Nia Blue Belt Fun Times

From the full moon rising with the setting sun,

• the open spaces and fresh air,

• the friendly horses and donkeys,

• wholesome nourishment and “food as art”,

• Joe creating fun fiestas and entertaining experiences,

• Helen providing meaningful lessons and body centered joyful experiences,

all the extra experiences that accompany a Nia Training, immersed in a retreat at Soma Ranch make a difference and long lasting memorial moments.

Full Moon (Copy)

Enjoy Sun Set (Copy)

Improve Communication (Copy)

Enjoy Horses (Copy)

Wholesome Food (Copy)

Fun Themes (Copy)

Fiesta Night (Copy)

Create Space (Copy)

Kitchen Magic (Copy)

Soma Fun (Copy)

We had some great Hybrid public classes during the Nia training week. Thank you everyone who came out to dance (whether in person here at Soma Ranch or ONLINE via Zoom) . Sharing the NIa Blue Belt with y’all was like the icing on the cake.

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

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Soma LIVE: Fort Vine returns

Fort Vine is an indie-folk duo named after a secret tree fort they built in NYC.

Trevor Tunison and Nyna Nelson live on the road full-time with their dog and cat in their custom-converted sprinter van named Gypsee Bungalow. Their music is inspired by their VanLife travels, with feel-good lyrics, colorful harmonies and catchy rhythms. Fort Vine is sure to transport you straight to your happy place.”

Arrival 5:00pm onwards. Please arrive BEFORE 6:00pm and bring a donation for the band!

Feel free to bring your own beverages and snacks. If the weather cooperates we will enjoy Sunset Concert on our new covered deck.

And, if need be, the plan B is enjoy the spacious ambience and amazing acoustics in the Soma Studio.

Please RSVP so we can set up enough chairs and look forward to seeing you.

Thank you for leaving your pets at home! Got the “sniffles”? thank you for staying home.

Thank you in advance for sharing this post and inviting friends to join us.

If you would like to stay at Soma Ranch Sunday night please email helen@somaranch.com.

Entertain how you could sleep over at the ranch, hot tub, sauna, plunge pool, enjoy the stars, and possibly enjoy 8:45am YogaFaith, and/or 10:00am Nia.

Public Classes at Nia Blue Belt

Our Nia Training retreat focuses on communication, relationships and intimacy. We have public Nia classes at 10am Saturday, Sunday and Monday, also Nia 5 stages at 8:45am Saturday and Soma Faith 5pm Sunday. Would you like to join us and meet these wonderful guests! we’d love to see you.

All Classes are HYBRID: Come in Person, Attend ONLINE via Zoom and/or Request 24HR recording.

Welcome Nia Blue Belts

We love how Soma ranch provides a safe and vibrant space for participants to retreat, learn, dance, connect and yes! eat wholesome, healthy great food.

Welcome Nia Blue Belts:

• Teresa is new to Soma Ranch, enjoying a much needed vacation as well as attending the course.

• Kris is returning to Soma Ranch and may be moving back to Montgomery soon.

• Gigi has popped over from College Station to revisit the Nia Belt (she took in May).

• Kelly Marie has returned for the “i’ve lost count” time to go deeper again into her practice.

• Peggy will be back for part of the week to connect and learn again.

We have public classes during the Nia training week and would love for you to join us and get to meet these wonderful participants

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

Soma Faith Class

from $5.00

Payment Option:

Select Payment Option $5 $10 $15 $20 $30 $50 $100 $500

PURCHASE

Iain R.I.P.

For the past 8 years (John) Iain Maitland has been our faithful, fantastic, reliable and most amusing driver between Houston IAH airport and Soma Ranch.

Curiously along the way Iain became a sweet friend. We had a fun "banter", quick blasts of "Hellos, Goodbyes, catch ups and Hugs" and chilled coco-colas were always waiting for him in the (secret) fridge.

With a heavy heart, and a well of gratitude beyond the tears, I'm sad to announce Iain has died (peacefully at home, which was his desire/request).

Until very recently Iain was his usual unique sweet self, picking up passengers and bringing a sparkle to my day.

Iain will be missed. We celebrate him, his life and how he touched ours.

Everything happened fast, his family had flown in from Ireland to be with him, and were able to speak with him before he passed.

We'll be sure to pass on information about arrangements as plans progress.

October 1st CuppA

Here at Soma Ranch we've been getting together on the 1st Monday of the month for several years now.

Soma Ranch sets up coffees, teas, cups, plates etc.

Spontaneously participants bring "snacks" (fruit, cake, muffins, cookies).

Each person has an opportunity to introduce themselves and share something (brag, giggle, gratitude, ask for help or prayer request...)

Together we raise funds for our annual fundraiser St Jude dropping some cash in the pot before we depart.

Thank you Cece, Peggy, Cathey, Marie, Kelly Marie, Deana and Chris. lovely to relax on the deck, touch base, laugh, share and support.

Welcome back Deana, Emily you were missed.

We raised $34 towards our annual fundraiser St Jude

#StJude, #stjudeschildrensresearchhospital #StJudeHeroes

https://www.somaranch.com/jude

Simple Cleansing Remedy

Broccoli water has become my “standard” for many wellness situations:

• when I need to reset after eating/drinking more food/sugar than usual

• when I am running a fever

• when I have an upset stomach

• when I have tooth ache

• when I have an infection

• when I want to loose some weight

How to make Broccoli Water:

1. Boil a big clump (or bag) of broccoli in plenty of water (big pan) for 15+ minutes

2. Add pinch of sea sale

3. Option: add coconut oil

4. Option: add a splash of apple cider vinegar

5. Drain broccoli and save the broth

6. Enjoy sips of the broccoli water warm, or keep cool on hand in the fridge.

When going through a deep healing (whether physical, mental, emotional or spiritually) I often make a big batch, keep it warm on the stove and draw a mug about once an hour.

Having broccoli water on hand in the fridge is great for

• using as vegetable broth

• a quick go to when craving sugar

• simply needing a nourishing, reset, moment

Cabana Construction

Yes! Joe is constructing again! What was the massage house is now converted into a lovely pool house, a private dwelling for a guest with private bathroom and fabulous views!

What pool house is complete without a cabana! We’re constructing shade on both sides to help keep the little house cool, reduce how often the building needs to be repainted and to provide enjoyable spaces in the shade.

Happy October

What a delight to have windows open, with neither heat nor AC on! We’re all loving the shift in season here at Soma Ranch. Texas weather at its best! Even Cha Cha, the smallest most special donkey, is frolicking around with joy.

This weekend our class focus is “Joy of Movement” (it’s our birth right!) the first principle of Nia and the thread that runs through everything.

The 30 Days, 30 Classes “Trick and Treats” wellness Challenge begins today. We have a solid group of 50+ people from around the globe who have been taking classes all year, and 13 new participants registered this month. There’s room for you! The door, and our arms, are wide open. Would you like to join us for October?

Nia and Yoga Faith Classes continue to grow at Soma Ranch. Welcome back Kay and Diana who both signed up for another year unlimited at Soma Ranch.

Thank you Chris Disser who has lead the Yoga Faith Classes for years. She’s taking a sabbatical to focus on her health and Helen is stepping into cover the 8:45am Monday and Thursday classes this month. Like the Nia 10am classes these are offered hybrid; you can attend in person, online via zoom or with a 48HR recording.

The Deb Kern Deep Diver Retreat was a healing nourishing success. Thank you Deb for moving to Montgomery! we love collaborating with you.

This month is a most popular month, with our annual Nia Blue Oct 6-12 , Nia Retreat Week, the return of Fire Fly Yoga Retreat and Embodied Authentic Healing retreat.

Here’s a summary of upcoming events at Soma Ranch with more details included below.

We love how Nia In PERSON Trainings are filling up, registration is open for Nia Green Nov 11 - 16 next month (5 people registered so far). The Nia White belt in January already has 3 people registered!

Hope you are stepping into October, enjoying the shift of the seasons, with something joyful in your heart and something to “tickle your toes” (help you giggle) and pumpkin something!…

Love

Helen + Joe

Soma Faith pause

Thank you everyone who has attended SomaFaith classes and contributed to our Soma fundraiser, we raised more than $500 for St. Jude.

Deb Kern and I have loved providing SomaFaith on Sundays. The program has grown wonderfully and an amazing group of women have come together and taken the classes, in Person, Online via zoom and through the 24HR recording.

We’re taking a pause for this last quarter to reassess how and when to offer this program. Walking our talk we realize how important it is to have a day off from teaching each week. If you’d like to receive more information and to be on our “SomaFaith” news list please email helen@somaranch.com.

Helen is stepping in to lead the 8:45am Monday and Thursday YogaFaith classes this month. Classes are Hybrid: In person and Online via Zoom. Let us know if you’d like to join the class.

Thank you Chris Disser who has been a fabulous Yoga Faith teacher. She has lead the class for years, building an intimate very special group of women who show up extremely consistently. Chris is taking a sabbatical to focus on a personal, and very important, matter.

Soma Faith Class

from $5.00

Beautiful Retreat

Congratulations Dr Deb Kern on another beautiful retreat here at Soma Ranch. The delightful details (like specially personalized oils, special guest speakers, fabulous skin brushes and glorious flower head bands) contributed to this being a most nourishing and pleasurable time.

This is the first “Retreat Series” we’ve hosted at Soma Ranch, with this retreat being the 2nd of 3 over a span of 6 months.

For more information and to sign up for the Deep Dive with Dr Deb Kern program in 2023 contact Dr. Deb Kern.

For more information about attending or hosting a retreat at Soma Ranch contact helen@somaranch.com.

Monday Cuppa October 3

THIS MONTH WE MEET ON MONDAY October 3.

Yes! our “Monthly Monday Coffee” connections are WONDERFUL…

Every month, (most often) the first Monday, we meet up after 10am Nia class to connect, enjoy a cuppa and have a grand time.

Coffee, tea, kombucha, snacks and time to hang, get to know each other better, help and support.

This is one of our community events where 100% donations collected go towards St Jude, our “Soma Selected” charity of choice.

Our goal is to raise $8000 for St. Jude. We collect donations at our monthly “Monday Coffee Connection”, Soma Faith classes and Special Events throughout the year.

On Monday entertain 8:45am YogaFaith, 10am Nia Class, then connect with our lovely community with coffee, teas and snacks. We hope you can join us.

We have a great time listening to each other’s thoughts, challenges and successes. We provide support and offer prayers.

Consider enjoying a “triple play” with

• 8:45am YogaFaith

• 10:00am Nia

• 11:00am 1st Monday Cuppa

Thank you to all the incredible 73 people who donated to our 2021 campaign.

We exceeded our $5000 goal and raised $8150 for St Jude!

October 30 day Challenge

We’re days away from our next 30 day challenge. Would you like to join the “Tricks and Treats” 30 day challenge?:

https://www.somaranch.com/booking/nia-challenge

When you sign up for the October 30 day challenge by September 29th 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 class.

Program includes Support, Coaching, Education, Community, Connection and lots of laughs along the way.

All for $99.

Lovely Birthday Celebration

Thank you everybody who came out to celebrate Soma’s birthday. What a grand time we had. Thanks to Pat Greer, with https://www.patgreerskitchen.com/ we enjoyed the infamous raw carrot cake with cashew frosting! and thanks to Mimi we achieved balance with her chocolate brownie raspberry whipping cream yummy extravaganza.

Shelley drove in from New Orleans, Megan from Houston, Michelle (who provided foot detox in every training for almost a decade) returned, Peggy and Cynthia drove up from the Woodlands

Sensuous as Healing class focus

Dr. Deb Kern is back at Soma Ranch this weekend with her special Deep Dive Devis Retreat. These women are on a glorious 6 month deep transformative process program, with this being the 2nd of 3 retreats.

“When you are under the ‘spell of the sensuous,’ all 75 trillion of your cells relax and expand, they actually radiate energy like the sun.”

— David Abram, author of “The Spell of the Sensuous,”

Our 5 Stages 8:45am class and Nia classic 10am are focusing on Sensuous as Healing. You’re welcome to join us online for either class. Or entertain a luxurious double scoop! The 5 stages class is a luxurious 1 hour preparation where we go deep into the focus, experience the concepts in our body then energize what we’ve learned and explored through the Nia classic class at 10am. When you sign up for a class you are automatically sent the Zoom links for class. The links are the same each week.

Congratulations Nia 5 Stages Graduates

Congratulations Nia 5 Stages Graduates, 4 ladies who didn’t know each other came together and truly connected magic. 2 ladies came curious about Nia and wanting to learn more, they hadn’t even experienced the 5 stages class before. 2 ladies returned to Soma for their next step. Everybody had a wonderful, healing, nourishing very special time. Megan, Michelle and Peggy joined us on retreat.

An added bonus (the idea was cooked up during our Soma Birthday Celebration) was our Lake House Neighbor and friend Mimi who offered to take all trainees and retreaters out on a sunrise boat trip with the option to “surf”. Thanks Mimi! the girls had a BLAST.

October Nia Blue Belt Training Retreat

We’re looking forward to our annual Soma October Nia Blue Belt training retreat. With women from around the country coming together to co- created magic. We will dance, explored learn, share AND LAUGH a lot! A lovely reminder of how, when we stay light, engaged and curious, deep work and self discovery can evolve, with minimum frustration/pain and maximum fascination/pleasure.

Here’s some photos and descriptions of what to expect at a Nia Training retreat at Soma Ranch:

The first night is filled with joy, comfort and relaxation: Sitting around the Soma Dining Room table on the first night, hearing where folks are from and learning a little more about each other, is a lovely way to get to know each other.

The studio “community social” room (fondly called the LOVE room) lends itself well to some of the Nia Blue Belt Sessions (like the Power of 2 ~ Communication).

The studio “dance” room (fondly called the JOY room) bring wonderful light, awesome sound and sparkling sprung birch wood floor.

During the week we play with a “color of the day”, fun to feel connection and take great photos!

As Joe says “people eat with their eyes” we had some lovely food as art, the newly constructed dock on the pond was enjoyed. As was a wonderful circle around the fire evening.

The newly constructed Pavilion, over the back deck, continues through its first season to be a big success. From dawn to past dusk, with our comfy outdoor furniture, there were many meaningful conversations and great giggles experienced. Lovely memories created as we enjoy the breeze, perfect temperature and beautiful nature sounds, undercover outdoors.

We love how we can “sparkle” a Nia Training experience with excursions, special events and the opportunity to connect with the herd (our precious rescued horses and donkeys)

Hopefully (weather permitting) Joe can take us out for a sunrise, moonset boat ride, on Lake Conroe.

The moon light is amazing from the pool area at Soma Ranch.

We enjoy conversations around the dining table, Nia in the pool and HYBRID (simultaneous in person and online) Nia Classes.

Teaching “Fun Friday” (where the class brings the moves, I, Helen, bring the moves and together we co-create magical experience) is always extra special with all the Nia Blue Belt participants dancing with me in the studio!

Our Graduation lunch party is fun with Joe creating food with the Nia and Soma Ranch logo, sparkling (non alcoholic) fizzy bubbly in our “wedding flutes”.

Wonderful parting photos with everybody wearing their Soma Ranch T Shirts

Private room

from $318.00

Semi-Private

from $318.00

Sale

Shared Dorm

from $212.00

Happy 13th Birthday Soma

Soma Ranch will be 13 years old on September 9, 2022.

This is a most special extended weekend celebration at Soma Ranch, we would LOVE you to join us, there are ONLINE and IN PERSON options - and there will be cake!

Choose to...

1. retreat for 2, 3 or 4 nights
2. add on the Nia 5 stages training
3. or drop in for a class or special event (ONLINE or In PERSON)

Nia 5 Stages Special Weekend

from $150.00

This is a most special extended weekend celebration at Soma Ranch, we hope you can join us.

As a guest staying at Soma Ranch,

• choose a 1, 2, or 3 night retreat

• attend classes & special events

• enjoy our Soma Birthday Celebration

As a Nia Trainee, enjoy all of the above, and the Nia 5 Stages training. No pre-requisites to attend the course.

Click HERE for SCHEDULE and information about Celebration and special events.

Accommodation Options:

Select Accommodation Options Private 1 night $300 Private 2 nights $600 Private 3 nights $800 Private 4 nights $900 Semi-Private 1 night $200 Semi-Private 2 nights $400 Semi-Private 3 nights $520 Semi-Private 4 nights $620 Dorm 1 night $150 Dorm 2 nights $300 Dorm 3 nights $400 Dorm 4 nights $450

Book Now

Sale

Soma Birthday + Events

from $15.00

Come celebrate Soma’s 14th Birthday and/or enjoy a class, retreat or Nia 5 Stages training.

Please click HERE for more information about a Soma Retreat or 5 Stages Training

Special Events:

Select Special Events Fri 07:30PM 9/08 | Nia 5 Stages $15 Sat 08:45AM 9/09 | Nia 5 Stages $15 Sat 10:00AM 9/09 | Nia $15 Sun 08:45AM 9/10 | Nia 5 Stages $15 Sun 10:00AM 9/10 | Nia $15 Mon 10:00AM 9/11 | Nia $15

Book Now

Soma Birthday Celebration

Important things.. we need to know how big of a cake to order for our Saturday Birthday Celebration. Please let us know ASAP if you intend to attend. No need to bring anything other than a smile, and a towel if you’d like to jump in the pool! We’re providing water, ice-tea, chips n dip and CAKE!

Thank you in advance for leaving your dogs and other pets at home :-) Enjoy our donkeys & horses while you’re here ;-)

R.S.V.P.

Soma Birthday RSVP

Monday Cuppa September 12

THIS MONTH WE MEET ON MONDAY September 12.

Yes! our “Monthly Monday Coffee” connections are WONDERFUL…

Every month, (most often) the first Monday, we meet up after 10am Nia class to connect, enjoy a cuppa and have a grand time.

Coffee, tea, kombucha, snacks and time to hang, get to know each other better, help and support.

This is one of our community events where 100% donations collected go towards St Jude, our “Soma Selected” charity of choice.

Our goal is to raise $8000 for St. Jude. We collect donations at our monthly “Monday Coffee Connection”, Soma Faith classes and Special Events throughout the year.

On Monday entertain 8:45am YogaFaith, 10am Nia Class, then connect with our lovely community with coffee, teas and snacks. We hope you can join us.

We have a great time listening to each other’s thoughts, challenges and successes. We provide support and offer prayers.

Consider enjoying a “triple play” with

• 8:45am YogaFaith

• 10:00am Nia

• 11:00am 1st Monday Cuppa

Thank you to all the incredible 73 people who donated to our 2021 campaign.

We exceeded our $5000 goal and raised $8150 for St Jude!