Semi Annual Soma Sweetness Retreat

Thank you Cynthia, Darlene, Amy, Kathy, Chris, Mary and Peggy for your wonderful sweet service, and full on manual labor, at Soma Ranch this last weekend. What a laugh we had, and wonderful memorable moments made.

Wonderful joy was experience witnessing Cynthia mastering tractor mechanics and techniques, Darlene became the skilled mechanic and repair go to person for all power tools, Chris was unstoppable with her ferocious determination to tame the wild rose thorn brambles, Amy showed her prowess of amazing strength pulling brambles out of the brush to free the trees, she rode the zero turn lawnmower as smooth as an spinning ice skater and was fantastic at navigating Helen (pulling truck + trailer) through narrow gate openings, Kathy was a wonderful accompaniment to Helen’s crashing slashing and cutting through the brambles, constantly clearing and stacking brambles on the trailer and keeping a positive attitude we all entrained with. Our neighbor popped in to visit Soma Ranch for the first time, without hesitation Mary rolled up her sleeves (actually got her long sleves and gloves on) and got to work helping us all. Peggy surprised us with some lovely new herbs, she cleared out a big flower bed, saved the baby oak trees had started growing there and planted some lovely plants, Stevia and herbs.

This volunteer weekend retreat was enjoyable beyond expectation, so much so we intend to repeat the experience at least twice, if not four times, a year. If you’ve been wanting to learn how to ride a tractor, operate power tools, chop down a tree with a chainsaw, ride a zero turn lawnmower or park a large truck with a trailer we are here to help your dreams come true!

Saturday Nia with the Best of Donna Summer

Saturday 10am Nia with Helen

An adapted Nia experience is where we take the original moves of a Nia routine and put it to new music. This Nia experience is adapted from the moves in original Nia routine Passion, adapted to the “Best of Donna Summer” Music

Feedback from class:

great high energy, fun sparkly experience

I love the music and find it brings out more of me

can we really have this much fun at 10am on Saturdays!

Focus: share what you sense, playing with “enough” concept - don’t give up
Intent: to be all in, jazzed, and ready.

PlayList

No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) 4:48

I Feel Love (12” Version )8:15

This Time I Know It’s for Real 3:36

Could It Be Magic (Single Version) 3:54

She Works Hard for the Money (Single Version) 4:10

Hot Stuff (12” Version) 6:41

This Time I Know It’s for Real (12” Extended Remix) 7:22

Dream-a-Lot’s Theme (I Will Live for Love) [12” Extended Remix] 9:14

Last Dance (Single Version)3:19On the Radio 4:05

State of Independence (Single Version) 4:25

Songs from: The Journey: The Very Best Of Donna Summer

Thank you - Celebrating Alan Davidson

Thank you - Celebrating Alan Davidson

Thank you everyone who came for class Saturday morning. So touching for you to attend, for us to come together to celebrate Alan. Next Saturday we'll dance Donna Summer!

Houston Unity Church Women Event

Saturday, April 17 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm

Houston Unity Women - Music & Movement as a Spiritual Practice - on Zoom

Helen is presenting a special event (via zoom) for the Houston Unity Church and you are invited!

Music & movement create energy – energy that touches your heart and soul, brings focus to your Spirit, creates calm and peace in your being!

About this Event

Music and movement create energy – energy that touches your heart and soul, brings focus to your Spirit, creates calm and peace in your being. Join us on Saturday, April 17 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Zoom as Helen Terry leads us through a movement/dance experience "I Am Healed, Whole and Healthy" with music by Karen Drucker. You will be guided to move at your own level of comfort and to focus on how your body responds spiritually to the music and movements.

Helen Terry is a world-renown Nia teacher and trainer, with degrees and certifications in Physical Ed + Special Needs, Exercise Physiology + Human Performance, Royal Society of Arts Certification in Exercise to Music, Dance Therapy Specialist, and Certified Body Ecologist.

Nia is is a sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance, tai chi, and healing arts. The focus is to empower people by connecting the body, mind, emotions, and spirit.

30 30 30 Challenge April/May 2021

Wow! we had no idea how amazingly affective, beyond imagination successful, exceeding expectations helpful and gloriously fun our 30 30 30 challenge would be.

The 30 30 30 challenge includes

• 30 x 30 minute Nia classes for $99

• daily LIVE Nia classes with Helen Terry via zoom + 24 hour replays.

• the 7 cycles of a Nia classes,

• a 30 class focus plan covered introductory concepts of Nia, the 13 foundational principles of Nia and 5 principles of the Body’s way.

• each day some of the 52 Moves of Nia are featured

• all 52 moves are taught by the end of the 30 day challenge.

• private Facebook group with support, education and entertainment to keep you happy, on track and motivated

The Challenge is suitable for all levels:

• Beginners feel supported and learn more about Nia,

• Nia enthusiasts stayed motivated and develop a healthy regular practice lifestyle.

• Experienced Nia teachers review and enhance their practice.

• Folks who’d been away from Nia for a while, come get fed, renewed and restored in their Nia practice.

The next 30 day challenge begins April 16.

““30 minutes is the perfect length class for me on zoom”

“I’m amazed how much I’ve learned”

“I’m sleeping better”

”My day gets a RESTART every time I take these classes LIVE”

“Thanks to 24 hour replay I feel connected on days I can’t attend LIVE””

Nia 5 Stages Body + Life Transformation

FOCUS: Body + Life Transformation

INTENT: Guided by sensation to make body and life choices and decisions

One of the Nia 5 stages lessons, based on a Nia White belt principle, is called Body + Life Transformation. We recognize the sacredness of our body, every single part of our body. Exploring past - present - future, Purpose-Potential-Possibilities,

Through this moving, healing class experience you are encouraged to move like a sacred athlete, making choices for your healing and body conditioning.

If you like the sound of this please also check out the Nia 5 Stages 7 week course (2 hours a week of healing connection)

Enigma GRACE

Enigma was the Nia Class my friend, Alan Davidson, would request most, I think it was his favorite. We dance to Enigma’s second CD (Cross of Change) from beginning to end. A cool thing about this music is how several of the songs weave seamlessly from one to the next. This continuity brings a beautiful building energetic quality to both the music and the moves for a magical experience.

Focus: 5H’s: Heals, Hara, Heart, Head & Hands

Intent: to feel more Grounded, Relaxed, Aware, Centered with Energy.

3 OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE ENIGMA:

10:00am Saturday via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84188098716

08:00am Monday via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84188098716

10:00am Monday IN PERSON at Soma Ranch

Usual class rates apply

24 hour replay available upon request.

The words of these songs feel so relevant for today and for honoring Alan and is one an only most very special way.

Lyrics for “Return To Innocence”

Love - Devotion

Feeling - Emotion

Don't be afraid to be weak

Don't be too proud to be strong

Just look into your heart my friend

That will be the return to yourself

The return to innocence.

If you want, then start to laugh

If you must, then start to cry

Be yourself don't hide

Just believe in destiny.

Don't care what people say

Just follow your own way

Don't give up and use the chance

To return to innocence.

That's not the beginning of the end

That's the return to yourself

The return to innocence.

Lyrics for Cross of Change (the last song)

If you understand or if you don't
If you believe or if you doubt

There's a universal justice
And the eyes of truth
Are always watching you

The Fabulous Alan Davidson

Hi friends, I'm navigating coming to terms with the fact that a dear friend, Alan Davidson, has moved into the most cosmic of experiences (a state of being he deserves like none other!).

Alan died in his sleep, Easter Saturday, after enjoying an outstanding, most fabulous and glorious day doing what he loved, inspiring others, being with loved ones.

From my perception he was well, shining his brilliant light like never before, happy, healthy, in love and sharing generously (as always). Our last conversation ended with Alan sharing “no mistakes, we’ll dance again”…

We’ll have a "celebration of Alan's life" for our Nia circle sometime soon, I think it's something important and something Alan would like us to do. I simply need more time to process first.

We’re honoring Alan at the 10am Saturday Nia class via Zoom. (also 8am Monday) This week with his favorite "Enigma" (Grounded, Relaxed, Aware, Centered, Energy in his honor).

3 OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE ENIGMA:

10:00am Saturday via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84188098716

08:00am Monday via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84188098716

10:00am Monday IN PERSON at Soma Ranch

The following week we will dance "with the fabulous, the one and only spirit of Big Al" to the music of Donna Summers.

Let me know if you'd like to come.

Links and more information at www.facebook.com/groups/helenterry

For now, please consider this upcoming celebration of Alan’s life this Sunday.

I hope to see you there.

https://fb.me/e/3LSD2eSrO

I'd enjoyed recently seeing Alan on a regular basis (through his Bad Ass Evolutionary Mystic Meditation Facilitation 2021 certification program) Our personal delicious phone calls were icing on the cake and the most special, talking about our husbands (who are like 2 peas in a pod), casting how together we could collectively share amazing courses and retreats together to raise the vibration and help others, chatting about our aging dogs.

The opportunity to recently share the good news about our daughter, Liliana, choosing to get married soon was a blessing. Alan was thrilled and also happily delighted to hear we were still planning a big party/wedding/celebration at Soma Ranch later in the year, where he would (as we had "always" planned) be there to help lead the marriage ceremony....

Move, Feel to Heal

FOCUS: Living as a Sensation Scientist

INTENT: Guided by sensation to make body and life choices and decisions

One of the Nia 5 stages lessons, based on a Nia White belt principle, is called Creating A Sacred Life. We recognize the sacredness of our body, every single part of our body. How our body is dedicated to a single purpose, our life! Our body is the physical container (Glorious Temple) of our life.

Through this moving, healing class experience you are encouraged to cultivate your thoughts and feelings to be all about your sacred health and well-being.

Your body’s purpose is to provide you with an in-body experience. Your purpose is to do what is most meaningful, that will guide you into your greatness.

If you like the sound of this please also check out the up coming Nia 5 Stages 7 week course (2 hours a week of healing connection)

"RISING" Create a Sacred Life

As a Christian Easter is a marvelous miraculous time of the year to celebrate “He has Risen”. As a Nia Professional I love exploring how I can celebrate something so meaningful and true for me while honoring members of our community (near and far via zoom) who may have a different belief system.

Coming into class with "let's all celebrate Jesus!" simply is not going to work. I feel the creative tension between my personal faith and professional responsibility, then jump up and down as I find a fabulous solution; A playlist compiled with songs to do with Rising with a focus around the concept "Rising".

In life many things are beyond our control, yet what is within our control is how we choose to respond, and the highest choice is often to rise above the circumstances on a quest to find light, truth and love….

This Nia Experience “Rising” is adapted from the classic Nia routine "Mantra", originally designed by Carlos Aya Rosas.

Focus: The Belly (+Muscles and Cells) exploring how movement, the body’s way, is a mantra and metaphor for self, community, life.

Intent: to LIGHT up and sense connection.

3 Opportunities to experience Rising:

10:00am Saturday via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84188098716

08:00am Monday via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84188098716

10:00am Monday IN PERSON at Soma Ranch

Science:

The belly, as a substance, has 3 different qualities:

• strength (resilience)

• elasticity (ability to bounce back)

• fluidity (go with the flow)

Craft:

1. Sense how the belly contracts and expands

2. Observe how the belly of each of your 700 muscles do the same, now

3. Imagine all 70+ trillion cells also opening and closing

Notice how the belly, the muscles and the cells all do the same mantra of movement. They move in/out, expand/contract and always seek balance.

Art:

• As we sense the belly of the body, play with calling it the “Moma Cell”

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

• We can go outwards (Body, Self, Others, Class, Community, Global)

From inward + outward awareness we develop a sense of inter-connection "we are one". The Mantra, the movement, our lives and community continues.

This is a time for celebration. An invitation to be inspired to rise up above anything that draws us down.

• We are strong

• We bounce back

• We go with the flow

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

Also

NIA 5 STAGES

Zoom Link for 8:45am Saturday Nia 5 Stages

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82441198630

Class rates are

$15 for 1 class

$65 for 5 classes

$120 for 10 classes

$499 for unlimited classes for 365 days

Pay via Venmo (iLoveSoma) or via www.somaranch.com/booking/soma-class-rates

Congratulations Nia Green Belts

Congratulations Nia Green Belts! wow! what a wonderful 12 week journey. We met 2 hours a week to learn more about smart practice, how to become more skillful, more confident and increase proficiency. Through the Nia Green Belt training participants develop the skill to do many things at the same time sustain a deep sense of peace and relaxation. A fabulous skill set for both on the dance floor and dancing through life!

There was a wide range of diversity and experience within the group, from total beginners (in fact one participant took this Nia Green Belt training, simultaneously WHILE attending her Nia White Belt training #SuperKeenToTeachNia ) Some people had never taught, others had learned a couple of Nia routines and some had been teaching for decades with HUNDREDs of Nia routines under their belt.

Good job everyBody!

Happy Easter

This is one of our favorite times of the year. Everything at Soma Ranch is blooming and budding out! We’ve recovered well from the freeze, having remodeled 2 bathrooms from top to bottom, chopped down 2 massive trees and cleared a LOT of our fences leaving more beautiful views as far as the eye can see.

This week an answer to prayers was delivered! Our local electrical co-op, Mid-South, have offered to share their lightening fast updated fiber optic cables to all members on their grid. YES!! super fast internet at Soma Ranch means we can offer wonderful fusion experiences;

• local participants receive more classes in PERSON and

• folks from all around the world get to participate with us through zoom!

• through technology everybody gets to know each other more, we can “visit” after class together and hopefully make plans to TRAVEL and visit ;-)

Helen completed our second ONLINE Green Belt training, congratulations to the 22 wonderful graduates. Now the Nia 5 stages course begins next Wednesday 3-5pm for 7 weeks. Still time to join us. At the moment we have 11 participants registered, leaving 4 more places available.

Our first IN-PERSON Nia training begins May 5th with a Blue Belt. This will be the first time we’ve hosted a fully inclusive, immersive Nia training in 15 months!

This week we’ve received numerous enquires and bookings for private family retreats and small group wellness retreats. Folks are starting to venture out and look for retreats, getting together and opportunities to be in nature.

Hope the sun is shinning in your heart, enjoy something fabulous this weekend and play with how you can bring a little extra sparkle to someone else’s life (especially fun when you choose to sprinkle the love on a “random” stranger!)

with love and optimism

Helen & Joe Terry + all the horses, donkeys and Phelps

Nia 5 Stages Training ONLINE begins April 7

The next ONLINE training with Helen is Nia 5 stages. This 7 week course is 3- 5pm every Wednesday April 7 - May 19.

Marybeth Grinnan, (fellow Nia Teacher, 3rd Generation Trainer-in-training and recent Nia 5 Stages graduate) shares her personal joys, learning and healing from the Nia 5 Stages Training.

Marybeth was

• able to start teaching weekly Nia 5 stages classes immediately following the course

• took the course while healing from an extensive shoulder surgery

• was able to teach the class from a chair

• is able to teach the Nia 5 Stages via zoom

• appreciated learning how to craft her teaching voice

A great way to check out if the Nia 5 stages training retreat is a good choice for you, is to experience a class. You can request a 24 hour REPLAY from Helen or attend the following ONLINE Live classes:

Public Nia 5 Stages class with Helen: Saturday 8:45am USA Central Time

email: helen@somaranch.com

Public Nia 5 Stages class with Marybeth: Wednesdays 10:30am USA Eastern Time

www.soulshinestudios.com/schedule/

Public Nia 5 Stages class with Laurie Bass: Saturdays 9:00am USA Pacific Time

https://lauriebass.com/class-calendar

Dear Soma Friends

Dear Soma Friends,

We’ve been on quite an epic journey over the last week. The good news is:

1. All animals made it well through the freeze.

2. There isn’t anything at Soma Ranch that can’t be fixed!

3. “It’s only stuff” ;-)

Hope all our Texas friends are safe, warm and well. Look forward to catching up more later. For now we hope you can enjoy ONLINE Nia Classes with Helen via Zoom.

Love

Helen + Joe Terry

We're BACK! Let's Dance

Hi Friends,

We are BACK! power is up and Helen is ready to dance! "

yes! I'm back, internet + power is back, how deLIGHTful to be celebrating classes are on "as usual”

Good news is we’ve added a 10am Monday ONLINE class, would you like to join us? (For the next 2 weeks IN PERSON classes at Soma Ranch are postponed)

Feb 22, 2021 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for Monday 10am Nia Class with Helen via Zoom:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the class.

• You only need to register for this class once.

• Even if you cannot participate in this first class we recommend you register. Your account will then be ready for next week.

• Registration must be received by 15 minutes before the class (9:45am).

• All classes ONLINE are offered on an honor system.

• Usual class rates apply.

• Any time you are unable to pay for a class, you are welcome as our guest.

• 24 hour replay available upon request

Other ONLINE Classes with Helen include:

Saturday | 8:45am Nia 5 Stages ONLINE Via Zoom

Saturday | 10:00am Nia Classic ONLINE Via Zoom

30 30 30 Sustain program: includes all above classes and special

Tuesday | 8am 30 minute Nia class

Thursday | 8am 30 minute Nia class

Nia Birthday Bliss

This week has been an unexpected delightful joy celebrating my 56th Birthday. on 11th February. I was able to teach a Nia Class ONLINE at 8am with 25+ clients from around the world (who feel more like family) who have been on our 30 30 30 Nia Class challenge. My Mum and Dad joined us, everyone wore hats, singing Happy birthday sounded like howling wolves and I laughed so much my abs hurt the next morning when I woke up! I then taught in person at the Thursday 10am Nia class at Soma Ranch with the “regular local ladies”. How great through the whole of last year we’ve been able to hold classes twice a week and the only person who got COVID19 was me!

I'm having a blast, preparing the playlist for tomorrow mornings "Birthday" 10am ONLINE Nia class playlist. Each year I put together a special "BDay" playlist drawing from favorite songs from days gone by, integrated with some of my favorite tunes from the past year. This year I'm playing with something I get a giggle out of when I can find the clicks... Working the titles of the songs to tell a "story", this is what I've got so far....

Songs strung:

Beloved! Breathe, closest thing to heaven, come as you are, could you be loved, groove is in the Heart, another one bites the dust, Uptown Funk, I will always love you, one love, American honey, rebel heart, summer memories, home.

Songs strung into story!

(Dear) Beloved!

(Please) breath. (Sense connection with) the closest thing to heaven, (when) you come as you are (to dance). Could you be loved? (of course!), groove is in the (center of your) Heart! (and) another one bites the dust.

Uptown Funk (y friend), I will always love you, (you are part of my) one love (Nia Tribe), (as sweet as) American honey. (With my) Rebel heart (I'm bathing in) summer memories (as I'm doing my best to STAY WARM at) home.

Here's the full playlist:

So far we’ve raised more than $1000 on my Birthday Fundraiser for St Jude. There’s still time to contribute! here’s the link: www.somaranch.com/jude

Thank you Kathy

Special shout out to Kathy McElroy.

For several years, and especially through 2020-21, Kathy has been an incredible support and encourager.

Words of encouragement, financial contribution, random acts of kindness, consistent offerings to be of service and bundles of love, Kathy has been there (always with a smile and positive attitude) for Helen, Joe, the donkeys and Soma Ranch.

Our recent, most successful, 30 day challenge only happened from a phone call with Kathy. When Helen asked if she’d attend 30 min Nia classes daily for 30 days, Kathy replied “Of course! yes! sounds great”, Helen responded with “well, even if it’s only me and you, we can have fun”…. then 39 other folks signed up!

Thank you Kathy :-)

Here’s a slide show of photos with Kathy. Similar to “where’ Waldo?”, play “where’s kathy?” which is incredibly easy as she is the one with the beaming smile in every shot LOL….

Successful 30 30 30 Now Sustain #1

Wow! we had no idea 30 days ago, how amazingly affective, beyond imagination successful, exceeding expectations helpful and gloriously fun our 30 30 30 challenge would be.

The 30 30 30 challenge included daily LIVE Nia classes with Helen Terry via zoom + 24 hour replays.

Each class included the 7 cycles of a Nia classes, a 30 class focus plan covered introductory concepts of Nia, the 13 foundational principles of Nia and 5 principles of the Body’s way.

A selection of some of the 52 Moves of Nia were featured in each class, allowing us to coverer all 52 moves by the end of the 30 day challenge.

Nia for Beginners felt supported and learn more about Nia,

Nia enthusiasts stayed motivated and developed a healthy regular practice lifestyle.

Experienced Nia teachers reviewed and enhanced their practice.

Folks who’d been away from Nia for a while felt renewed and restored their Nia practice.

The next 30 day challenge begins April 16. Until then we are providing 2, 30 day, Nia SUSTAINS! Registration is open now. The next series “SUSTAIN #1” begins Sunday, February 14, 2021.

““30 minutes is the perfect length class for me on zoom”

“I’m amazed how much I’ve learned”

“I’m sleeping better”

”My day gets a RESTART every time I take these classes LIVE”

“Thanks to 24 hour replay I feel connected on days I can’t attend LIVE””

ONLINE Nia Trainings

ONLINE 12 - 16 week Nia Trainings with Helen begin THIS WEDNESDAY.

The time is NOW if you’d like to SIGN UP and STEP IN.

Remember, RETAKING a Nia Belt on this ONLINE format is a fabulous option!

During this transition time, we encourage you to attend an ONLINE course, then look forward to when you can safely attend an IN-PERSON training retreat at Soma Ranch.YES! receive 2 for the price of 1.

30 Day Nia Challenge

Start your year WELL. Join our 30 day, 30 minute challenge with daily LIVE Nia classes with Helen Terry via zoom + 24 hour replays. This is a great introduction to Nia for Beginners, where you can feel supported, learn more about Nia, stay motivated and develop a healthy regular practice lifestyle. For experienced Nia participants and teachers this developmental 30 days, 30 focus, 30 mins ONLINE experience will help you review, renew and restore your Nia practice.