. It’s been wonderful each time to see how the group comes together. Some friends accompany each other, reconnecting from previous belts (like a reunion). Other folks step in not knowing anyone. Either way, great friendships are cultivated within 7 days of collective coaching, teaching and playing. In a small group where participants bring common interests (Nia, wanting to improve teaching, a willingness to be coached and have fun!) it’s rewarding and magical to witness what can be achieved.

Team AWESOME

Team BOLD

Team C.A.R.E.

TEAM Dream

Look UP Lauren Daigle

This evening I shared my latest Nia Creation, “Look UP”, with the new Lauren Daigle “look up child” album.

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When choreographing a Nia experience (whenever possible) I like to keep the integrity of how the artist has created the album, and this includes the order in which they choose to place the songs. With the Look Up Child Album, I managed to honor the order, with the exception of one song,“This girl”.

Funny how, out of all the songs, this song is the one who ended up relocating, with a chorus repeating “This Girl ain’t going anywhere!”. “This Girl” has some lovely quirky patterns (we call fractions in Nia), these irregular groups of beats bring in a little unpredictability (a challenge to provide reliable, and the song also ends with a long “outro”. Originally “This Girl” was placed as the third song, which in most Nia experiences is where we want to be building the architecture of the experience from Cycle 3, Warm Up into Cycle 4, Get Moving. These are the factors that influenced my decision to move the song to Cycle 5 (Cool Down) shifting into Cycle 6 (Floor Play) where it fits beautifully - I wonder what Lauren Daigle would think of the shift?

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The first time I played with this music, in a public class, was the last time I was in Budapest (back in October/November 2018).

I pulled off a “blue monkey play class”. This is where I show up with music I have not prepared or choreographed at all. The experience is similar to a “live Improv” where I am improvising choreography on the fly, teaching and guiding the class from intuition (and the seat of my pants!) with the option to be able to call out FREEDANCE any time I completely loose it.

These kinds of classes can be “hit of miss”, I encourage participants to laugh with or at me and either way have a grand time.

Participants seem to enjoy being part of the creative process, find pleasure witnessing me teach from such a RAW place and I think most of the class thoroughly enjoy when I get lost, can’t figure something out and in general don’t have it together!

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Keeping the promise to provide the class again, (in a more planned and choreographed manner the next time I returned) tonight was the night!

We had a magical experience, so much so we are returning tonight to dance again. This time we’ll video the class, in the hope we can share with Lauren Daigle what folks around the world are doing with her music.

I wonder how Lauren will feel when she sees all these wonderful ladies in Budapest dancing their body, mind, heart and soul to her music?

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Please enjoy the play list, as you’ll see I’ve added several Eva Casidy songs at the end. I recently saw a tweet where Lauren Daigle shared about doing a cover of a song “Don’t Dream It’s Over” even though the original was by the Wallflowers, I checked out and then immediately fell in love with the Diana Krall version of the song, when I noted she has a similar quality to Lauren I went ahead and added this to the playlist. I then had the thought “what about - following that with “over the rainbow”. On the search, amongst many artists I fell in love with the Eva Cassidy version, that took me down the rabbit hole of revisiting many of Eva’s amazing songs. When I was spoilt for choice with options I gave up with the time I had a dragged my top 6 Eva Cassidy songs into the mix.

I now have a playlist of 20 songs, an hour and 20 minute of music and great choices for the end of class.

For example:

  1. The other week I was teaching in a very NON Christian environment and, although Lauren is a Christian artist, I deem most of her songs to be appropriate for any religion, however the last song is an old hymm, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus”. With the hymn and the lyrics there is no escaping Jesus! Wanting to honor the spectrum of beliefs in the room I chose to pull the Jesus song out (unchecked it) and replace with “Songbird" and “Over the Rainbow” by Eva Cassidy. Great news there is, the original Lauren Daigle Album is 52 minutes, and “turn your eyes upon Jesus” is a long song at 6:30. The 2 replacement songs are 3:44 and 4:27 = 8:11 minutes, bringing the grand class total closer to 54 minutes which is a very satisfactory (if not better) length for a class experience.

  2. This evening was more of a special event, I wanted to extend the class closer to a full hour experience of music, I therefore choose to add “Fields of Gold” 4:42. Then, with the music experience weighing in at 59 minutes, we had a lovely extended floor play section where I was able the luxury of giving a whole song to corse pose (complete resting pose in a laying down posture). The lights were turned out, every body rested for the entire song, and then the step out (Cycle 7) was the entire song “Over the Rainbow”, where we rose from the floor, returned to the 4 moudras of “Earth, Heart, Pray, Joy” before physical stepping out with grand applause.

  3. Next time I teach this experience I want to bring in the Diana Krall song “Don’t Dream it’s Over” before “Over the Rainbow” so I’ll probably take out Fields of Gold and Songbird.

This final “fine tuning”, where I twiddle with different options (most often the end songs) will land one of 3 ways

  1. I’ll simply one day find an order that “clicked” beautifully and I’ll declare “that’s it!”

  2. I’ll have a certain playlist clicked, every time I return to teach the routine I’ll make the same decision. After quite extensive period of time I’ll realize “Hmmm!! I always choose the same, I guess this is it”

  3. I’ll keep on playing with options from the selection and conclude that is how it’s meant to be

Well this post was rather “Nia geeky”, if you’ve made it this far I hope the sharing of my process has helped inspire you. In conclusion I hope you see and sense the “loose but tight” nature of the process. There’s lots of playful mucking about, balanced with a clear focus and intent. Allowing creativity in natural time while aligning with Nia technology (like the 7 cycles, the body’s way and the 52 moves) One of the elements I enjoy is to not push anything to come together, even though, every time I deliver the routine, I have an intent to get closer and tighten up the details. This process makes for delicious creative tension.

Foot note: most of my “clicks” and creativity don’t happen when in class NOR when I’m formally practicing at home. Instead it’s the moments i’m playing after class, literally playing the music while I drive, run, shower or bath! I’ll lightly come back to slight remembering of what I taught in the song I’m listening to, very dream like, and then the image of choreography or reveal of a detail in the pattern of the music POPs! I get excited, it feels like a moment of genius/brilliance, very much like I Helen didn’t think it up, instead it literally feels like a gift of brilliance from God.I giggle, replay the concept in my mind a few times then invite it to come with me the next time I class. When I remember (or the click pops in unannounced like someone saying “HI!”) and integrate the new click, it works, then it sticks and becomes “part of the family” - my phrase for when another element of choreography slots into the structure and architecture of the routine.










7 Day Forecast is ExtraOrdinary!

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Oh my! our annual coaching retreat (for Brown and Black belt Nia teachers) begins this evening and I can barely contain myself. This retreat began 5 years ago and has continued as an annual event. The first year was “Team Awesome” and we’ve continued the progressive alphabet tradition with BOLD, COMPASSION and DREAM Teams.

This year will be Team ExtraOrdinary.

Nia Teachers receive balance between:

  • LEARNING from taking classes with Helen

  • PARTICIPATING in team teaching “Nia Jam classes” with Helen witnessing

  • RECEIVING feedback + coaching from Helen with regards technique, teaching & choreography

  • PLAYING with NiaTV on the big screen

  • RELAXING with sauna, hot tub, lap pool, pastures, porch and donkeys!

  • ENJOYING each others company, support and brainstorming

  • EXPLORING the local area with field trips and surprises!

Thank you Nia Black belt teacher Ray Wotten who has attended every year. That is he’s returning for his 5th year and shares “I’m in this through Z!”. We deeply appreciate your support and the wonderful energy you bring every year to each fabulously unique group.

We are offering public classes every day at 10am and 5pm. Regular rates apply. This is a PERFECT time to invite friends and for beginners to come join us as these are great community experiences where you receive a flavor of many different teachers who are traveling in from Idaho, Florida, Indiana, and Texas!

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Here in Montgomery, Texas, we’re blessed with an amazing weather forecast. Looks like we’ll be in the upper 70s by Tuesday!

Sunshine and warm temperatures helps us to:

  • enjoy hikes in the National Forest,

  • Boat, PaddleBoard and Kayak Lake Conroe,

  • Labyrinth meditative walk next door to the Wolf Sanctuary,

  • nightly bonfires and more.

2nd Degree Black Belt

When I recently returned from the Nia 2nd Degree Black Belt, my Mum asked me “what exactly does that mean?”.

For the past 26 years I’ve been involved in the Nia continuing education, a program that models the Martial Arts Belt System. My Nia path began in 1993 with the white belt, I then progressed through Blue, Brown, Black. I took the Nia Green Belt when it was introduced and now I am a White, Green, Blue, Brown, Nia 5 stages trainer, which this means I teach others these belt levels.

Being a Nia Black belt doesn’t necessarily mean you are a “master” of Nia, it simply means you’ve taken at least the 4 belts, in some ways like a 4 year bachelors degree, you’ve covered the course work. There are no tests in any belt with the exception of the Nia Green Belt.

A new documentary will chronicle the life story of Keiko Fukuda.

After attending Black the next levels of course go in degrees. So far in Nia there have been 1st degree and 2nd degree courses offered.

In Judo the highest belt level is a 10th Degree. This 98 year old women is the 4th person, and only woman, to be awarded this highest honor.

Read more HERE

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/98-year-woman-receive-highest-degree-black-belt/story

The Nia system begins with White belt and progresses through Blue, Brown and Black belt. The Green belt can be taken any time after the white Belt. I’ve heard Nia students share

“oh my I’m so glad I took the Green before the Blue Belt”

and I’ve also heard students say

“oh my! I cannot imagine my Green belt if I’d not taken the blue belt first!”

In summary Green Belt is a floater course, taken after the white belt, usually before or after Blue Belt. Whenever someone chooses to take the Green Belt they appear to believe it landed in the perfect place for their continuing education.

White belt is the pre-requisite to teaching Nia. About half the people attend the white belt with the dream/intent to teach, the other half purely attend for personal growth. Often by the end of the course participants who have said they only want to attend for personal growth begin to warm up the idea with comments like “Well maybe I could teach at my church” or “with my family”, or “as a volunteer” or “after all!”.

Green Belt

Focus: Music-Movement-Magic | Intent: To condition the central nervous system

Time: 5 days (45 hours)

Green Belt focuses on developing skills to effectively teach Nia using Nia White Belt Principles.

Delivering the Nia Experience is a phrase we use to express the transformative power of Nia. As a teacher you aim to deliver the Nia Experience every time you teach; your role is to guide people through a meaningful journey of physical conditioning and self-discovery. The student's transformative experience comes from your ability to listen to the music with detail, dance the choreography with passion and share your personal experience of sensation in your body.

White Belt

Focus: Art of Sensation | Intent: To embody the foundation of Nia 

Nia White Belt Training takes you on a journey of self-discovery by exploring the art of sensation. Beginning with the Joy of Movement, you learn 13 principles for body-centered awareness. Each principle teaches you a variety of somatic skills for connecting to physical sensation in your body. Through the science, craft and art of sensation, you will learn Nia's body-centered approach to health, wellness and fitness. Crafting with sensation is the starting point for all Nia teachers. The Art of Sensation is what brings magic to the Nia class experience.

Blue Belt

Focus: Art of Communication | Intent: To create intimacy through somatic relationships

Blue Belt, the second level of Nia education, explores how to create healthy relationships through body-centered communication. This intensive introduces the next set of 13 Nia principles, which focus on the 4 realms of body, mind, emotions and spirit.

While the White Belt curriculum focuses entirely on awareness of physical sensation, Blue Belt applies these skills to explore internal sensations as perceived through – but distinct from – physical sensations in the body.

Blue Belt Principle #1: The Joy of Being in Relationship, integrates the sensation of Joy with the awareness that Joy is something outside the self, which we can invite into our physical experience.

As a result, we begin to deepen our ability to listen with clarity and sustain awareness of details outside our body.

Art of Sensation is rooted in Nia's philosophy of The Body's Way. Sensation guides you to create health and vitality by moving your body in ways that feel good. Nia White Belt teaches you to develop body literacy - the ability to listen to your body, making choices that lead to health and total body well-being.

Nia White Belt teaches you the Art of Sensation through five core areas of study.

  • Movement - the study of moving, health + potential

  • Anatomy - the study of body parts + systems 

  • Science - the study of body awareness, health + vitality

  • Music - the study of sound, health + expression

  • Philosophy - the study of the body's inherent wisdom. 

Anyone can take the Nia White Belt; no experience is required. If you have a desire to share Nia in a professional capacity, the White Belt Training is your entryway into teaching. Those who choose to pursue the path of personal enrichment use this training as a starting point for becoming a master student.

Brown Belt

Focus: Art of Perception | Intent: To live as an energetic being

By the time you reach Brown Belt, the third level of Nia education, you have developed a proficiency in sustaining awareness of your physical body and paying attention to the sensory details of the four realms: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

This level of training explores the experience of living as energy beings, as every experience of sensation in the body is an energy experience.

Brown Belt Principle 1: The Joy of Movement in the Zone, introduces "The Zone," a place of no thinking, a universe unto itself.

The Zone is a state of heightened sensation inside and out, from which you can think with both the logical mind and the intuitive parts of your being.

In The Zone, energy fields are tactile and readily available to you; Brown Belt teaches you how to tap into this energy to make positive changes in each of the four realms of your life.

Black Belt

Focus: Art of Creativity | Intent: Conscious Transformation

Black Belt, the fourth level of Nia education, invites you to let go of all you know and enter the River of the Unknown, a place of infinite and endless creativity.

First Degree Black Belt

Focus: Art of Self | Intent: To explore your personal potential

Art of Self is a profound step on the Nia Journey. It is the Belt that celebrates not just you, but your advanced potential. It's about stepping even further, out of your excellence and into your genius. Being in genius, in the zone, means letting go. It is expressed in beauty, power, and wisdom of spirit.

The desire for First Degree is "more". More personal knowing and more about how to live in a world of pleasure, purpose, and freedom. Plato wrote that "all knowledge is already within us, no one really teaches anything new."

The Origin of the Martial Arts Colored Belt System 

The martial arts colored belt ranking system was originated by Dr. Jigoro Kano, who was Japanese and known as the "Founder of Modern Judo", who first devised many of the concepts that are the foundation of Modern martial arts. Dr. Kano devised the colored belt system as a visible sign of a student’s progress, awarding the first “black belts” in the 1880's. 

Gichin Funakoshi, who was Okinawan and the founder of Shotokan Karate and often referred to as the "Founder of Modern Karate" adopted the belt ranking system and other organizational and philosophical concepts from Dr. Kano, who was both his contemporary and friend. 

Byung Jick Ro, who was Korean and the founder of Song Moo Kwan and known as "Founder of  Modern Taekwondo" was a student of Gichin Funakoshi, receiving his black belt from him in 1939, and thus, the color belt ranking system has been part of Taekwondo since it was developed in the early 1940's.

Dispelling an Urban Legend 

One common “legend” concerning the tradition of belts claims that early martial artists began their training with a white belt, which eventually became stained black from years of sweat, dirt, and blood. However, there is no real evidence for this story, so it should be relegated to the status of myth. In fact, given the standard of cleanliness common in the traditional Judo or Karate dojo, a student arriving with a bloodied or dirty uniform would probably not have been allowed to train. In some arts and schools there is the opinion that the belt should not be washed; by doing that one would "wash away the knowledge" or "wash one's ki away." This is all related to the “dirty belt” myth. 

Levels of Advancement 

Another common misbelief that needs to be clarified is the "black belt as master" stereotype,. In reality, a black belt indicates the wearer is competent in a style's basic technique. Since in Song Moo Kwan a black belt takes approximately 2 to 4 years of training to achieve, a good intuitive analogy would be a 1st Dan Black Belt is equivalent to a college Bachelor's degree. The 1st Dan black belt is thus seen not so much as an end, but rather as a beginning, a doorway to advanced learning. The 4th Dan is “Master” in Song Moo Kwan, and can be viewed similar to a college Master’s degree, and 8th degree black belt “Grandmaster” can be seen being equivalent to a university Doctoral degree. 

Meaning of the Colors 

Originally, the white belt was simply dyed to a new color. This repeated dying process dictated the type of belt color and the order of the colors. The standard belt color system is white, yellow, gold, orange, green, blue, purple, brown, red and black. Due to the dying process, it was only practical to increasingly use darker colors. All of this came about shortly after the Second World War, when Korea and Japan were very poor countries. Dying the belts to a new color was a cheap way to have a visible, simple and effective ranking system. 

White Belt: White signifies a birth, or beginning, of a seed. A white belt student is a beginner searching for knowledge of the Art. The white belt is the beginning of life's cycle, and represents the seed as it lies beneath the snow in the winter. 

Yellow Belt or Sash: Yellow signifies the first beams of sunlight which shines upon the seed giving it new strength with the beginning of new life. A yellow belt student is given his first ray of knowledge, opening his mind, from his instructors. 

Orange Belt or Sash: Orange represents the growing power of the sun as it warms the earth to prepare for new growth in the spring. The orange belt is starting to feel his body and mind open and develop. 

Green Belt or Sash: Green signifies the growth of the seed as it sprouts from the earth reaching toward the sun and begins to grow into a plant. A green belt student learns to strengthen and refine his techniques. 

Blue Belt or Sash: Blue signifies the blue sky as the plant continues to grow toward it. A blue belt student moves up higher in rank just as the plant grows taller. The light feeds the plant so it can continue to grow. The student is fed additional knowledge of the Art in order for his body and mind continue to grow and develop. 

Purple Belt or Sash: Purple represents the changing sky of dawn, as once again the student undergoes a new change and prepares for the transition to advanced student. A purple belt begins to understand the meaning of the black belt. 

Brown Belt or Sash: Brown represents the ripening of the seed, a maturing and harvesting process. A brown belt is an advanced student whose techniques are beginning to mature, and he is beginning to understand the fruits of his hard work as a beginner. 

Red Belt or Sash: Red signifies the red-hot heat of the Sun as the plant continues growing toward it. As a red belt student acquires more detailed knowledge, just as the plant grows slowly toward the Sun, so the red belt student learns to be more cautious with his knowledge and physical abilities. Red is a sign of danger, and the red belt is beginning to become dangerous with their knowledge and abilities. 

Black Belt or Sash: Black signifies the darkness beyond the Sun. A black belt seeks new, more profound knowledge of the Art. As he begins to teach others, he plants new seeds and helps them grow and mature. His students, many whom will form roots deep into the Art, blossom and grow through the ranks in a never-ending process of self-growth, knowledge, and enlightenment. 

The Last First

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In the Nia Blue belt we introduce the concept of “it’s a good day to die” - meaning if I die today will I exclaim “it’s a good day to die ~ I am at peace, I’ve lived a great life and I have no regrets.”

Directly applying this concept to teaching (or taking) Nia classes; preparation, execution and reflection" of class, are motivated by the concept this could be our last class.

I’m inspired to do my best when preparing and teaching class and celebrate all the things that went well. Checking what I can improve on for the next class, while being 100% satisfied with the experience, is a wonderful exercise of balance, self love and compassion.

This is a great example of how a Nia class can become a metaphor for life. Where our choices and decisions can be made like a sacred athlete, striving to do our best, live life fully and pay attention to what matters most in life and find the ability to let go of the rest.

Liliana, our daughter, sent us a “last first” photo.

It’s her last semester at University of Texas, Austin. Liliana was marking the moment in time of her last first day back to school!

We’ve had the tradition of taking her “first day back to school” photo since preK. This certainly seems to mark a significant moment in time, igniting her transition from school to the work place.

As we step into our 10th year at Soma Ranch we too are enjoying our milestones. A curious thing to consider is how we don’t know what our last of many things will be. I don’t know when will be my last class, last training, last month, last day, last moment, last breath. So I choose to celebrate what I have today, notice the first and lasts of the day, month, year and live a life as if this could be my last (as one day it will be!)

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What would you do if you knew this was your last day, month, year? Something worth considering. And hopefully there’s a place for Soma Ranch in your plans, wink wink ;-) Let us know how we may serve best.

Congratulations Nia White Belts

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Our first event, first training and first Nia White belt for 2019 was a fabulous success.

A joyful group of women came together.

Each with their own individual needs and desires, these wonderful participants brought a collective desire to learn, support each other, grow, have a good time and be healthy.

We had a great time. It truly was a magical experience.

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Lindsay (a Nia White Belt participant from Vermont) experienced a super surprise when 3 women, from her community, flew in to be with her.

They stayed a couple of nights, enjoyed retreating at the ranch, attending public classes and most of all showing support and love for their friend.

Hananda (July 2018 White Belt graduate) returned for her 3rd white belt experience and is now considering moving to the Montgomery area!

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Sue Korthauer dropped in for public classes and reconnected with 2 participants from Denver (Sara and Kate) who she had met at a retreat in Mexico.

Sonja Groskopf and her husband stayed for a few days, they are in the process of deciding whether to relocate to Texas.

This beautiful web of connections, good times shared, friendships made and rekindled is a blessing to witness and be part of.

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As we continue to attract folks to relocate to Montgomery Texas, we appear to be adopting a most successful business model.

What could be better than folks moving to be closer to Soma with a desire to take classes and trainings!

Montgomery, TX is one of the fastest growing counties in the US and Soma Ranch appears to be becoming a beacon of attraction.

Body Shadow Retreat Feb 15 - 17, 2019

New Years can be a great time to Self reflect, look for New Beginnings and let go of what no longer serves us. If you’re looking for an opportunity to do all 3 and more please consider our upcoming Body Shadow Retreat. With way less pain and much more gain I feel I processed 10 years of talk therapy in my first Authentic Movement therapy group sessions.

We're hosting a fabulous WHOLE WEEKEND retreat with Erica Lorentz in February, and would love you to join us! We've extended the Early Bird pricing through Feb 1 (save $150).

Let us know if you'd like to come (or be on the list for future retreats)

Hope you enjoy this little chat JoAnn and I had on Soma porch the day after the last Body as Shadow retreat.

We share how, in a relatively short period of time, we experienced great value from the immersed, nurturing, retreat experience.

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We agreed how, even though folks came in with different personalities, abilities of moving and styles of learning we all enjoyed the process, learned from each other, felt safe and secure and benefitted from a most nurturing, healing environment.

Click here to REGISTER and receive more information about the upcoming Body Shadow retreat.

Reconnecting with Jenny Block

I met Jenny Block a few years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed witnessing her growth as a speaker and writer. I love witnessing how she courageously speaks out about what she not only feels passionate about but also feels is a very important message to share with women.

Last month Jenny was able to visit Soma Ranch for the first time. She beautifully shared her work and passion with Soma guests. We were all left very inspired and curious to know more. I’ve since read her book and am super excited to be hosting a special event with Jenny at Soma Ranch.

We’re please to announce Jenny is returning this upcoming week to offer an intro talk (Sunday, January 13, 7:30pm) with the option for one-on-one consultations if you’d like more information.

Sliding scale ($10 - $50) . Pay at the door.

www.somaranch.com/special-events/jennyblock

Nia White Belt on Sale!

What better way to kick-off the new year than with a journey of self-discovery?

From Jan. 1st - Jan. 15th, all Nia White Belt Trainings are $300 off!

Explore the art of sensation, explore the new you.

At Soma Ranch we have a Nia white belt starting this Thursday (Jan 10th), with 7 folks signed up there is room for YOU to join us!

We also offer trainings in July, November and December.  For more information Click http://www.somaranch.com/trainings/

The $300 off sale is valid WORLD WIDE now through January 15th, for ALL Nia White Belt trainings in 2019.





Run the Year

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I’m laying out my clothes for the morning, feeling very excited.

For the 3rd year in a row I’ve participated in the run the year program.

Tomorrow (before 10am Nia class) I will complete 2018 miles in 2018.

This year I eased up on myself and allowed miles to be shared between walking and running, i.e. I didn't require I ran all 2018 miles.

This "allowance" has been kinder on my knees, while the goal is still a wonderful motivating factor.

Would you like to join me in 2019?

Here's a promo code to save $3 off the "Run the Year 2019" program. You can get T shirts, hat and a wonderful medal to mark your achievement.

We’ve set up a local Facebook group to help connect and motivate fellow walkers and runners.

Click this LINK to become part of the group.

www.facebook.com/groups/316678645853862/

You can do this solo or team up with up to 5. Split miles between members however you want!

Big shout out and thanks to my Mum who, (when I was down, thinking my goal was no longer achievable) helped me construct a spread sheet to show my dream was still possible.

It’s a great example of how setting goals, keeping records and plugging away, day by day, really add up.

I hope you’ll consider stepping in on this journey. It can be life changing and fun all at the same time.

Our Mission

RTE is a community where everyone is welcome regardless of age, skill, zip code, wallet size, job, or primary form of transportation. That’s why our mission is Everyone Included, Everyone Challenged, Everyone Successful.


Want a fabulous health & wellness kick start to 2019?

Nia White Belt 7 day course begins this Thursday, Jan 10. Would you like to dive in? 

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. Those who choose to pursue the path of personal enrichment use this training as a starting point for becoming a master student. If you have a desire to share Nia in a professional capacity, the White Belt Training is your entryway into teaching.

You are invited to choose from:

  • attend the course, $1599

  • revisit the training, with 6 nights inclusive accommodation, $424

  • or retreat for the week, , with 6 nights inclusive accommodation, $424

  • relax with an overnight stay, $80

  • enjoy the treat of a day retreat $45

  • pop in for a Nia class! $15 or special event

Soma Retreat
from $75.00

Come retreat at Soma Ranch, a boutique ranch retreat experience like nothing else! Enjoy daily classes, special events and meals with Nia training participants.

During Training sessions you are free to relax with beautiful surroundings/countryside, wrap around porch with swings, hammock, far infrared sauna, mineral therapeutic spa and our sparkling Olympic length lap pool, perhaps book a massage!

Explore the local Montgomery Area. For example; explore Lake Conroe, rent a kayaks/paddleboard, hike Sam Houston National Forest Park, go horseback riding, walk and medtitate at St. John's labyrinth, visit Wolf Sanctuary or Chappell Hill Lavender Farm, attend Cowboy church/rodeo, shop local boutiques and antiques, enjoy local wineries and cute coffee shops.

Presently Inclusive Retreats during Nia Weeks are offered at very special introductory rates, inclusive of public classes, all amenities, meals, and accommodations for the week! These special rate Soma Retreats are our alternative to advertising, a fun way to promote Soma Ranch from within. Nothing sells like the experience at Soma Ranch!

Soma Retreat Specials are limited to 4 people per Nia training week, and are contingent on availability. Email info@somaranch.com or call 832-567-4550 to confirm availability.

Make your reservation, and begin relaxing at the mere thought of your upcoming retreat vacation.

For Dates and more information click http://www.somaranch.com/nia-retreat/

$100 of your fee is a non-refundable deposit

The remainder of your balance is transferable to other services as available.

ALL RATES ARE INCLUSIVE of MEALS

Nia brings Global Friendships

I recently returned from a fabulous vacation with my daughter, Liliana, to Hawaii. I’m deeply touched as I recapitulate how the trip, and most of the details would not have happened without wonderful connections through the Nia Global community. Another wonderful thing about traveling to visit fellow Nia fans is we get to experience a vacation very different from the “tourist track”.

Liliana and I stayed at a wonderful elevated home with ocean view or the “windy side” of the Oahu island. This beautiful vacation stay was gifted by Mary who took the Nia Blue belt with me a decade ago! when we reconnected at her Nia Black Belt this summer, Mary offered her beautiful vacation home in gratitude for my help along her Nia journey! what a gift!!

I also had the opportunity to teach a class at the Still and Moving Center. I was here about 9 years ago, opening the studio with a Nia White Belt training. What a joy to witness how the studio has grown, and the community blossom, since it’s inception many years ago!

I also taught a class at the Honolulu Club for the first time. It’s a fantastic fitness and wellness facility in downtown Honolulu. 3 Nia teachers, who each have full time jobs, co share teaching regular Nia classes at the club twice a week. Talk about collaboration! it was a joy to reconnect with all 3 teachers, witness what they’ve co-created.and teach their class.

We enjoyed an amazing dinner, and tea party, with ocean view, at Renee’s home (she’s the owner of Still and Moving Center). We delighted seeing how their house has been completely rebuilt since we last stayed 9 years ago.

Through the magic of FaceBook I discovered fellow Nia teacher and studio owner Lola Manekin (from Baltimore) was also on the island. We met up for an early morning yoga class and coffee date!!

Then a short 45 minute flight to Maui to be picked up by long time Nia client (and now much more a friend!) Lynda Stobart. We had visited Lynda in Geneva 5 years ago on our Euro Rail 6 week adventure, when Liliana graduated from high school.

Lynda’s family relocated to Maui a couple of years ago. They’ve created an amazing “off the grid” home with ocean view. I’m inspired by this eco style living.

Lynda took us to local towns, coffee shops, we attended a couple of yoga classes, enjoyed local walks, boutiques, catching up and sharing stories. I even previewed a retreat center with the possibility of returning and offering classes and/or a retreat.

Thank you Nia for the connections and thank you friends for your generosity. We had an amazing and unique vacation which could only have been experienced through our friendships kindled through Nia.

2018 miles in 2018

As we approach the end of 2018 I'm close to completing the year in miles. i.e. achieving 2018 miles in 2018 is still possible!

With 1902.8 miles completed, 18 days to go, and 115.2 miles outstanding, my required average to complete 2018 miles is be presently 6.4 miles at day.

From previous experience (illness, injury, weather) I know achieving this goal is not "in the bag" yet.

I hope to kick out a few 10 miles days to make the goal super doable (rather than relying on having to run a marathon on Dec 31st!).

This year I eased up on myself and allowed miles to be shared between walking and running, i.e. I didn't require I ran all 2018 miles.

This "allowance" has been particularly kinder on my knees, while the goal to achieve 2018 miles in the year, is still a wonderful motivating factor to keep me moving and grooving on a regular basis.

Let me know if you'd like to join me in 2019. Here's a promo code to save $3 off the "Run the Year 2019" program. You can get T shirts, hat and a wonderful medal to mark your achievement.

Big shout out and thanks to my Mum who, (when I was down, thinking my goal was no longer achievable) helped me construct a spread sheet to show my dream was still possible. It’s a great example of how setting goals, keeping records and plugging away, day by day, can really add up.

The process I often follow is:

  1. the dream,

  2. breaking it down into goals,

  3. taking daily action,

  4. providing rewards for achievements along the way,

  5. calling on friends to stay motivated

Click this LINK for more information and to receive $3 off the “Run the Edge” program. Super motivating and helpful resource.

Our Mission

RTE is a community where everyone is welcome regardless of age, skill, zip code, wallet size, job, or primary form of transportation. That’s why our mission is Everyone Included, Everyone Challenged, Everyone Successful.


Congrats Nia White Belts

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Congratulations Nia White Belts;

  • Rose, Lesa and Toni.

Thank you

  • Ana Maria and Hànanda for re-visiting the Nia white belt,

  • Mary-Claire and Emma for popping in for a 3 night retreat on their way from UK to Mexico,

  • Jenny who, after 9 years of talking about coming, managed to put Soma dreams into reality, with a 2 night stay!

The weather was wonderful, allowing us to dance Nia outside on the lawn (both front and back), watch stars in the clear skies from the hot tub and enjoy an evening around the fire. Sharing s’mores with Ana for the first time was a blast!.

Conversations around the dinner table, giggles on the couch and time spent with donkeys all lend themselves to a most unique and nourishing experience at Soma Ranch.

Dancing with Lauren Daigle

I’m in LOVE with the new Lauren Daigle Album “Look Up Child”. Here’s a warm up I choreographed to the first track “Still Rolling Stone”. In Nia technique we have a process of matching moves to the music. Through an 8 stage process called FreeDance, we have a systematic guided approach of dancing freely to the music to allows “clicks” to settle.

These clicks are magical moments where, from a somatic (body centered) place, movements match the music, revealed in way that feels like coming from an unknown place. These clicks don’t come from habit, mental thoughts or logic, instead they feel vibrantly “alive”, new and are habit breaking.

Dancing, and riding this Nia 8 stages process, with music like Lauren Daigle, is a most delicious journey. Her lyrics, the soul of the music, the quality, details and structure of each song all contribute to an effortless, most rewarding and enjoyable ride!

There’s also some great modern/interpretive dances out on the internet. They passionately and creatively share and communicate this soul searching music through the body in a most inspiring way. Here’s one of my favorites:

We have choice

Yesterday we enjoyed a fabulous “open house” playing with the latest Nia Routine “GO”. Thank you all who choose to come join us. With participants, who feel more like friends, some coming for 10+, 15+ and 20+ years to attend classes with Helen, it was a great day to be alive!

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Attitude is the most important choice we can make. We made an attitude choice yesterday, and we make another choice today.

Let’s make a choice:

...to participate.

...to be a contributor.

...to be optimistic.

...to be curious.

...to be a learner.

...to be an encourager.

...to bring out the best in others.

...to give people the benefit of the doubt.

...to forgive.

...to be hopeful instead of fearful.

For the most part, you are not able to choose what happens today. All you can choose is what your attitude will be. And the choice you make will determine what kind of day it will be.

Thank you Jim’s Daily Awakenings for this inspiration http://www.jimsdailyawakenings.com/

Who goes to Dubai for the weekend?

With a giggle, a dear friend left me a voice mail “who goes to Dubai for the weekend, Helen Terry!”. The message brought a big smile to my face. I truly adore my “job” and fortunately (as it’s a big requirement of my occupation) I LOVE to travel!

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I spent last weekend in Dubai. Yes! I travelled 27 hours each way and enjoyed 2 days 2 nights in Dubai. I left Thursday evening and was home by Monday afternoon. While visiting Manal (long time Nia client, now more of a friend) I enjoyed fabulous sunshine, beach and COFFEE!! I shared an Ageless Grace certification and also re connected and danced with the local Nia community at the wonderful “just Be” yoga studio.

Nia technique is very much my focus and main occupation, AND I thoroughly enjoy sharing Ageless Grace as a supplementary, complimentary program. Ageless Grace is a wonderful program for body and brain. The simple 10 minutes a day practice has helped me (particularly my memory!) and many of my clients and students. It’s also been great for my Nia business, as curiously offering the Ageless Grace course attracts folks to Nia! I call this kind of alliance “cross pollination”, where beautiful friendships blossom.

The Ageless Grace program is created by Denise Medved, fabulous fellow Nia teacher and former Nia trainer.

Through Ageless Grace Seminars and Certifications:

  1. I help people exercise their body, brain and sense of humor muscle!

  2. Help care providers help themselves AND those they care for.

  3. Help folks stay vibrant as they age.

  4. Help students focus and relieve stress

  5. I meet fabulous educators who often have never heard of Nia, who go on to take Nia classes, if not invest in the Nia White Belt training!

  6. I witness Nia teachers who have been challenged to learn Nia routines, discover how to joyfully be more relaxed and spontaneous in their teaching and classes.

For more information about Nia visit www.nianow.com

For more information about Ageless Grace visit www.agelessgrace.com.

Here’s Denise on TedX sharing about what is the greatest health concern as folks age: Loosing brain function. Recent research shows changing your aging brain can be as simple as child’s play!

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.

Weight Gain has little to do with our Metabolism.

The biggest reason you gain weight as you age has nothing to do with your metabolism | The Independent

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You've probably heard that once you hit 40, it's all downhill when it comes to your weight. That inexplicable force we call our metabolism does begin to grind a bit slower every year from age 30 onward.

Here's the good news: The rate at which your metabolism slows down is actually rather minimal. In reality, most weight gain that happens in midlife isn't the result of a slower metabolism at all. Instead, it comes down to a simple but changeable truth: As we get older, we get less and less active.

While this might sound depressing, it's actually great news. There's plenty we can do to counteract the slow, seemingly inevitable onset of poundage.

Simply getting more active can help reduce weight gain as we age. Consider taking a Nia class, attending classes more regularly, registering for a Nia Training or taking a retreat at Soma Ranch.

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Body Shadow Retreat Nov 2 - 4, 2018

Hope you enjoy this little chat JoAnn and I had on Soma porch the day after the last Body as Shadow retreat.

We share how, in a relatively short period of time, we experienced great value from the immersed, nurturing, retreat experience.

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We agreed how, even though folks came in with different personalities, abilities of moving and styles of learning we all enjoyed the process, learned from each other, felt safe and secure and benefitted from a most nurturing, healing environment.

Click here to REGISTER and receive more information about the upcoming Body Shadow retreat.

Celebrating 20 Years

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We hosted 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!

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Joy, Laura and Jan now all live in different cities, and have rarely seen each other since the Nia White Belt training.

We cherished our time spent together, while reminiscing with joy, the many fun times we’ve experienced over the last 2 decades.

Little did any of us know or realize what an adventure would unfold from the Nia training experienced 20 years ago.

Thank you Joy, Laura and Jan for your wonderful friendship and support over the years.

We found some old photos from the training and played with recreating the “pose”. Enjoy the “Then and Now”