Hello From Soma

Dear Friends of Soma Ranch (from near and far!)

Joe and I miss you. I'm sorry for our lack of email communication recently. We’ve been in survival mode, finally resurfacing and wanted to reach out. Truly hope you're well, finding ways to make healthy, happy, helpful choices.

Here at Soma Ranch, we have “paused” all in-person trainings and retreats. The ranch often feels like a 15-acre parked cruise ship! Fortunately, the lack of guest activity, has provided a beautiful time to get on with some necessary projects. Also Joe and I have had a more time to truly appreciate the nature and beauty at Soma Ranch. We’ve been moving pretty fast for the last 10 years to make things happen at Soma Ranch. Even though we would never have asked for a lock down pandemic, this “pause” has been an opportunity to re-group, re-calibrate, plan for the future and slow down a little. We recently celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary (which also marks Helen’s Nia anniversary!)

Nia trainings have moved on to a fabulous new “Nia Online platform”. Although doubtful at the beginning, I am now super happy at how trainees receive

• 2 hours a week to digest the training,

• super support and resources like all public classes with Helen,

• even one class a week with Nia Founder, Debbie Rosas,

• Access to Nia TV,

• OPTIONAL podcasts, recommended Ted Talks and homework suggestions are provided if you want to go deeper.

• Zoom sessions with the wonderful opportunity to be with like-minded peers from around the world, from the comfort and safety of your own home!

Please consider joining us for your next belt or retake a previous belt.

When you attend any of these online courses you receive a complimentary In Person training. Yes! you can come back and re-experience your training for free! And you can experience Helen’s upcoming “Taking Nia to Church” (a 13 week Special Sunday Series, with 13 Nia 5 stages and Nia classes) complimentary!

Most trainings begin the first week in September (White, Blue and Brown Belts). Nia 5 stages and Nia Green belt start September 24 & 25.

Joe and I hope we can be of service to you and will do our best moving forward to be more in touch.

Thank you in advance for any feedback while you can’t visit Soma Ranch in person,

• what is it that we can do to help serve you best?

• is there something you'd like to look forward to in the future?

• would you like to entertain a retreat here at Soma Ranch?

• would you like to have information about how you can host a future retreat?

• bring your family here to Soma Ranch ?

There's lots of possibilities to digest here, in preparation for when the doors open again. Let us know if there's something you'd like to start planning now.

Be well, with love,

Helen & Joe Terry

Soma Ranch  

Yin Yoga Faith at Soma Ranch

Cynthia Roe has been a wonderful ambassador here at Soma Ranch, as a participant, Nia trainee and teacher, helper, supporter and friend. Here we thought you'd like to "sit in" on our conversation about her latest adventure... teaching YinYoga Faith at Soma Ranch.

Let us know if you are curious to know more about Yoga Faith or the Sunday "integrating Faith with Fitness" group that is about to begin in September.

#Yoga #Yin #Soma_Ranch #Yoga_Faith #Cynthia_Roe #Helen_Terry

Celebrating 27 years

At the end of August Joe and I celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary and also Helen’s Nia anniversary (we got married to allow Helen to stay in the country and begin her Nia Training Journey.)

Helen continues to teach Nia classes onLine via zoom, all the information can be found at www.facebook.com/groups.helenterry or personal message us for the directly Zoom links.

At this time of celebration I say thank you Joe! thank you Nia! and thank you God! This really is an amazing life. I wonder what would I be doing? how would I be coping through this pandemic? without my allies.

I hope you have a fabulous support group around you, equipped with great strategies and tools to support you. If you don't feel supported, if you need help, please let me know. Consider a Nia training these Movement Arts Programs have provided amazing tools for life, as well as helped me have a great time on the dance floor! Nia lead me to Christ, assisted saving my marriage and is helping me cope through lockdown and more.

Be well

xox

Last call for 2020 OnLine Nia Trainings!

Last call for 2020 OnLine Nia Trainings! Sunday, September 13 is the cut off point for Nia White, Blue and Brown Belt trainings. These OnLine Nia courses are receiving RAVE reviews. In the comfort our their own homes, participants are enjoying the comfort and pace of the 2 hours a week courses. The supporting OnLine portal, with pod casts, downloads, daily Nia classes and more, is providing enriched embodiment of the materials, with a whole week to digest each principle. We’ve had “Getting to Know Each Other” and “Intro to the Course and Mindful practices”, this coming week we begin principle #1 of each course.

All calls are recorded and provided in the OnLine Portal. If you’ve been sitting on the fence this is your last call. We have received strong enrollment for the Nia Green Belt (13) and Nia 5 Stages (12). Both courses begin in 2 weeks.

Nia On-Line Trainings on and off the dance floor

One of the benefits of our present “less in-Person, more on-line” times is the opportunity to be a student and travel the world from the comfort of my own home! I’m thoroughly enjoying the Nia 5 stages fellow trainer Sabine is offering during the on-line Nia Trainings. (She's inspired me "get back on the horse" to also get back to teaching these fab 5 stages classes) The work of the Nia 5 stages and Sabine's delivery is excellent.

Here's what I captured after our Nia Blue Belt, 5 stages class this week.

Nia ON-Line Trainings with Helen Terry

OnLine Nia Belt trainings with Helen Terry registrations are UP!

• Intimate: Limited group size, everyone fits on one screen!

• 2 for 1: Buy an OnLine course, Get One in person.

• Receive a complimentary in person "retake" of ANY belt with Helen, ANYWHERE in the world.

• Digest the material in small, easy to digest, sessions, 2 hours a week

• Be part of a private Facebook group

• Take a public class with Nia Founder Debbie Rosas, on Fridays

• Receive access to Nia TV

• Attend all and any of Helen’s classes during the week online via Zoom

• enroll in the Special Sunday Series FOR FREE! (the series, the Nia 5 stages and the Nia class)

• This is an opportune to relax your thinking mind, be in the pleasure of learning with fascination up and frustration down. See you soon in the zoom room!

Time conversion: 12-2pm CDT | 6-8pm UK | 7-9pm Europe

Mo 12 - 2pm Nia White Belt Starts Aug 31

Tu 12 - 2pm Nia Blue Belt Starts Sep 1

We 12 - 2pm Nia Brown Belt Starts Sep 2

Th 12 - 2pm Nia Green Belt Starts Sep 24

Fr 12 - 2pm Nia 5 stages Starts Sep 25

Want a Refresher?

Would you like to experience/retake a Belt with Helen? Use the special code: RetakeDiscountTrainer when checking out to register for $99. Helen will then invoice you the additional $500 tuition fee. ($49/250 for Nia 5 stages)

Retake promo code for Green is RetakeTrainerGreen

Retake promo code for Nia 5 Stages: 5StagesRetake

Nia White Belt https://www.eventbrite.com/e/114470921608

Nia Blue Belt https://www.eventbrite.com/e/114471497330

Nia Brown Belt https://www.eventbrite.com/e/114467543504

Nia Green Belt https://www.eventbrite.com/e/114574425190

Nia 5 Stages ON-Line https://www.eventbrite.com/e/116019931739

Soma Ranch Blessed by Mermaids

Talk about beyond your wildest dreams and expectations! When we accepted a late notice rental request last weekend, little did we know we'd host mermaids at Soma Ranch and make some fabulous new friends. We shifted, adapted (as we recently seem to be coming rather skilled at!) and welcomed them 90 minutes later.

Little did we know what great friends we’d make. And the amazing delight we would experience, hosting this exquisite, kind, appreciative and most enthusiastic group. They have a flourishing business bringing light and love into peoples lives through offering their mermaid talents and creativity.

We are Blessed to hear they will be returning again and often. Let us know if you'd like to be part of the next mermaid photoshoot at Soma; here you get to have your photo taken dressed as a mermaid either under or over the water!)

Our hearts are warmed and our spirits lifted when we receive comments like

“Your space was above and beyond anything we were expecting! A true dream spot. Thank you so much!”

For more information about the Mermaids and their business. Instagram @finfitness_shreveport. Facebook.com/finfitnessSB

Learning to Practice Nia 7 Cycles

This tutorial was created for our Nia Blue Belt small coaching group, we thought you might like to take a look. Helen Terry (co-owner, Soma Ranch) summarizes the Nia 7 cycles, then give a "speed date" experience through the cycles without music. In Nia this practice is called "Learning the move", it's the first of the 3 stages of practice.

Here’s more from Helen Terry:

In Stage 1, "Learning the Moves"; there is no music playing and a fair amount of thinking. We isolate parts in preparation of putting the whole package together. Similar to disassembling an engine, checking out the parts then putting it back together again. Something Joe Terry (co-owner of Soma Ranch) does on a regular basis with his 1965 Ford Tractor!

"Learning the Move" practice is a fabulous investment for becoming proficient, integrated and holistic as a mover and a teacher. As a new teacher I would practice over and over again to embody the technology, then when I'm teaching all I need do is listen and dance to the music and have a fab time, meanwhile I feel like I've got "people" up in my brain who are "taking care of business" like when to cue, what to say and how to craft the experience. Also now, as an experienced teacher I return to re "learn the move" to check in with my skill level and sustain the fundamentals.

More information/resources:

www.facebook.com/helenterrysoma. Follow this page to learn more about Helen Terry, classes and wellness

Stream classes and enjoy community connection:

www.facebook.com/groups/helenterry. Join this FREE private FB Group to (1) be part of a vibrant, supportive and fun community (2) experience free LIVE STREAM classes with Helen Terry and weekly Special Guests

Preparing for Fun Friday Nia Class

Live Stream Classes May 11 - 18.

Helen Terry (co-owner at Soma Ranch) continues a great line up of LIVE Stream classes on line, including;

• Nia classes with Helen,

• Daily Morning Meditations with Debbie Rosas,

• Guest Nia Classes with River Plumb (Tues 6pm) and MaryBeth Grinnan (Thurs 6pm),

• Daily “Pop ups”: extended focus and intent mini lessons (including anatomy)

• Daily “Tasters”: 52 moves to one song

To enjoy all of these experiences

1. visit and follow FaceBook page: www.facebook.com/helenterrysoma

2. join the private FaceBook Group www.facebook.com/groups/helenterry

Here’s a summary of classes:

Sleep Trick

10 Tips to Keep Healthy

Writing lists, keeping track, setting goals and practicing self care… All these things can help us sustain wellness. Over the next 10 days Helen Terry (co-owner of Soma Ranch) will share suggestions and recommendations with regards developing healthy, sustainable living. Helen will draw wisdom from her Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology, Nia Technique (as a 2nd Degree Black Belt and International Trainer), Body Ecology (as a certifies Body Ecologist) and life in general as a mother, wife, small business owner and seeker of truth and optimal well-being.

1. Sleep

2. Eat

3. Cleanse

4. Exercise

5. Breath

6. Write

7. Resist

8. Dance

9. Connect

10. Retreat

Welcome YogaFaith

Helen Terry and Natalie Keen have returned from the YogaFaith 200 hour immersion in Atlanta. They are full of enthusiasm and joy to begin sharing this fabulous practice at Soma Ranch.

We encourage you to LIKE the YogaFaith Montgomery TX FaceBook page, where you can keep up to date with classes and schedule, receive inspirational Christian quotes and have an opportunity to comment/share as part of the growing YogaFaith Montgomery community.

Wish You Were Here

Joe’s making good use of this time at Soma Ranch. This week fencing around the top pasture was replaced, ALL the grass got cut (about 12+ hours) and a new fireplace was created at Soma Ranch.

The weather is beautiful, wish you were here! We look forward to when you and “life as usual” returns ;-)

Replacing Fences

Materials ready, Labor 80% Joe, 20% Helen + Phelps

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New Fire Pit

Extending the Pool Area AND keeping the deck safe.

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Lush Green Grass:

Always work to be done cutting, mowing, trimming.

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LiveStream Special Guest Kinga

Soma Class Rates

from $20.00

Soma Ranch Classes:

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

Buy NOW

Please enjoy a special Class with Kinga Brezina visiting us all the way from Budapest, Hungary!!

Tuesday April 28, 9:00am CDT

(16:00 GMT+1 Budapest)

at FaceBook LIVEStream: www.facebook.com/groups/helenterry

This special event is open to all.

Payment is optional.

100% FUNDS collected are a gift to Kinga, supporting her training to become a Nia trainer. Venmo @iLoveSoma or pay through Soma Ranch.

Who is Kinga? Personal answer

• a dear friend, I adore, who…

• I’ve danced with for 11 years

• my “Nia manifesting partner”

• an inspiration for me on how to be :-)

Who is Kinga? Professional answer

• owner of The Shift Studio, Budapest

• community leader

• lead teacher (Nia 1st Degree Black Belt)

• Nia Trainer in Training (the first in Hungary)

Kinga attended the first Nia White Belt Helen presented in Budapest 11+ years ago. Since then (while balancing being a wife and a mother of 2 vibrant boys!) Kinga has developed a wonderful local Nia community, opened an amazing studio in Downtown Budapest, hosted 20+ international Nia presenters, she’s moved through all the Nia Belts to 1st Degree Black Belt and is now a Nia trainer in training. It’s an honor and a thrill to feature/host/present Kinga in our lovely Private FaceBook group. Feel free to invite friends, get ready to listen and dance to the music with one very passionate Hungarian woman who I adore. Oh how I cherish our friendship dearly and hope you can join us for this special event.

Where have all the Soma Girls Gone?

If Phelps (our dog) could talk he'd be asking "where have all the Soma Gals gone?" He usually is the greeter, director and helper, and over the past 10 years has provided amazing healing for many guests! Phelps presently appears a little confused, he keeps looking around, and most often waits on the front lawn, looking down the drive way.

We miss y’all (our guests) and look forward to your happy and healthy return to Soma Ranch ASAP.

Wish You Were Here NOT

In our 10 years of business here at Soma Ranch we’ve never had to close due to repairs or damage etc.

This past week we had a HUGE challenge with our plumbing system. The job required 3 days of extensive digging, new pipes, construction and we almost had to lift up our lovely, recently replaced, deck.

Although we certainly wish we all were not under the affect of corona virus at this time, we are extremely thankful that this major plumbing problem happened when there were no guests at Soma Ranch and therefore no disruption caused.

This time was the best time for such a major repair to become necessary. Thank God for Joe and his multitalented “fix it” skills with his “can do, will do at any cost” attitude.

Moving forwards we now have a new and much improved plumbing system assuring our pipes will keep well and flowing for year to come. We hope the same for you and look forward to your flowing return to Soma Ranch.

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Plumbing Repair

so glad y’all WEREN’T here for this “adventure”

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EveryBody Does Their Part

Fellow Nia teacher and friend, JoAnn Scott, identified a need; The local Conroe Hospital has a limited number of masks, the result being nurses are being issued only ONE SURGICAL MASK PER WEEK!

JoAnn put out a group text/request and put the wheels in motion…..

JoAnn Purchased fabric and shoe laces

Local Montgomery Quilt store provided materials.

Catherine cut the masks

Helen sewed the masks

Natalie trimmed the loose ends

Joe pressed the masks

JoAnn delivered masks to the hospital

Soma Ranch is more than a business. We are a community that feels more like family. What a joy to have a place where we can get together, help each other and support the local community.

Grateful

We had a great class this evening. I can barely contain myself as I anticipate tomorrow morning when I’m sharing the same playlist and similar moves again, in our Live STREAM Nia class (10AM CDT).

Our focus for class is: shoulders, elbows, wrists, palms (hands + fingers).

With the intent: to relieve tension, feel fabulous and free.

The playlist is tweaked by duplicating the last song, to include it as the first song, I call this “book ending”.

This is a fabulous way to play with playlists. It’s also super handy when there’s a need to stretch out a class where we are new and less familiar with the music and/or choreography.

There’s something very comforting about familiar; Playing the same song at the beginning and end of a class can bring joy. A benefit of doing this “repeat”, is how, when we dance the same song again, at the end of class, we can notice

• how much better we feel

• how mobility has improved

• how creativity Is sparked and enhanced

• how a sense of freedom has appeared

All from investing in our Nia class experience!

This is an example of how (although we can see ourselves as dancers in a Nia class) we are Sensation Scientists, exploring our body’s way and the body’s way, doing research for healing (feeling better).

Here’s the lyrics to the “BookEnd” song, You’re invited to take the time to read this wonderful poem with a beautiful message. I, if you do, you’ll agree with me that such a song deserves a double play, to be place both at the beginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega of this Grateful Nia Class experience. EnJoy xoxo

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GRATEFUL

You're my life,
You're my breath,
You're a smile
You my guest

You're the earth
You're the sun
You're the grass
You are love

You're my hands
You're a bug
You're my eyes
You're a hug

You're the light
In the dark
You're the spark
You are fun

You're my mom
You are water
You're the stars
You're my daughter

Your my friend
Till the end
You're my dreams
You're my father

You're the ants on the ground
The miracles that surround I'm feelin' it all around
The hemisphere and the clouds

You're my pain you're my sorrow
You're my hope for tomorrow
You're the strength when I'm hollow
You're the path that I follow

You're the blessings that exist
The small things that are bliss
The gift to realize that
Everything is a gift

All that I am
All that I see
All that I've been and all that I'll ever be
Is a blessing
Its so amazing
And I'm grateful for it all, for it all

You're the blessings
Every time I try to count,
You're the lessons
That l learn
Every time I turn around,
You're the water when I'm burned
Every time I think I've found
Everything I'm looking for,
You're the sign sayin'
Stop to take a bow

And keep moving forward
And start looking towards your heart,
it'll open all the doors
And only then you'll start
To hear the world sing in With your mind and heart
Aligned in purpose
Everything will feel gorgeous

Everyday I sit and pray
Cuz what I have is
More than I deserve
Or could ever imagine
How do I give back
To all of this magic
And spread the love
So everybody can have it
Doesn't matter if I'm rich or poor
If I gotta family or if I'm all alone
Bad things happen I can just complain and moan
But there's a million things that I can be grateful for

So I lift up my hands now
And I open my heart
And my gratitude goes out
To everything near and far

Final Everything I am
And everything I see
Everything I hope
And everything I dream
Everything I feel
And everything I be
I Look deep down
And feel all the blessings
I'm grateful for it all
It's amazing

You're the blessings that exist
The small things that are bliss
The gift to realize that
Everything is a gift

Here’s both the original playlist for the Nia Routine “Grateful” and then the Tweaked version, where I played the last song as the first song as well, AND deleted a couple of tracks to make this happen (in the original play list notice I’ve unchecked the 2 songs I chose to omit for the Tweaked “book end” version.

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Original Nia Routine - Nia Playlist - Grateful

Adapted Nia Routine - Nia Playlist - Grateful

RePurposing Creatively

Thanks to several friends (who prefer to remain anonymous LOL) Soma Ranch has collected over 300 wine bottles so far. We’re creating a special glass art wall for our Soma Outdoor Shower (SOS!)

Here’s the process:

1. friends drop off bottles!

2. cut bottles down to 3”

3. rinse, dry, collate similar sized bottles

4. duck-tape 2 bottles to make “bricks”

5. stack glass bricks in cement

6. use special shaped bottles details

7. create 5.5” thick wall

8. take a shower and enjoy!

9. enjoy a glass of wine

When you rinse off under blue sky or twinkling stars in the outdoor shower, you can enjoy a “wall of art” with lots of glass circles that provide privacy, light and beauty all at the same time!

Do you have bottles you’d like to donate?

• We particularly like LIGHT colored bottles (clear, light green, light brown)

• Some blue and red glass bottles would be spectacular.

• Green beer bottles are much appreciated.

• it’s handy (yet not required) when the bottles come in pairs.

Here’s where some of our inspiration from: insteading.com/blog/glass-bottle-walls/