Thank you Urban Yoga, Fort Worth

Deep appreciation to Urban Yoga Fort Worth!

Congratulations on your SOLD OUT Yoga - Nia Retreat.

Thank you for returning and blessing Soma Ranch with all y’all’s presence...

The smiles, sounds, giggles, hugs, tears, transformation, collaboration, joy joy joy and MORE!!

What a gift to be back hosting healing dancing connecting laughing retreats with joy. What a FABULOUS community to step back into small group retreats. And Urgan Yoga Fort Worth, we are also OVER THE MOON, how y’all have already booked your return, a September 2021 Retreat!

Special shout out to Megan and Amy who co-lead/produced/organized a most stela group of people.

Their wonderful schedule was well balanced between classes and time to enjoy Soma Ranch. Their generous radiant care was TACTILE.

Emily and Megan offered an amazing bonus gift. Rather than the gift of a T shirt, water bottle or some other swag, they choose to give each participant a 15 minute choice of Shoulder massage, Reiki healing or combo.

Our regular massage therapist was full booked through Friday night and Saturday afternoon/evening.

A total of 9 spectacular healing massages provided.

I loved witnessing the blissed out look on their faces, and relaxed grounded sway of their bodies as recipients floated out of their session with exclamations like

Oh My! that was the best massage ever :-)

Zoom Room System

Here’s what’s working for Helen in the Zoom Room…

Photos are taken from Amazon (where each item was bought). This is an information post (no funds received for the information being provided)

Mic

I love my mic, this is the system we’ve used for 10+ years. This same mic is also used in the Soma Studio. We love to recycle, reuse, repurpose AND when it comes to the mic we love having AAA batteries on hand to give a new charge as needed. When you have a rechargeable microphone, if it’s power runs out during a session you have no mic until it recharges - which can take 30+ minutes!..

Click here for more Information

Mixer

I LOVE how this digital mic is powered by the USB that runs from the computer (i.e. no need to plug into power supply for electricity. Different to other mics we set the music levels for mic and computer on the first class (months ago) and sound is consistent. The “mix” Helen hears coming through the external speaker is what the class hears..

Click here for more Information

Lights

LIghts make a HUGE difference, well worth the invest (IMHO). This kit is super light and easy to transport. An investment item, that can be used in many ways beyond COVID 19…

Click here for more Information

Camera

This has made a huge significant difference and can’t beat the price! We are about to upgrade to a better quality web cam for Helen’s trainings and classes (likely the Logitek 920). In summary this camera works well, is more than adequate AND there is better out there if/when you’re ready to pay $100 instead of $40. However Helen’s classes and trainings have been popular and attendance consistent and complimentary with this webCam.

Click here for more Information

i LOVE my ION Pathfinder! with the internal battery it can last, without being plugged in for up to 50 hours!

1. I can take the speaker outside for fab sound without the need for power cables

2. the handle and wheels make transportation super easy

3. having the input for a microphone allows my sound and mic to play through one system (less spaghetti!)

4. if we ever have a power cut during class or trainings at Soma Ranch we are covered and the show (and songs) goes on

5. When streaming classes via ZOOM - this speaker works great for me to be able to hear the sound (mixed through the digital mixer)

https://www.amazon.com/Pathfinder-Bluetooth-Portable-Wireless-Microphone

Soma Resilience

The latest Nia Routine is called Resilience. What a super name and wonderful timing! This last week I’ve begun the process of learning the routine and wanted to share a little with you about the process. I’ve also been reflecting on Resilience, giving gratitude for the Resilience we’ve experienced time and time again personally, professionally and at Soma Ranch.

Hope to share Resilience with you Saturday 10am. Our focus for both Nia 5 Stages and Nia Classic is “Brain: Reflexive & Voluntary”

LINKS for SATURDAY CLASSES can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/helenterry OR you can request the link and/or 24 hour replay any time by emailing helen@somaranch.com

There’s lots of Soma News:

1. congratulations Nia 5 stages graduates - what an amazing 7 week journey we’ve been on

2. thank you rentals; (airBNB) we love having guests back at Soma Ranch this weekend and Fort Worth girls we’ll see you next weekend YES! we're thrilled to welcome you "home" to Soma.

3. we on our 5th 30 days of daily 30 minute Nia class challenge - thank you everyone who’s been on this amazing ride

4. fast internet is one step away at Soma Ranch! yes! the cable is installed and now all we need is a technician with a modem to get us going….

5. hybrid classes will be happening soon! this is where we will have IN PERSON classes in the Soma Ranch Studio with Folks joining us from around the world, via Zoom on a big Screen!

6. Happy 65th Birthday Joe! we’re taking Monday off to celebrate (no classes) - 24 hour replay available

check out more classes at the NiaFinder: https://nianow.com/finder/class/online

#somanews #niafinder #helenterry #resilience #nia

Process of Learning Nia Routine Resilience

Here's a little "behind the scenes" about my process of learning a new Nia Routine.

In this situation I'm playing the the latest Nia Routine Resilience and beginning my journey to learning this wonderful piece of work by playing the music and playing with moves from Nia routine Sanjana (yes! lots of playing and fishing for body center clicks).

There's some great opportunities at the moment to experience the Nia Routine Resilience with lots of Nia teachers around the globe. The new Nia website has a teacher finder, where you can choose to search ONLINE classes or In PERSON classes. I encourage you to go, find a teacher, email them asking if/when they are teaching Resilience. https://nianow.com/finder/class/online

To enjoy ONLINE classes with Helen Terry visit www.facebook.com/groups/helenterry or email classes@SomaRanch.com for more information.

#niateacherfinder

#niatechnique #helenterry #niaroutine #NiaResilience

Nia "Energy" week

We are delighted to be back in business here at Soma Ranch. One of our favorite things to host is fully immersive Nia Trainings; After all, it was the reason we manifested this boutique ranch retreat center in the first place!

The upcoming Nia Brown Belt week offers you some great options to choose from:

1. sign up for the 7 day Nia Brown Belt training

2. re-Experience the Nia Brown Belt immersive

3. enjoy a 7 day Nia retreat

4. drop by for a day retreat

5. participate in public classes

Let us know how we may help more, we look forward to sharing the joys of Soma Ranch with you soon.

Y’all come back now, ya here! (as we say in Texas)

love

Helen & Joe Terry

One of Those Days

Oh my! Today has been one of those days that could’ve started as one of the worst days, I barely slept due to the crazy storms here in Texas, woke up only to find out I didn’t have Internet and had my 8 AM class to teach,

The spaghetti of wires for my audiovisual system was not cooperating. 5 minutes before class I had to rapidly change the inputs for my WebCam and my USB cables for my digital mixer, while chatting with people who were already arriving for the class…

Feeling pressure, out of love, I choose to lean in to the creative tension, With the intent to manifest the ultimate Nia experience, to be able to step out of class exclaiming this is a great day to live in my body, to be in community and I’d be happy if this was my last dance, and my last day…practicing my principles of Nia, doing my best, knowing what to do when I didn’t know what to do, asking for help from others…

I set a clear focus + intent, and enjoyed how I creatively sustained the “dynamic ease”focus throughout the experience, especially when my sound was coming and going due to the temporary set up, streaming from my phone, and cellular data for the entire class., with no idea how the “production” was “landing” for my participants, Who, upon request, all had their videos turned off, to help the streaming. (leaves me feeling blind, a tad lonely, a little weird and happy to utilize my imagination to perceive participants taking class)

The music I had planned to play, wouldn’t work as my music player was unable to connect to the Internet. My Plan B was to use the Donna Summer music I’ve been playing last night during my walk and to adapt this disco music to the moves of Sanjana, the Nia routine I had taught to this group of people the day before.

I improvised on the fly, I giggled and sang along, and delighted when the creative tension brought new body centered clicks, and new-to-me moves. I appreciated my ability to sustain RAW (Relaxed, Alert, Waiting) and the depth of somatic (in my body) experience, despite a LOT going on.... thank you “over thinking mind” for being able to relax and get out of the way…

The last song, which needed to be the cool down, FloorPlay, stepping out cycles, ended up being a 10 minute long extended disco version of “i will live forever ~ dream-a-lot’s theme”

I am happy and thankful that (when spirit invited me) I chose to follow the mandate to do something I’ve never done before…to explore and play with how much of the Sanjana routine choreography I could flow with, in relationship with the three last cycles, dancing intimately with the “unknown” last class song, to manifest the ultimate end to our Nia class experience.

= It’s a great Day to live in a body, it’s a good Day to die, I love my body & I love my life today, I deeply appreciate Nia and my practice

The bonus is receiving these wonderful photos of screenshots Carolina shared of me teaching in the zoom room... Carolina Moon Macky

Retreat to Soma Ranch

Soma Ranch is fully open, with folks eagerly signing up. We are so happy to welcome Y’all back home to the ranch.

With Nia Trainings, Nia Retreats, Wellness Retreats and Coaching Retreats for Nia Belts, you’ve got lots to choose from.

Hybrid classes (IN PERSON and ONLINE simultaneously) begin June 15. Classes are 10am Mondays and Thursday CT. Soon we hope to offer classes 7 days a week at 6am, 10am and 6pm.

Join our newsletter to be the first to hear and best kept in the loop!

Y’all come back and see us soon now, Y’here!

love

Helen & Joe Terry + Phelps, Horses and Donkeys!

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Nourishing Wellness Retreats

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Coaching Retreats for Nia Belts

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IN PERSON Nia Trainings

Alan Davidson Memorial Nia Class

Early on Easter Sunday morning, April 4, 2021, a dear friend, mentor and extraordinary human being, Alan Davidson died peacefully and unexpectedly in his sleep.

Alan Davidson, the creator of Evolutionary Mystic Meditation, founder of ThroughYourBody.com and author of Body Brilliance: Mastering Your Five Vital Intelligences, has left us with extensive manuscripts, podcasts, recorded zoom calls, ongoing programs and more. A core group of Alan’s friends and colleagues hope to collaborate together to help sustain Alan’s phenomenal 30+ life’s work.

Please help us remember Alan….

Helen Terry is teaching a special “Alan Memorial” Nia class (via zoom) May 16, 2021 06:00 PM Central Time USA. Register in advance for this class.

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

Helen will be offering one class a month for the next year in remembrance of Alan. Once you Register once for this class you will have access to all 12 classes and also receive updates and reminders about these special classes.

Drawing from the wisdom of the work of Alan Davidson, combined with the embodiment of Nia Technique, Helen Terry, in collaboration with several Mystic Meditation Facilitators, offer a “Bad Ass” Mystic Movement Meditation Retreat “Come Home to Mystical Body” September 24 - 26, 2021.

30 30 30 Sustain May/June 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

• LIVE Nia classes with Helen Terry via zoom + 24 hour replays (Tue, Thu, Sat)

• LIVE Nia classes with Fabulous Nia Teachersv ia zoom + 24 hour replays (Wed, Fri)

• fun SURPRISE on Monday with Helen (either a LIVE class or something special uploaded)

• 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 sustain begins May 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””

Soma May News

Dear Soma Friend,

Happy May! how can it be mid month already? Hmm… death, marriage, host a Nia training retreat, teach Nia 7 days at week at 8am for 30 days and launch hybrid classes for the first time = certainly prevents Helen from getting board!….

This has been a full month with our daughter, Liliana, getting married to Carter. (yes! even though it was cold, most were wearing leggings and boots, we were up a mountain…. Liliana got married bare foot!) Then home for the first Nia training in a LONG time….Congratulations to Nia Blue Belt Graduates!

Hybrid Classes have begun and within a month we will be exploding with great with rapid internet fiber.

30 30 30 begins Sunday, for the first time there’s a team of wonderful Nia teachers stepping in to help support Helen and our growing community.

This Sunday, May 16, 6pm CT we will celebrate the life of “the one, the only, the fabulous” Mr. Alan Davidson (who died suddenly Easter Sunday) with a Nia Memorial Class, followed by an opportunity to connect/share via zoom.

wishing you all the best, love,

Helen & Joe Terry + the Horses, Donkeys and Phelps

PS 24 hour replay of all classes (including the Nia 5 Stages and Nia Saturday morning 10am classes) are available upon request.

Hybrid Nia Classes at Soma

During our recent Nia Blue Belt training, Helen began to offer “hybrid” classes. This is where folks, from around the world, come to class via zoom and get to meet and see local participants dancing in the studio.

We set this up with 2 web cams so that, before and after the class the participants in the room can circle up near the big screen TV and chat/connect with the folks in the zoom room screen. During class we have another web cam set up on a camera stand close the front row, over Helen’s right shoulder. This position allows participants on zoom to both see Helen’s front image (what they are used to) through the mirror, and then also her back view (that is more like the experience when taking an IN PERSON class.

Feedback was great. What we didn’t anticipate is how zoom participants felt fully immersed in the experience

I had moments where I felt like I was back taking the class LIVE at Soma Ranch

And also how providing the choice of 2 images (front in the mirror, back through the camera) plus people in the room dancing around gives the ZOOM participants a fully experience and view.

I received a full 360 degree experience, the details of your movements were much clearer and I appreciated getting to see the front, back and side view of your moves all at the same time!

Mark June 6, 3pm in your calendar! this is the date we have an appointment for the fast internet tech from Mid South Electric to come out and wire the studio up with lightening fast internet. Our experience worked and, once the fast internet is in, our streaming experience is going to be “off the charts”.

Once we’ve figured out where the cameras need to be we will be installing them from the ceiling so they are even less intrusive to participants taking the class in person. AND this will be a permanent fixture/set up = no more spaghetti of cables for Helen to manage daily!

Congratulations Soma Nia Blue Belts

Oh what JOY to host a Nia Training at Soma Ranch! 4 beautiful ladies graduated, Congratulations Kelly, Suz, Julie and Ann! Thank you also to Ray, JoAnn, Darlene and Joy for dropping into sessions.

Public classes are well attended and there was a wonderful renewed feeling of “yes” we are moving in the right direction. Welcome back Glen and Harriett, who we’ve not seen in a long time. Welcome new participants Christine, Mary Jane and Shawn. Thank you Peggy and Dee Ann for bringing friends.

Here’s Graduation photos. Oh the Joy on our faces, the glow from our heart and then sense of connection. Great to be back IN PERSON at Soma Ranch for Nia Trainings and Congratulations to Ann, Julie, Kelly and Suz :-)

IN PERSON Nia Trainings

Oh what joy to announce Yes! Nia Trainings in person, at Soma Ranch are BACK ON. Starting with a Nia Blue Belt May 5 - 11, 2021. We presently have one person signed up to audit and another registered on the course. If you are looking for a healing, intimate, beautiful training please consider our first “We BACK” Nia Training retreat at Soma Ranch.

Fun ONLINE Mother of the Bride class

How wonderful to enjoy an ONLINE Nia class, with our 30 30 30 series participants. Attendees were invited to wear hats today in honor of the mother of the bride, and celebrating my daughter “bride to be”

Dressing up for class is a wonderful fun, bonding and full of giggles, experience. I also like how sometimes silly things like dancing in a hat, something out of the ordinary, a little interference/disturbance brings greater awareness, by breaking habits.

For example today, wearing a hat for most of the Nia 30 minutes class, brought greater awareness of the movement from my head up. I freed a lot of tension in my neck. Drawing from the wisdom of Alexander technique, (a beautiful healing art modality) i had an increased felt sense of this fabulous personality of Nia.

Icing on the cake with these online daily 30 minute classes, is getting to see and dance with my mom, the grandma of the bride, every day. And receiving support and wisdom from so many beautiful women.

I then popped up to Soma Ranch to teach our regular 10am Thursday Nia, only to receive even more joyful celebrations and well wishes and this beautiful head of flowers to take with me.

We’ve got you covered with love

Big thank you to Joy, Maria, Jan, and Elizabeth for covering all of Helen’s ONLINE classes.

Cynthia and Darlene for covering the Monday 10am class at Soma Ranch.

Also thank you to Lauren and family, who are staying at the ranch, taking care of the property and all her four-legged friends while we’re gone.

What a village it takes for Helen and Joe, to step away for 4 days!

And how wonderful these lovely people have got us covered. While we’re out of town celebrating our daughter, Liliana, getting married to the wonderful Carter Airhart, we feel supported and loved and deeply appreciate your help.

FYI Soma Ranch is “busting out in green glory”, showing amazing resilience and determination, following the epic Texas Freeze….

Gratitude for Nia and the lifelong friends created

As we head out to Seattle to see our one and only child, Liliana, get married this weekend, we are filled with gratitude for all the beautiful connections, and amazing wonderful friendships that have been cultivated through connections with fellow Nia trainers, teachers and participants around the globe.

In my Nia Blue belt, with focus on relationships, communication and intimacy (paying attention to the details), I began the dream of the possibility of becoming a mother. I returned to my Nia Brown Belt (8 months pregnant) and connected with some phenomenal key women who have been part of my life, and involved in my daughter’s upbringing, ever since.

Attending my Nia black was the first time I left my daughter at home. Beyond that training, as I became a Nia teacher trainer, a studio owner, a community leader, and Nia retreat center co-owner, Liliana has grown up surrounded by strong women and a few very special Nia men, Connecting with a circle, community, collective group of like-minded people that, I realize in this moment, is quite unique constellation for someone to be raised within!

On Sunday we had an “auntie party” on zoom to honor and celebrate the bride to be. How wonderful to connect with 24 women who love and adore my daughter. Who shared such loving memories, praises, wisdom and best wishes for her future. Through being part of this community of people Liliana is surrounded by a group of women who love her, who each have something in common beyond knowing her, a strong desire to say

I’ve gotcha! call me anytime 24/7, and I love you :-)

This is a fabulous example of how Nia, a movement arts program, is not only about the dance on the dance floor, This is about dancing through life, cultivating wonderful bonds/friendships and sustaining a most meaningful, enjoyable life.

This is about connection.

This is about deep and meaningful experiences.

This is about friendships that span a lifetime.

This is about people who care and want the best for others.

Thank you Nia Technique

and my phenomenal circle of friends around the globe.

I feel blessed, and really enjoy also sensing how wonderfully blessed my one and only daughter, Liliana, is.

Kitt Taylor

Our “Extra Grandma” with Liliana on her knee 20+ years ago. Kitt began taking Nia classes with Helen when she was pregnant, expecting Liliana. How crazy this thing call Nia Technique created a bond that spanned more than 25 years, provide an “extra Grandma”, someone who has shared many memories with the Terry Family (school events, swim meets, dance recitals and more)

Special friends

Who over the years have become more like family.

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.