We’re researching options for building a property near the pond at Soma Ranch.
Our criteria/wish list includes:
economical,
eco efficient,
aesthetically pleasing and
artistically fun
Here’s one option top on our list…
Bottle Art Wall Update
2 years ago we began the process of building a special glass art wall for our lovely (Heated) Soma Outdoor Shower (SOS!)
Thanks to several friends (who prefer to remain anonymous LOL) Soma Ranch has collected over 600 bottles so far.
We now have more than 300 bricks and are in search for the final “Special” Bricks, including:
unusual bottle bottoms,
cool colors,
unique shapes,
larger size
If you’d like to donate let us know. Whatever bottle type, you’d need to provide 2 identical. i.e. we cut and then connect 2 bottles to make the brick (they need to match).
Here’s the process:
friends drop off bottles!
cut bottles down to 3”
rinse, dry, collate similar sized bottles
duck-tape 2 bottles to make “bricks”
stack glass bricks in cement
use special shaped bottles details
create 5.5” thick wall
take a shower and enjoy!
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/
Happy 4th of July!
Saturday "Freedom" Nia 10am
Yes! We are dancing Nia, 10am Saturday July 2, ONLINE.
Our focus will be “Freedom”, with music, movement and magic that supports this magical journey of balance between form and freedom, yin and yang, structure and creativity.
Links for class are posted at www.facebook.com/groups/helenterry
Links are also available upon request to helen@somaranch.com
24 hour replay is available upon request to helen@somaranch.com
REGULAR SCHEDULE
Enjoy the following classes with Helen
Nia with Helen
10am Monday (HYBRID=ONLINE + IN PERSON)
10am Thursday (HYBRID=ONLINE + IN PERSON)
10am Saturday (ONLINE)
Nia 5 Stages with Helen
8:45am Saturday (ONLINE)
When offering a 7 day Nia Training Helen offers 10am Nia Classes daily
YogaFaith with Chris
8:45am Monday
8:45am Thursday
HOW TO PAY
This is an honor system;
VENMO iLoveSoma
mail check to PO Box 1156, Montgomery, TX 77356
http://www.somaranch.com/booking/soma-class-rates.
email Helen@somaranch.com if you would like to receive a 24 hour replay of ANY of the above classes
I Have a Dream 10am Nia Class
Enjoy a special “get in the mood for the holiday" Nia class. Usual class rates apply.
MoodFood Nia class HYBRID 10:00am Thursday
FreeDance Nia 5 Stages ONLINE 8:45am Saturday
Freedom Nia class ONLINE 10:00am Saturday.
NO CLASS ON MONDAY JULY 4th
VARIED MOODSWINGS ALBUM PROVIDES MUSING TO FUEL ANY EMOTION
Moodfood
Moodswings.
Arista Records.
By Douglas D. Keller
Photography Editor
There are seven wonders of the world. You are about to witness the eighth." So begins the introductory track "Throw Off the Shackles" from Moodswings's debut album Moodfood. This album is definitely something different, a combination of rap, techno, new age, and industrial. The first time I listened to the album I felt that Moodswings had answered the question of what would happen if Nine Inch Nails made a new age album.
The album's press kit aptly describes Moodfood as "aural medication for tired minds." The album is remarkable for the stylistic range of its tracks, which vary from George Winstonesque piano on "Hairy Piano" to rap/house on "Problem Solved." No matter what mood you might be in, there will be a song on this album which will heighten your happiness or alleviate your sorrow. What is similarly remarkable is that the rest of the album will sort of fade into the background, only to be noticed again when the track fits your mood.
Moodfood was conceived and written as a single piece of music incorporating many thematically linked tracks or moods. Moodswings is able to achieve this effect by blending the transitions between tracks and by having many movements within each track. These movements will pick up a riff used in an earlier track or will give hints of riffs to come.
Moodswings is the collaboration of musicians J.F.T. Hood and Grant Showbiz. Grant Showbiz was responsible for producing many albums for The Fall and Billy Bragg and has also worked as soundman and sometime producer for The Smiths. J.F.T. Hood was the drummer for The Pretenders and has also played drums on some of the last Smiths gigs. Joining Hood and Showbiz are Jeff Beck and Johnny Marr on "Skinthieves," Linda Muriel supplying vocals on "Rainsong," and Chrissie Hynde singing on the first single from the album, "Spiritual High (State of Independence) Part II." An interesting addition to the music of the album is the mixing of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech "I Have a Dream" with drum machine, piano, effect boxes, and a synthesized chorus on "Spiritual High (Part III)."
Moodfood alleviates, combats, and sometimes evokes our "moodswings." This is essentially what the album is all about and what Moodswings feel that music should be all about. As they say, "The sections in the record stores shouldn't be dance or country or whatever - they should be cheer you up, relax you down, music for a picnic, music for a funeral, etc."
Wonderful Healing Retreat
This weekend we hosted our “embodied authentic healing” retreat. What a treat to serve these beautiful women and provide a safe, nourishing space for healing.
Through the weekend we weaved several activities including dance, movement, Nia 5 stages, Nia class and meditation. We laughed, shared, learned, journaled, drew, walked, talked, ate, slept, hung out in the pool, sat around the fire, as we explored the Hero WithIn. With the intent to heal, grow and transform.
In summary we were here to feel better and in so doing we are helping the world become a better place.
““... We have not even to risk the adventure alone,
for the heroes of all time have gone before us.
The labyrinth is thoroughly known.
We have only to follow the thread of the hero path,
and where we had thought to find an abomination,
we shall find a god.
And where we had thought to slay another,
we shall slay ourselves.
Where we had thought to travel outward,
we will come to the center of our own existence.
And where we had thought to be alone,
we will be with all the world.””
Embodied Authentic Healing Retreat
from $499.00
"The body is merely the visibility of the soul, the psyche, and the soul is the psychological experience of the body. So it is really one and the same thing." C. G. Jung
This special retreat is for curious souls wanting to go deeper into their own authentic self through:
Meditation, Dance, Moving in and through Your Body, Journaling and Sharing.
We’ll be exploring the archetypes outlined in the “Hero Within” The Classic Guide, Updated for Our Contemporary World
A modern classic of Jungian psychology, The Hero Within has helped hundreds of thousands of people enrich their lives by revealing how to tap the power of the archetypes that exist within. Drawing from literature, anthropology, and psychology, author Carol S. Pearson clearly defines six heroic archetypes—the Innocent, the Orphan, the Wanderer, the Warrior, the Altruist, and the Magician—and shows how we can use these powerful guides to discover our own hidden gifts, solve difficult problems, and transform our lives with rich sources of inner strength.
Very special rates have been created especially for this retreat.
Rates are per person and include all meals.
OPTIONS
Stay and enjoy all the wonders Soma Ranch has to offer
Each residential option is a fully inclusive of Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch, classes, workshops and all amenities (Sauna, Hot Tub, Pool, Donkeys, Teas, Coffees, Water).
Dormitory QUAD Large spacious heated/air-conditioned room with 1 queen bed, 10 Twin Beds. SHARED BY 4 PEOPLE. Share 3 bathrooms.
Semi Private Room with 2 Full Beds SHARED BY 2 PEOPLE
Private Room with 1 King or Queen Bed private bathroom.
All accommodation and retreat rates include a $100 non refundable deposit.
Montgomery Aquatic Race Club Summer Camp 2022
This past week Joe and I had the honor of hosting the Montgomery Aquatic Race Club. We’re busting with joy with how we hosted this amazing group of swimmers for their Summer camp 2022 at Soma Ranch, including the opportunity to share Nia in several ways (on land, in the studio and in the pool)
This was a "full circle", "living life" moment for Helen, who grew up as a competitive swimmer, trained as a PE teacher, certified as an international Nia technique trainer and created/founded Soma Ranch with her husband Joe. All of this came together as they hosted a summer camp for swimmers at Soma Ranch.....
Teaching Montgomery Aquatic Race Club swimmers about how to be somatic in the pool, how to apply the sensations of fitness into their strokes and how to be mindful as they swim in the pool and through life was a JOY!!
The coaches were incredibly creative and caring. They utilized many spaces, inside and out, around Soma Ranch, changing things up each day and coming up with unique ways to keep the campers happy and engaged. For example “Swimcampopoly” and outdoor circuit training.
We were super impressed with how both coaches and campers were super consiencious about their environment. How they cared for the land, honored nature, kept things clean (they even made their beds!), checked in with us to be sure their conduct was meeting our expectations.
Lovely to see highlights like campers getting to pet the friendly donkeys and horses, go down to the pond to check out our lotus and dock and enjoy the lounging shade under our newly appointed pavilion over the back deck.
They requested we NOT adapt our menu too much, to allow the campers to take safe risks, experience something different, explore new tastes and healthy options. We were stunned with how much they chowed down on vegetables, gave new things (like quinoa, chia pudding, spearmint infused water) a go and seeing campers taking a photo of the “protein balls” with the intent to share with their parents when they got home, was the icing on the cake. We made a crumble with the wonderful, massive blackberries picked from our neighbors, P6 farms. Lovely to serve fresh and VERY local produce.
Beyond our expectations they used our new big screen TV. Filming the swimmers underwater then, using airplay, their iPad showed crystal clear images on the big screen. Coaches were able to pause images, show form in the water and swimmers were able to have an image of how they move through water.
We’re excited to see them apply what they learned in both swimming and in life. #marcswimcamp2022
July 30 day Challenge
We’re days away from our next 30 day challenge. Would you like to join the “summer of LOVE” 30 day challenge?:
https://www.somaranch.com/booking/nia-challenge
When you sign up for the July 30 day challenge by June 28th you can bring a friend for FREE!
Receive 30 classes that include: 30 mins, 60 mins, Nia, Nia 5 Stages, Feldenkrais, Special Dr Deb Kern.
Program includes Support, Coaching, Education, Community, Connection and lots of laughs along the way.
All for $99.
Unexpected Surprises
During our recent retreat, hosting the local Montgomery Swim Team, one of the swimmers brought her water colors and painted a beautiful picture of our majestic oak tree that spans the space between the house and the Soma Studio building.
We’re exploring how to create and reproduce a set of gift cards with watercolors of favorite features here at Soma Ranch. How lovely as guests to be able to share the joys of your stay and the beauty of the nature with unique watercolor cards.
As small business owners we are also excited to support a budding young artist. To creatively find a way to provide a lovely product for our guests while helping this teenager begin to develop her entrepreneurship skills.
EMBODIED AUTHENTIC HEALING RETREAT
Next weekend we are holding our semi-annual Embodied Authentic Healing Retreat. With 8 people signed up we have 2 more places left. Please let us know ASAP if you’d like to join us. Here’s more information:
June 24-26, 2022.
EXPLORE YOUR TRUE SELF THROUGH MOVEMENT, ART AND JOURNALLING.
““The body is merely the visibility of the soul, the psyche, and the soul is the psychological experience of the body. So it is really one and the same thing.” ”
Explore self-guided movement exploration to dive deep beyond learned patterns into a journey with your Soma. Unleash creativity, spiritual insights and the potential for healing for your body, heart, mind and soul.
Through an embodied authentic healing process, including movement, drawing, and writing, you are provided the opportunity create, express and connect.
Curiosity and desire to attune to our inner world is all that is important. No experience is necessary.
When we allow the body to speak, our unique story can be heard. Insight into our true nature naturally emerges without interpretation.
When we share and witness together, each participant's experience will be treated with respect and not interpreted.
Together we learn to honor our own and other's unique personal, creative, and spiritual paths.
No experience is necessary.
We’ll be exploring the archetypes outlined in the “Hero Within” The Classic Guide, Updated for Our Contemporary World
A modern classic of Jungian psychology, The Hero Within has helped hundreds of thousands of people enrich their lives by revealing how to tap the power of the archetypes that exist within. Drawing from literature, anthropology, and psychology, author Carol S. Pearson clearly defines six heroic archetypes—the Innocent, the Orphan, the Wanderer, the Warrior, the Altruist, and the Magician—and shows how we can use these powerful guides to discover our own hidden gifts, solve difficult problems, and transform our lives with rich sources of inner strength.
Congratulations Nia Brown Belts
Congratulations Nia Brown Belts. What a week! What an experience! What a joy!
At Soma Ranch we celebrate Nia Graduation in many ways! including:
graduation in the studio
celebration on the fence
group photo with Zepher (the horse)
fizzy bubbly (non-alcoholic) toasts
party lunch sharing favorite frames from the week
parting photos and hugs with Helen :-)
The Soma Nia Brown Belt Tree
Here at Soma Ranch we passionately love trees and Nia Technique, and adore how we have a special way of celebrating both, as a once a year tradition!
About 10 years ago Debbie Rosas, Nia Founder, co-lead a Nia Brown Belt at Soma Ranch.
At the end of the training, in leu of giving Helen flowers as a thank you, Debbie asked “would you prefer a tree”? Helen squealed with delight ;-)
We offer a Nia Brown Belt every year at Soma Ranch and enjoy taking a photo under the tree.
Similar to a child having a school picture taken every year. We LOVE seeing how this tree has grown and how this is symbolic of “look how we’ve grown” here at Soma Ranch.
Thank you Nia Technique and Debbie Rosas, for this wonderful program AND for such a thoughtful gift.
Being able to host Nia trainings one week a month, here at Soma Ranch, is a dream come true.
Nia Brown Belt Training Retreat
7 beautiful women came together for 7 days at Soma Ranch.
Their intent was to explore the Joys of “the art of perception” and study energy (physical, mental, emotional, spirit and multi-dimensional energy) at the Nia Brown Belt immersive training.
Some ladies had visited Soma a few times before, others were new to both the ranch retreat and Helen as a trainer.
Some participants had only experienced ONLINE Nia Trainings, others had only experienced IN PERSON Trainings.
Two participants had experienced the Nia Brown belt before ONLINE and enjoyed now experiencing the training in person.
Some participants teach several classes a week, others occasionally and a couple don’t teach and don’t intend to teach (Even an upper level Nia Training is suitable for many different abilities, skills and interests)
Magically, this Nia Brown Belt Training group, who travelled from Nebraska, California, New Mexico, Texas, Oregon and Colorado, came together and became fast friends. They:
enjoyed each other's company,
learned from each other,
took safe risks,
explored new ways of learning/thinking,
supported each other and provided thoughtful care.
They danced, laughed, cried, comforted, supported, swam, relaxed and more..
Being a fully immersive Nia training experience allows the opportunity:
To learn on and off the dance floor.
To discuss and learn what’s being received in sessions around the dining table
To relax and unwind in/with nature and absorb what is being learned and experienced in a calm optimum environment
The participants left feeling happy, relaxed and transformed, with strong bonds and big desires to keep in touch AND return to Soma Ranch.
A lovely things about a Nia Training retreat at Soma Ranch is the chance to bring extra activities and experiences into the 7 day course, like:
enjoy field trips (Like Margarittaville)
relax under the pavilion
dance in a beautiful studio
refuel with nourishing food as art
unwind with nature
connect with horses & donkeys
bathe in the light of the full moon!
Here’s a glimpse of the community and joy created by the last day, during the group's last dance.
As they began their goodbyes, the NIa Brown Belt group
shared their joy,
expressed heartfelt connection and
created a beautiful way to end their experience together.
ONLINE trainings are wonderful in many ways AND there are some things at a Nia IN PERSON training retreat that cannot be replicated. We love sharing NIa at Soma Ranch :-)
A Royal Nia Experience
Join Helen 10am Saturday, June 4th (US Central Time) for a ROYAL Nia experience. Let’s celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee together! The playlist will be built around the Queen, Royal, Celebration theme.
If you have song suggestions, need the link for the zoom class or would like to request a 24HR replay, please email info@somaranch.com.
Nia Brown Belt Training Retreat
The Annual Soma Nia Brown Belt begins this Wednesday June 8 - 14, 2022.
6 ladies are coming in from near and far, from the east to the west! (now’s the time if you want to join us LOL)
Brown Belt introduces you to The Joy of Movement in "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 the both the logical mind and the intuitive parts of your being. Learn how to tap into this energy to make positive changes in each of the four realms of your life.
Day retreats are SOLD OUT.
Soma Class Rates
from $20.00
$20 | 1 class
$75 | 5 class pass (3 month expiration) ($15 per class)
$130 | 10 class pass (3 month expiration) ($13 per class)
$99 | 30 Day Journey, 30 Classes, ALL 8am + 10am ($3.30 per class)
$25 | Lunch or Dinner
$96 | 60 min massage
$145 | 90 min massage
30 Day Challenge Benefits:
unlimited 10am + 8am Nia Classes for 30 days
bring a “new to the journey” friend to class for a month
enjoy before and after class conversations and nuggets
receive automatic 24HR replays via email
Soma Faith Class
from $5.00
Welcome to Soma Faith 5pm Sunday “Pop Ups” at Soma Ranch. These special Sunday events don’t happen every week. Please email helen@somaranch.com if you’d like to be including in the Soma Faith News List.
SOMA FAITH
Online (Via Zoom), In Person (at Soma Ranch), or via 24HR recording, come Praise, Dance, Worship, Workout, Pray, Connect, Move and Sweat with us!
We're in for a GLORIOUS TIME singing, praising and dancing to Christian music.
All Faiths and Fitness Levels Welcome.
Helen Terry creates all inspiring Christian workout/worship experiences. They combine her passion for Christ, with her love for movement and fitness and Nia.
Helen brings more than 35 years experience with holistic fitness and wellness.
Receive zoom link for class and 24 HR replay by clicking “PURCHASE”
Classes are on a sliding scale, choose your price $5 - $100.
Pay for a class
Pay for the month
Pay as you go
Make a one time payment
The choice is yours.
We never want finances to get in the way of your opportunity to connect, move and be moved through our Soma Faith program. We appreciate your support and how you give.
We never want religion to get in the way of your opportunity. All beliefs and faiths are welcome. Helen will pray at the beginning and end of the experience, and the name Jesus will be mentioned. All are welcome.
50% of all funds collected go towards our Soma Charity: St Jude.
Blackberries for dessert
Our Blackberries have come up all along the fence line this year. They are plump, juicy and surprisingly sweet! We created a Coconut Banana Chia Pudding and the accent of freshly picked blackberries on top finishes off the culinary creation! As Chef Joe often says
““people eat with their eyes””
We appreciate how Joe creates food as art for meals at our retreats. From the chilled plates, beautifully cut fruits and veggies, thoughtfully arranged serving dishes, consideration for color and combinations, these details truly make a world of a difference. Someone at lunch time shared “Oh! this looks delicious” then giggled about how is it possible to see something is delicious before you’ve tasted it.
Soma Faith - Lord's Prayer
We’re beginning a new series with Dr Deb Kern, who will guide us through the Lord’s Prayer one line at a time.:
Sunday, June 5, 2022
05:00PM - 06:00 PM
The Lord's Prayer is among Christianity's most beloved teachings, a daily devotion practiced by Christians everywhere. If we could travel back in time to the ancient Holy Land and witness Jesus himself speaking and meditating upon these words, what would we learn?
Using a translation by acclaimed Aramaic scholar, teacher and author Dr. Neil Douglas-Klotz and musical versions from a variety of artists, we’ll allow the language and sound vibrations of the Lord's Prayer in Aramaic to move in and through us as we dance.
Each line of the prayer becomes a focus for class.
June 4: Line 1
July 10: Line 2
August 7: Line 3
September 11: Line 4
October 9: Line 5
November 6: Line 6
December 4: Line 7
January TBD: Line 8
Dr. Deb Kern is a health scientist, visionary teacher and guide. From the rain forest of Costa Rica to the foothills of the Himalayas to the south of India to the jungles of Bali to the shores of Maui to the interior of Mexico, she’s traveled to apprentice with master teachers, shamans, yogis, herbalists and healers.
She’s the the author of Everyday Wellness for Women and Create the Body Your Soul Desires, founder of a healing movement practice called PranaShakti™ Dance and the mom of 2 amazing young men.
Dr. Kern studied Nursing at Vanderbilt University; holds a B.A. and an M.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and a Ph.D. in Health Sciences from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. In addition, she is a Mindful Change Coach, Integral Hatha Yoga Instructor, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist, and Transpersonal Energy Healer.
Soma Faith Class
from $5.00
Welcome to Soma Faith 5pm Sunday “Pop Ups” at Soma Ranch. These special Sunday events don’t happen every week. Please email helen@somaranch.com if you’d like to be including in the Soma Faith News List.
SOMA FAITH
Online (Via Zoom), In Person (at Soma Ranch), or via 24HR recording, come Praise, Dance, Worship, Workout, Pray, Connect, Move and Sweat with us!
We're in for a GLORIOUS TIME singing, praising and dancing to Christian music.
All Faiths and Fitness Levels Welcome.
Helen Terry creates all inspiring Christian workout/worship experiences. They combine her passion for Christ, with her love for movement and fitness and Nia.
Helen brings more than 35 years experience with holistic fitness and wellness.
Receive zoom link for class and 24 HR replay by clicking “PURCHASE”
Classes are on a sliding scale, choose your price $5 - $100.
Pay for a class
Pay for the month
Pay as you go
Make a one time payment
The choice is yours.
We never want finances to get in the way of your opportunity to connect, move and be moved through our Soma Faith program. We appreciate your support and how you give.
We never want religion to get in the way of your opportunity. All beliefs and faiths are welcome. Helen will pray at the beginning and end of the experience, and the name Jesus will be mentioned. All are welcome.
50% of all funds collected go towards our Soma Charity: St Jude.
Jaw Dropping Dance Experience
Today both the Nia 5 Stages class and the 10am Classic Nia Class focused on the Jaw.
Recordings for both Nia 5 stages and Nia 10am classic from today are available.
Focus: Jaw
a main gateway of the body
hinge and slide joint
upper jaw is part of skull
lower jaw drops, swings, moves
Intent
receive a felt sense of harmony and energized physically and mentally
Routine + Music: Adapted from Nia Routine Ignite (original by Ann Christiansen)
Soma Class Rates
from $20.00
$20 | 1 class
$75 | 5 class pass (3 month expiration) ($15 per class)
$130 | 10 class pass (3 month expiration) ($13 per class)
$99 | 30 Day Journey, 30 Classes, ALL 8am + 10am ($3.30 per class)
$25 | Lunch or Dinner
$96 | 60 min massage
$145 | 90 min massage
30 Day Challenge Benefits:
unlimited 10am + 8am Nia Classes for 30 days
bring a “new to the journey” friend to class for a month
enjoy before and after class conversations and nuggets
receive automatic 24HR replays via email
June 30 day Challenge
REMEMBER TODAY IS THE DAY:
https://www.somaranch.com/booking/nia-challenge
When you sign up for the June 30 day challenge today you can bring a friend for FREE!
Receive 30 classes that include: 30 mins, 60 mins, Nia, Nia 5 Stages, Feldenkrais, Special Dr Deb Kern.
Program includes Support, Coaching, Education, Community, Connection and lots of laughs along the way.
All for $99.
Nia Brown Belt at Soma Ranch
Next Nia training coming up at Soma Ranch is Nia Brown Belt June 8 - 14, 2022.
We love how this training, with the focus energy, can be experienced in a fully immersive retreat environment surrounded by natural elements.
With the lap pool, hot tub, sauna, pond, fire pit, labyrinth, National Forest, Local Hikes, Lake Conroe boat ride and of course rescued horses and donkeys, all the elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Ether) are represented well.
We can provide a buffet of choices, options and experiences to play with physical, mental, emotional, spirit and multi-dimensional energy....
We’re looking forward to welcoming: Terra Sieberman, Kelly Marie Harris, Deb Kern, Debra Salge, Ruby Renshaw Lila Haham
With 4 more places open now’s the time to jump in if you’re ready for this next step OR would like to re-experience your Nia Brown Belt in a nurturing, immersive and fully inclusive retreat experience.
https://onlinetraining.nianow.com/courses/nia-brown-belt-with-helenterry-06-08-22