Monday Cuppa January 2nd + 9th

Let us “Make it a double!”. Next “Cuppa” is January 2nd and we will also meet on the following Monday, January 9th.

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 “double play” with

• 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!

The Soma "Village" is Rocking

Hi Friends,

Last week I shared how it “takes a village” when Helen leaves Soma Ranch. This week I’m thrilled to share the “VILLAGE” is rocking it!.

Joe has been opening up the zoom room and was even playing the chakra bowls before class.

He also got creative with my skeleton and provided a fun surprise greeting at the studio check in desk.

All the teachers are providing excellent classes and the support from the attendees/community is wonderful.

I’m here with my parents in the UK, enjoying being a student. Attending Nia and other movement classes ONLINE, lead by awesome Soma teachers, dancing with my Mum, in her front room, is a delight.

Experiencing the classes streamed from the Soma Ranch studio. through my computer is a new and most novel experience for me.

For over a year I’ve watched the “wall of smiles” (that’s all the folks taking class online who are projected on to the big side wall at Soma Ranch) Now I AM on the “wall of smiles”, I’m in one of those “Zoom squares”. The regular attendees at Soma Ranch seem to be having a great time both with seeing me up on the wall taking class, AND enjoying Kelly Marie this week and Deb Kern next Monday.

Here’s me and Mum taking Elaines class ONLINE (while Dad is clearing snow off the car!)

Here’s the view from the back bedroom of my parents house! It snowed on Sunday. Now here we are Friday still freezing.

Kelly Marie Harris and Paul Duff taught their very first classes and led like the true pros! Elaine and Irene returned leading wonderful healing experiences. All 4 shone like the super rock stars that they are.

This upcoming week Maria is teaching Saturday 8:45am and 10:00am,

Deb HYBRID (at Soma AND ONLINE) on Monday 10am, Natasha ONLINE Tuesday 8am, Irene ONLINE Wednesday 8am, Deb ONLINE Thursday 10am, Helen ONLINE Friday 8am and Saturday 8:45am and 10:00am from her Mum’s front room!

NO Class at SOMA RANCH Thursday December & Monday December 26th. Helen will be back to teach Thursday December 29th 10am.

This is a lovely opportunity to experience several different teachers, different styles and a very special anticipation flavor of the Fabulous Rock Stars and Saturday Special Guest Master Teachers who are joining the 30 day challenge and 365 day challenge team for 2023

You have some great options to choose from:

• Drop in for 1 class for $15

• Buy a 5 or 10 class pass $65|$120

• Sign up for 30 days for $99

• Invest in 365 days of joy for $900.

Inno: An Adapted Movement Experience

INNO is a movement experience created by Helen Terry, adapted from the Nia Routine Bloom.

An Adapted Movement experience is where Helen plays with the choreography from an Original Nia Routine (Bloom) and adapts the moves to the new music. The new music in the INNO experience is a playlist that evolved from Helen’s quest to find music for the “Return to Innocence” Archetype experience, one of the sessions/features in the Soma Ranch, Authentic Healing Retreat.

“Thank you fellow Nia Teachers for your fabulous suggestions for “return to innocence” songs. I hope you like this playlist.”

— Helen Terry ~ Soma Ranch

Nia teachers out there, are encouraged to replicate/play with the experience.

1. Let the choreography from the first 2 songs of Bloom blend into the first song of “Inno”,

2. The rest of the tunes adapt well, song for song, all the way through Warm up, Get Moving and Cool Down

3. In the Floorplay cycle, improvise your way to stepping out ~ “take it home”!

In Nia Technique we have a wonderful system called 8BCs where we can decode music with a system of counting, noting and distinguishing patterns in the music. Here’s some examples of the bars to this movement experience.

FYI The app Helen uses to decode the song, and structure these bars, was created by her daughter, Liliana Terry. It’s an excellent brain training and music app called “Map My Song” that can be used to decode music and create “bars”.

Available for download at the apple store: https://apps.apple.com/bg/app/map-my-song/id1448811230

Soma Saturday Special Guest: Maria Whitley

This Saturday kicks off our “Soma Saturday Special Guest” Program with the one, the only, the most special Maria Whitley. Mother. Daughter. Wife. Friend. Teacher. Activist. Thinker. Spirit. Singer. Dancer. Healer. Light. Nia Master Teacher, Nia Moving to Heal and MELT Method Instructor.

Maria will be teaching both the 8:45am Nia 5 Stages and 10:00am Nia Classic Class.

This is an ONLINE class, via zoom (usual number and pass code). Regular class rates apply.

When you sign up for a class you receive the link/code for class.

“I’m looking forward to being with you on Saturday at 8:45 & 10am USA Central! “SEE THROUGH” you soon… get it? X-RAY!!!”

— Maria Whitley ~ 2nd Degree Nia Black Belt, Soma Special Guest Teacher

May I suggest this is the best time...

This photo was taken almost to the day, 3 years ago, at the beginning of the Nia 3rd Generation Trainers Training. Through thick and thin these wonderful Nia colleagues/trainers have made the best of situations and created magic. The each in their own way abide with the concept “May I Suggest this is the best time of your life”

From left to right Elizabeth Cole, Kellie Chambers, Kinga Brezina, Helen Terry

Recently, when creating a playlist for a movement experience called “INNO” | Innosense~ Return to innocence, Helen Terry called out to fellow Nia Teachers requesting some suggestions for songs about innocence, joy and inspiration. She received some fabulous recommendations, including the song “May I suggest”.

The 3 part harmonies of these women are beautiful and the words haunt me in the best of ways. Like a child who exclaims “again again!” I’ve been listening to the song on repeat over and over again. Helen Terry

Unlike most songs “May I Suggest” is a perfect round, where the connection between the end of the song and the beginning is seamless, as if the song simply continues around and around :-)

“There is a hope
That’s been expressed in you.
The hope of seven generations, maybe more.
And this is the faith, that they invest in you
It’s that you’ll do one better than was done before.
Inside you understand, you know what’s yours to finally set right
And I suggest this is the best part of your life”

— May I Suggest ~ Red Molly | Song Writer Susan Marie Werner

Lyrics summary

May I suggest this is the best part of your life
This time is blessed and shining almost blinding bright
Just turn your head And you'll begin to see
The thousand reasons that were just beyond your sight
The reasons why I suggest this is the best part of your life

There is a world That's been addressed to you
Addressed to you, intended only for your eyes
A secret world, A treasure chest to you
Of private scenes and brilliant dreams that mesmerize
A tender lover's smile, A tiny baby's hands
The million stars that fill the turning sky at night
Yes I suggest this is the best part of your life

There is a hope That's been expressed in you
The hope of seven generations, maybe more
And this is the faith That they invest in you
It's that you'll do one better than was done before
Inside you understand, you know what's yours to finally set right
And I suggest this is the best part of your life

This is a song
Comes from the west, comes from the slowly setting sun
This a song with a request of you
To see how very short the endless days will run
And when they're gone
And when the dark descends
Oh we'd give anything for one more hour of light

May I suggest this is the best part of your life

Lyrics

May I suggest
May I suggest to you
May I suggest this is the best part of your life
May I suggest
This time is blessed for you
This time is blessed and shining almost blinding bright
Just turn your head
And you'll begin to see
The thousand reasons that were just beyond your sight
The reasons why
Why I suggest to you
Why I suggest this is the best part of your life

There is a world
That's been addressed to you
Addressed to you, intended only for your eyes
A secret world
A treasure chest to you
Of private scenes and brilliant dreams that mesmerize
A tender lover's smile
A tiny baby's hands
The million stars that fill the turning sky at night
Oh I suggest
Yes I suggest to you
Yes I suggest this is the best part of your life

There is a hope
That's been expressed in you
The hope of seven generations, maybe more
And this is the faith
That they invest in you
It's that you'll do one better than was done before
Inside you know
Inside you understand
Inside you know what's yours to finally set right
And I suggest
And I suggest to you
And I suggest this is the best part of your life

This is a song
Comes from the west to you
Comes from the west, comes from the slowly setting sun
This a song with a request of you
To see how very short the endless days will run
And when they're gone
And when the dark descends
Oh we'd give anything for one more hour of light

May I suggest this is the best part of your life

"Inno" Experience: Helen returns to Budapest

INNO is an adapted experience from the Nia Routine Bloom. Nia teachers out there, are encouraged to replicate/play with the experience. Click HERE for more details.

Last Sunday Helen had the delight to return to Budapest after being absent for almost 3 years. Having sustained (and thoroughly enjoyed) the pleasure of traveling to Budapest, at least 1 - 3 times a year, for over a decade, this has been a very noted gap, a connection Helen has missed dearly. Also the last event she experienced before the pandemic, was in Budapest. As Helen returned to the USA, January 18th, 2020, was the first day masks were at the airport and the breaking news of Covid on CNN.

The opportunity to share a moving experience in Budapest felt like full circle, a curious parallel to the nature of the last song in the “Inno” Experience. This beautiful song “May I Suggest” is a round, where the completion of the song blends into the beginning of the song seamlessly, creating a complete circle , the potential of a never ending song.

Here’s some fun photos and wonderful comments to give you a feel for this memorable experience.

“Sometimes we pick up where we left off no matter how many years have passed. Needed this dance beyond words, my heart is full. ❤️”

— Zsófia Takács ~ The Shift, Budapest

“3 years gone and here we dance again 🤩 👣 #purejoy #smellthemoment”

— Adrienn Kalman ~ The Shift, Budapest

“What a show did you made in Budapest!!!
I felt like I am dancing in the front row in the Broadway stage!
I’ve never seen so many beautiful women
move to the same rhythm.

What an uplifting feeling!!!”

— Máthé Kriszta ~ The Shift, Budapest

Magical International Connections and Friendships

Magical international connections and friendships are flourishing with our HYBRID class, particularly through the popular “30/30” 30 Day challenge program. For example several months ago Nia Blue Belt Instructor Andi Szabó who lives in Transylvania, Romania, invited Kriszta Máthé to accompany her on the 30/30 challenge (when a participant signs up by the 28th of the month they get to invite someone for free!).

Kriszta was new to the group and new to Helen and Soma Ranch. As the month progressed we noticed how Kriszta was attending everyday, dancing with us live from Romania. The local ladies in Montgomery, TX, attending the class at the Soma Studio loved seeing her and all the other fabulous movers and groovers from around the world.

Mid month Helen shared “Kriszta, you should get an award for attending so often. What if we add a fun incentive; come at least 15 minutes live everyday for the 30 day challenge and you get to come for the next month free!”

“Kriszta,
you should get an award for your stela attendance!
What if we add a fun incentive;
come live (at least 15 mins) everyday
and receive the next 30/30 challenge for free!”

— Helen Terry ~ Soma Ranch

Kriszta was up for the challenge and succeeded in attending 30 days in a row! She came back for free the following month and then was “hooked”, Kriszta now attends every month and enjoys how the daily connection and classes help her feel connected and motivated.

When Kriszta discovered Helen would be in Budapest offering a special community class she decided to surprise Helen and travel a very long journey on the train from Romania to Hungary, with Andi Szabó, to attend the 1 hour class.

“yes! wonderful to be a surprise yet, as Kriszta walked towards me I was like “well of course!” the experience would not have been the same without her LOL”

— Helen Terry ~ Soma Ranch

Helen loved the surprise and opportunity to meet and dance with Kriszta. Of all the comments shared the one that made Helen giggle the most was when Kriszta shared “Turn to the donkeys! – that was the first not said sentence…”. Helen, instead of saying turn/move left, turn/move right, says move towards the door for right and move to the donkeys left (it’s in the direction of the stables and animals), lovely and very amusing at how Kriszta notices these little details that become part of the class experience.

“
I am proud to be here. We are part of each other’s everyday life.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Helen!
What you do is indescribable and priceless. You are a beautiful and strong woman. I knew this even before we met in person. But your smile and hug, well, will accompany me for the rest of my life.”

— Kriszta Máthé

“I missed your voice for a second. I am use to hearing your thoughts, your instructions, your explanations of what we are moving in our body and soul during our dance. Then I realized, that I can definitely hear you in my soul. I smiled. Turn to the donkeys! – that was the first not said sentence…”

— Máthé Kriszta

New Soma Ranch Mailing Address

Our New Mailing Address is: Soma Ranch, PO Box 1156, Montgomery, TX 77356.

Soma Ranch is 1/2 mile from the main 105 highway, where our mail box is located. (not a great place for mail or packages). We also have a gate that is closed unless there are public classes, events or retreats. The solution? a PO BOX at the local post office where we daily check our mail.

If you have a package to deliver with any service other than USPS (United States Postal Service) please text 832-567-4550 or email info@somaranch.com

Takes a Village When Helen Leaves Soma

Helen, who is having a BLAST In Budapest (photos below), will soon travel to the UK to be with her parents for Christmas.

We have an AWESOME team of folks (who feel more like friends) stepping in, and stepping up, to teach while Helen’s gone. Even Joe has become trained with Zoom and all the “spaghetti” involved with a hybrid class (list included below) .

This is a lovely opportunity to experience several different teachers, different styles and a very special anticipation flavor of the Fabulous Rock Stars and Saturday Special Guest Master Teachers who are joining the 30 day challenge and 365 day challenge team for 2023.

You have some great options to choose from:

• Drop in for 1 class for $15

• Buy a 5 or 10 class pass $65|$120

• Sign up for 30 days for $99

• Invest in 365 days of joy for $900.

Helen helps Kelly Marie

Joe gets "Zoomy", Helen gets reDonkeylously excited

Paul teaches 8am Friday 12/16

Elaine teachers 8am Tuesday 12/13

Natasha teaches 8am Tuesday 12/20

Wonderful Zoom Movers "Yes We Can"

Yes we CAN!! HYBRID Joy of Moving

Irene Wednesday 8am Feldenkrais

Kelly 10am Monday 12/12 + Thursday 12/15

Carolina: Wonderful Zoom Soma Host|Ambassador

Deb teaches 10am Monday 12/19 & Thursday 12/22

Maria teaches Saturday 12/17 8:45am Nia 5 Stages, 10am Nia,

---

soma ranch Special Guest Master Teachers

Dr Deb Kern | www.drdebkern.com

Maria Whitley | www.shinelouisville.com

---

Helen back in Budapest after 3 years

Zoom Spaghetti includes:

• camera 1 - talking with participants on line before and after class

• camera 2 - filming teacher from an elevated position

• projector - projects zoom participants on side wall (fondly called the wall of smiles)

• audio 1 - used for communicating with participants

• audio 2 - wired sound into mixer used for playing music and instructor’s voice

• mixer - mixes music and microphone

Kelly Marie Harris Teaching Debut

Nia 10am classes at Soma Ranch, this Monday and Thursday, will be lead by Kelly Marie Harris.

Please come on out and give Kelly Marie a warm welcome to something she has been working towards for a LONG time.

Kelly Marie is a Nia Brown Belt instructor who has been on apprenticeship for 2+ years. She brings embodiment, skill, humor, heart and MOVES to her practice.

To learn more about Nia Classes at Soma Ranch or book a class click the links below.

January 30 day Challenge

Our next 30 day challenge will be here before we know it? Would you like to gift somebody 30 days of Joy for the Holidays? Would you like to gift yourself the “Choose Joy” 30 day challenge?

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

When you sign up for the January 30 day challenge by December 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 class, Fabulous Rock Stars and Saturday Special guests.

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

All for $99.

Soma Rock Stars

Please welcome these wonderful members of the Soma “Fabulous Rock Stars”; Carolina, Elaine, Irene, Kelly Marie, Natasha and Paul. Helen recently connected with each member to introduce you and provide you with a feel for how we evolving from mostly an “I”, (Helen Terry teaching almost all the classes for the past 2 years) to a “We” (a combo of relatively new yet Fabulously Talented Nia teachers, and Special Saturday Guest Master Teachers).

365 Day Challenge 2023

Consider a gift for yourself, or another, that will last all year long. ONSALE until December 25th, at only $900 for 12 months.

1st Monday Cuppa

Thank you “Soma Sistas” for attending our last monthly “1st Monday Cuppa” for 2022. We had a grand time and raised $105 for St Jude. These get togethers are truly meaningful connections AND how we laugh.

Our goal is to raise $5000 by March 1. We presently have collected $1717.

Happy December

Happy December!

Joe and I (Helen), hope you are well and enjoy the shift of seasons.

Who say’s there’s no fall in Texas y’all!

The leaves changing colors and falling this year are spectacular.

Here’s a few snippets we captured yesterday here at Soma Ranch.

November was a vibrant month here at Soma Ranch, Fabulous to see Former Business partner Kristie Bryant who came to visit, Congratulations Nia Green Belts, Thank you 1st Monday Cuppa (we had a grand time and raised $52 for St Jude)

December is the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Mid month, Helen gets to visit her parents in the UK and there’s an AWESOME team of talent stepping in to help cover classes and provide you with fabulous experiences and a taste of what is to come in 2023.

Hope you’ll consider joining us either for the whole month or select classes that work best with your schedule. Our 30 day challenge begins today and Next Monday is our 1st Cuppa Community get together

December Classes

For the month of December we’re dipping our toes into our new evolving program.

While Helen travels to the UK to be with her parents, “the team” are covering some classes and providing y’all with a taste of what is yet to come. We hope you can join us.

Here’s the schedule, and how to sign up for either the whole month (for only $99) or pay as you go.

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)

• $75 | Day Retreat(click for more Info)

• $25 | Lunch or Dinner

• $96 | 60 min massage

• $145 | 90 min massage

30 Day Challenge Benefits:

1. unlimited 10am + 8am Nia Classes for 30 days

2. bring a “new to the journey” friend to class for a month

3. enjoy before and after class conversations and nuggets

4. receive automatic 24HR replays via email

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

I can't describe how this feels

I LOVE this and I can't describe how it feels to know a small group of other teachers are coming on board with me to help keep our 30 day movement challenges thriving in 2023.

We've been sustaining a 30 day challenge program since January 2021. That is I've been teaching ONLINE almost everyday for 2 years!

Then regular 30 Day challenge participant, and amazing Feldenkrais Method teacher, Irene Pasternack came along. Soon Irene began to teach on Wednesdays, where she’d improvise on a theme I’d been focusing in my Nia Classes. Her healing, insightful feldenkrais classes compliment what I've been teaching in class wonderfully, I get to be a student and the community LOVE it. (what a blessing!).

Seeing how our community responded and witnessing the benefits AND JOY of collaborating with a fellow somatic teacher gave a taste of the potential...

When I (Helen) said "no way! I'm NOT doing this 365 day challenge for another year", another voice inside me whispered "oh yes you can! what would make you YEARN to keep on keeping on?".. and so the soup began to simmer….

I adore helping others, I thrive on seeing potential realized and enjoy working/playing with folks who want to learn from me.

This is how our evolving program has developed;

1. A small group of relatively new teachers, who have fabulous potential, will lead some of the weekday classes. Paul Duff, Elaine Marie Dunphy, Kelly Marie Harris and Natasha Villeneuve. We’re fondly calling them the FABULOUS ROCK STARS

2. A small group of experienced, highly skilled teachers will be featured as Special Guests on Saturday mornings Martha Randall, Kellie Chambers, Erin Curren, Maria Whitley respectfully referred to as SATURDAY SUPER STARS

For the month of December we’re dipping our toes into our new evolving program. While I am traveling to the UK to be with my parents, “the team” are covering some classes and providing y’all with a taste of what is yet to come. I hope you can join us. I’ve included the schedule below

Beautiful Nia Green Belt Feedback

Thank you Carolina for beautiful feedback about your recent Nia Green Belt Training at Soma Ranch.

As owners of Soma Ranch, Joe and Helen dreamed up the IDEA and GOALS of Soma Ranch. They likely will never tire of receiving feedback that confirms their dreams have come true, the idea and goals have been achieved. Thank you.

“THE IDEA
At Soma Ranch we welcome you home. Each time you step into Soma Ranch, you receive the opportunity to heal, learn, be inspired and have a boat load of fun in the process! We define Soma as “healthy body, mind and spirit in its wholeness.””

— Joe & Helen Terry, Soma Ranch LLC

“Green belt 🦚tools provided me with specific instructions, exercises, for experiencing practices to gain more confidence and competence for becoming the teacher I am and feel inspired to be. ”

— Carolina M.

“Helen you are an amazing impecable teacher and motivator.
Green Belt 🦚was more than what I imagined ✨ Green belt was a deep growth experience that impacted both, my Nia and personal journeys 💕 ”

— Carolina M.

December 30 day Challenge

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

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

When you sign up for the December 30 day challenge by November 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 class.

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

All for $99.

Consider joining us for ALL of next year, presently a savings of $288! We’d love you to be part of this journey and adventure.

Monday Cuppa December 5

THIS MONTH WE MEET ON MONDAY December 5.

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!