Fun Friday - a Reason to Laugh

Hi! here's a fun intro/taste of our Fun Friday process, including some music samples. If you'd like to enjoy the whole class email a request to info@somaranch.com

April, RECORDING DAY 28

FOCUS: Kind and Gentle Nourishment, like Sunshine from our hearts

INTENT: To be moving towards (or more) Health and Happiness

ROUTINE: Fun Friday Improv'

MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/fridaycreative-49/pl.u-4JoK7dNCD0a8R

TEACHER: Helen

COMMENTS: Inspired by a fun show I watch, that is ending next week after 5 series:

“The happiest moments of your life
sometimes butt up against
some of the saddest moments of your life,
and just when you think
you can’t take anymore,
sometimes the world gives you
a reason to laugh.
You just have to be open to it.”

— DJ Nash, A Million Little Things….

NATURAL TIME SIGNATURE OF THE DAY:

Kin 85: Red Resonant Serpent

Your Galactic Affirmation is:

I Channel in order to Survive

Inspiring Instinct

I seal the Store of Life Force

With the Resonant tone of Attunement

I am guided by the power of Navigation

I am a galactic activation portal ~ enter me.

TIA in advance for paying for class. Participants track their own classes (honor system)

Classes rates are:

$15 for 1 class

$65 for 5 classes

$120 for 10 classes

Pay via Venmo (iLoveSoma) or via

www.somaranch.com/booking/soma-class-rates

You're welcome to join us on the next Challenge. 

Here's the link:

30 Day Daily Movement Challenge

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

Monday Cuppa, 11am May 1

Yes! we begin a new annual FundRaiser for St Jude. For the 2023 race we raised over $8000 for St Jude. This 1st Monday Community Cuppa will be our first event for the new 2024 race Fundraiser.

Let’s get together, celebrate, connect and kick off our fundraiser in a GRAND way.

Next “Cuppa” is Monday, May 1st.

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 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

Special Guest Teacher: Carolina "Pre-Cinco"

Carolina Moon Macky, Special Guest Teacher, May 3, 8am via Zoom.

Carolina Moon Macky is offering an original dance creation on May 3rd, Pre-May 5th celebration!

The playlist is a surprise.

For more information about Carolina click:

https://www.facebook.com/macky.ment?mibextid=LQQJ4d 

Usually these 8am classes are exclusive to the 30 day challengers. This time around we’re opening this special experience to anyone who choices to make a donation to St Jude. TIA :-)

Here’s more information from Carolina:

Carolina Marun is a Nia Brown Belt teacher with all specialty training experience.

Carolina is passionate about honoring, increasing awareness, and sharing the richness of her LatinX and multicultural roots. She creates original dancing routines incorporating her love for music, rhythm, and joy of movement.

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that recognizes Mexico's victory at the Battle of Puebla. It is a day that celebrates the Mexican army's victory over France during the Franco-Mexican War on May 5, 1862. Cinco de Mayo has become a way to honor Mexican culture and heritage in the US.

Carolina created a 5 de Mayo routine called “TRUTH, SHINING LIGHT” that takes us through a magical movement journey of layered interconnection with Latino music, with one another, and with ourselves. 

This is a dancing experience that begins and ends with traditional music and danza from Puebla, Mexico; it blends a diverse mix of contemporary Hispanic musicians.

Carolina is excited to be sharing this special 30-minute version in the Soma Community on May 3rd, 2023 at 9:00 AM EDT Class via Zoom.

FOCUS: 

The three main body weights: 

PELVIS, CHEST, and HEAD, interconnected with the SPINE

INTENT:

To sense being INTEGRATED and WHOLE

ROUTINE:

“TRUTH, SHINING LIGHT” by Carolina Marun

MUSIC:

Traditional music from Puebla, and other contemporary Hispanic musicians.

Carolina is also offering a 60-minute 5 de Mayo celebration class on May 5th, at 11:00 AM EDT. Contact her directly for additional information about this event.

Carolina Marun

Carolina.marun@yahoo.com

FB PROFILE LINK

https://www.facebook.com/macky.ment?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Choose to make a donation to a local Latino organizations in your community. Or through our Soma Charity, St Jude, who are strong supporters of the Latino community.

Paul Duff Fun Friday 52 Moves Nia Class

Lovely conversation with Paul Duff about his creative process and class experience for Fun Friday

Paul is part of our 30 day challenge teaching team (Way to go Rock Star!)

Fun Friday is one of the classes offered on our 30 Day Challenge

For more information about the 30 day challenge, learn about what's included and the sign up link visit: https://www.somaranch.com/booking/nia-challenge

Earth Day Connective Tissue

This Saturday let’s come together to dance and sense connection, to explore how to be the best we can be and contribute to helping the planet as best we can.

Our focus will explore Connective Tissue, specifically how Connective tissue is meant to be moveable, fluid, sensual. With April 22 being Earth Day, we connect this focus with the issue of the planet, of our awareness of the relationship between us, our inner world and the outer world we are part of.

“We are our environment.
Support Earth Day.
This planet is our home
and the home of all species.
Everything matters,
everyone belongs and
every day is earth day.”

— Support Earth Day

When we practice the Nia 5 Stages and Somatic Movement practices we can connect to the sensation of the “in-between” (ie: the connective tissue between stages, between movements), this allows us to sense the relationship between one move or body part to another and help us explore how to find a quality of sensuality, grace and ease in our movement. This is also a metaphor for how we are connected with one another and all things that surround us.

Beginning with the Nia 5 Stages class, which most often is described as a luxurious healing hour of setting the focus for the 10am movement experience that follows.

The 10am class will be “EarthSong”, will be an experience led by Helen Terry that explores connection,

• from one body part to another

• from one move to another

• from one person to another

• from our inner worlds to the outer world

• from all of us to the world, planet earth around us.

The animal world is ideal for studying connective tissue in motion. Animals are most often fluid, strong and graceful in their bodies. Even when they are airborne, such as a lioness jumping, we can witness how animals are connected to their own physical forms as well as to the space outside their bodies. A reminder of how we can learn so much from the animals, plants and all species on the planet and how we need to wake up, pay attention and protect our precious planet.

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it”

— Robert Swan

“Connective tissue is a substance that transmits information and binds, or connects, things.
It comes in many forms.
Tendons and ligaments are connective
tissue;
cartilage is connective tissue;
muscles are wrapped in connective tissue.
Even blood is a connective tissue.”

— Nia 5 Stages

When you sign up for a class you are automatically sent the Zoom link for class. The link is the same each week.

“We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it”

— Barack Obama

You are welcome to attend either class.

And, when you’re able to attend both classes, something magic happens! The entire Nia 5 stages class is like a rich 60 minute introduction to the 10am Nia class, a beautiful compliment and super preparation.

In this gentle, self discovering, potentially healing Nia 5 stages experience

• your body gets to settle into and taste the Nia class focus

• your mind can learn new and novel information,

• your heart may open to receive more with fascination up and frustration down

• your spirit could be tickled and curious to experience more

“I only feel angry when I see waste. When I see people throwing away things we could use”

— Mother Teresa

Soma News

I'm back from a lovely vacation, unplugged, hiking with my wonderful daughter. Spending beautiful quality time, in nature, with a loved one, is certainly a way to reset and reassess. I return feeling refreshed and blessed.

We have an upcoming Healing Embodied Authentic Somatic Retreat this weekend, last call if you'd like to join us. Also you are welcome to join us for our Earth Day Saturday morning classes in person, online or via 24HR replay. 8:45am Nia 5 Stages, 10:00am Nia Classic.

Paul Duff​ is leading our Fun Friday class tomorrow and (even though our 8am 30 minute classes are usually only open to 30 day challengers) for this special event we are opening up the experience to anyone who would like to make a donation to our annual fundraiser with St Jude.

This Sunday 10am Central, Natasha Villeneuve is providing a Webinar about Health and Nutrition.

Public classes continue at 10am Mondays and Thursdays are hybrid (choose IN PERSON at Soma or ONLINE via zoom) and Saturdays 8:45am Nia 5 Stages and 10am (via Zoom).

Helen is providing monthly trainings: May Blue Belt, June Brown Belt, July White Belt.

Our “grand finale” Blue Electric Storm retreat is July 24-26. Come celebrate natural time, the day out of time and all things Soma!

All fall trainings are being forwarded to Spring 2024,

Helen and Joe will be traveling more. We are planning a couple of LONG road trips, if you’d like to host Helen for a class and/or workshop/special event be sure to email helen@somaranch.com .

And be sure you are subscribed to our Soma News to receive more information about the locations and details of special events coming up, possibly closer to where you live!

Paul Duff Nourishing Fun Friday April 21

This Friday 8am Central Time, Paul Duff is leading our fun Friday experience.

There’s many ways we PLAY the Fun Friday theme. This time around Paul is collating song requests, then pressing shuffle on the collective playlist at the top of the hour, simultaneously pressing shuffle on the 52 moves in 30 minute app! OH what fun!!

Usually these 8am classes are exclusive to the 30 day challengers. This time around we’re opening this special experience to anyone who choices to make a donation to St Jude. TIA :-)

“Humbly requesting your “nourishing” song requests for Friday’s class. Songs you return to - that comfort you, that ground you, that energize you, make you laugh, make you cry, make you feel alive - dark songs, playful songs, sexy songs, hopeful songs - songs that always make your life better…”

— Paul Duff

Feel free to contemplate and bring requests to class, AND please arrive a bit early in the zoom room to give Paul time to add your song to the playlist.

The songs AND the 52 Moves will be on shuffle - class will be a unique creation only possible in that moment.

We can’t exactly practice Nia’s RAW, as we’ll be moving, not Waiting - so we’ll be practicing RA!, Relaxed and Alert, as we listen and move through the 52 Moves.

Look forward to co-creating with all y’all!

Here are links to playlist if you want to see what's on it so far:

Spotify Playlist for 52 Moves Nourish

Apple Music Playlist for 52 Moves Nourish

Webinar: The Digestion Connection Sunday April 23

Webinar: The Digestion Connection with Natasha Villeneuve, C.N.P.

Sunday April 23, 11:00am EST, 10:00am CT

Free for 30 Day Challengers!

St. Jude Fundraiser: Donations appreciated from participants beyond the 30 day challenge.

Healthy digestion is the foundation of our overall health. When digestion is compromised, we cannot properly absorb and utilize all the essential, health-supporting nutrients from our food, nor can we eliminate all the harmful waste products.

Digestive challenges can lead to other health issues such as inflammatory conditions, weakened immunity, fatigue, skin problems, joint pain, hormonal imbalances, depression and mind fog.

There is good news! Once we address the underlying causes and support the healing process through healthy nutrition and lifestyle, the body has an incredible ability to heal.

Join Natasha to Learn:

• Basic anatomy and physiology of the digestive system

• The link between digestive disorders and other health challenges

• Common dietary & lifestyle causes of digestive disorders

• The connection between stress, emotions, our brain and digestion

• Simple tips on how to improve digestion & overall health

Aside from being an enthusiastic Nia instructor, Natasha Villeneuve, Holistic Nutritionist is the Lead of the Natural Food Pantry Education Initiative in Ottawa, Canada. Natasha is dedicated to educating, guiding and empowering people toward optimal health and well-being.

With over twenty years in the health and wellness industry, Natasha has gained a positive reputation within the community as a nutritional consultant, speaker and workshop facilitator and has provided nutrition and health presentations for various businesses, corporations and events.

Natasha's main focus and interest are in the areas of digestion, gut-brain connection, women's health, mental health, family nutrition and mindful eating.

All registrants will receive 48 hour access to recording

FYI Upcoming "10 Day Online Spring Nutritional Reset Experience!" on Eventbrite!

Date: Mon, May 15 ‐ Thu, May 25 • 8:00 AM EDT

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/10-day-online-spring-nutritional-reset-experience-tickets-576410759097?aff=eand

Precious Time in Nature = Health

I'm back from a lovely short vacation/long weekend, unplugged, hiking with my wonderful daughter. Spending beautiful quality time, in nature, with a loved one, is certainly a way to reset and reassess. I return feeling refreshed and blessed.

Our days were simple, healthy breakfast, short drive (less than 40 mins), long hike (at least 4 hours), eat snack bars at the peak, home to our airBNB for shower, PJs and Dinner by 3pm, then unwind, possibly walk into the local Hoodsport town, make fire, continue our jigsaw puzzle and rest.

Liliana’s formula for healthy balance between driving and hiking (for people and the environment) is the time in the time spent driving must be at least 1/2 the time spend hiking. e.g. if the drive is 40 minutes each way = 80 minutes, the hike must be at least 160 minutes.

Helen’s take home from this trip:

• make time for nature

• get outside everyday

• explore new places

• spend quality time with the precious people in your life

• eat healthy, rest well, laugh lots

Natasha Shares her Creative Choreography Evolution

Soma Rock Star Teacher Natasha Villeneuve has been teaching Nia for about 2 years. She's dedicated many hours into her practice and invested incredible life-force energy into learning Nia Routines in preparation to teach.

Now, with this fabulous foundation, combined with inspiration from attending the 30 day challenge, receiving coaching and simply being ready Natasha shares how she's stepping out with more creativity and joy.

To enroll in the 30 day challenge click www.somaranch.com/booking/nia-challenge

Keep in touch by signing up for our Soma News www.somaranch.com/subscribe

Fun Fridays

Over the evolution of our 30 day movement challenge, Fun Fridays have become a “thing”. Some folks have signed up for the 30 day program simply to gain access to the Fun Friday experiences! Like many fun creative successes, this began as a simple “one off” idea one Friday. The group then asked if we could do it again. And the rest is history.

This Friday was Helen Terry’s 48th Fun Friday class. This is where the class participants bring their song requests, and the playlist is collated, within the 15 minutes before the 8am 30 minute class begins:

• participants bring the song requests (MUSIC)

• Helen makes up the choreography on the fly (MOVES)

• together we co-create a wonderful time (MAGIC)

Today Helen continued the Sanjana theme, she played with moves from the original choreography adapted to the new music.

Although the tunes were unprepared, some songs unknown and the entire list put on shuffle = no control over what speed songs goes where, there was a lovely flow from one song to the next.

“Knowing the original choreography well.
Having an embodied sense of the structure,
including the 7 cycles of a Nia class.
Setting the focus and intent well,
and then sustaining this throughout the experience.
All adds up to a fun, grounded, stimulating and inspiring workout
for our body, mind, emotions and soul.
This truly has become a remarkable COLLECTIVE experience.”

— Helen Terry

Here’s the playlist

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/fridaycreative-48/pl.u-yZyPZY1tG4Y8b

Medusa Maverick Movement

This Saturday we explore Awareness, specifically Body Awareness, by paying attention to the sensation, the language of our body. We will particularly explore the sensations of temperature, texture and weight of the skin, bones and soft connective tissue of the body.

Beginning with the Nia 5 Stages class, which most often is described as a luxurious healing hour of setting the focus for the 10am movement experience that follows.

The 10am class will be “Medusa”, an experience Helen Terry has adapted from the Nia Routine Sanjana. Here’s more about the music and the wonderful artist Annie Lenox who created the album Medusa.

Wonderful interview with Annie Lennox who humbly accepts the phrase Maverick. She certainly seems to be a conscious, intelligent and most “unorthodox and independent-minded person".

I love and connect with how Annie Lennox shares her desire to be a “powerful performer, to resonate with people in a certain way, and a sense of who I am and what I want to do”

“ an unorthodox or independent-minded person”

— Maverick

Here’s a sweet duet with her daughter Lola…

“I desire to be a powerful performer,
to resonate with people in a certain way,
with a strong sense of
who I am and
what I want to do.”

— Annie Lennox

When you sign up for a class you are automatically sent the Zoom link for class. The link is the same each week.

“Listen to Sensation, the language of your body.”

— Nia

You are welcome to attend either class.

And, when you’re able to attend both classes, something magic happens! The entire Nia 5 stages class is like a rich 60 minute introduction to the 10am Nia class, a beautiful compliment and super preparation.

In this gentle, self discovering, potentially healing Nia 5 stages experience

• your body gets to settle into and taste the Nia class focus

• your mind can learn new and novel information,

• your heart may open to receive more with fascination up and frustration down

• your spirit could be tickled and curious to experience more

“Awareness teaches us to
notice when we feel better
which is the sensation
of self-healing”

— Nia 5 Stages

Return from Rancho La Puerta

Hi! Helen’s heading back to Texas from an amazing week at Rancho La Puerta. There will be more photos and shares about this amazing retreat very soon. For now enjoy a few photos and perhaps start dreaming about joining us for a return this October.

This weekend Maria and Martha are kicking off the new month with the focus PLAY for both the Saturday 8:45 5 stages and 10:00am Nia. We being a new month challenge and this month our focus is choice - health and happiness, exploring the 3 stages of practice Learn, Move and Energize the move.

We are holding a special dance in memory of Micheline this Sunday at NiaMoves.

Irene is providing a Pop Up Feldenkrais Sunday workshop ONLINE.

And for one day only (today, Saturday) you can enjoy 50% savings on the StoryTelling line AND help St. Jude.

First Monday Cuppa is coming up this Monday at 11am. Get to know the great community AND help St Jude! Also our next embodied healing retreat is coming up this month.

Wishing you Health and Happiness and hope you can join us on one if not more of these experiences.

Love

Helen

No Fooling One Day Only 50% off

Storyline like to have a little fun and feel there are few better “holidays” to play around than THIS ONE!

From 12:01am CENTRAL TIME APRIL 1st through MIDNIGHT CENTRAL TIME, EVERYTHING on the Storyline Collection Website is available to YOU for 50% off!

That’s right, ONE DAY ONLY, 50% off ANYTHING!

AND 25% of all proceeds go to St. Jude. That is save $$$ and help St Jude!

Dance for Micheline

This Sunday, April 2, 11am, we are holding a Nia gathering/jam/ceremony for Micheline Rosenfeld at NiaMoves Houston.

Join us to honor our dancing sister Micheline Rosenfeld, who died on March 21, 2023.

We have prepared a special event for healing, reflection and dance to honor her spirit as we set the tone for moving forward as a community.

For those of you who knew Liz Gans, who also passed away last week, we invite you into the circle to remember her as well.

The event will include time to experience healing music, quiet reflection and/or your own gentle, self-guided dance before we gather in our traditional circle for remembrances, readings and the focus, followed by dances led by your teachers.

The studio will be set for movement or for sitting comfortably on cushions or chairs. Movers and non-movers are welcome. We’ll provide materials to capture your reflections in words or art if you feel so inspired and give you the option to share later.

There is no cost to attend this special event. However, we will accept donations to one or more of the organizations that Micheline loved and forward proceeds on her behalf.

Nia is more than simply movement. Nia invites you to express your deepest emotions. Nia is a safe place. Nia is, and creates, healing and community. It provides a pathway to literally dance through life, just as Micheline did.

She was laid to rest on Tuesday, March 28, but Micheline’s spirit lives on within all of us who dance with her in our hearts.

For more information email yvonnemyles@yahoo.com

Double Trouble Play

This Saturday! Come PLAY!!! You get DOUBLE TROUBLE as Maria Whitley teaches 5 Stages and Martha Randall teaches Nia - both classes focusing on PLAY!

This month, as we focus on Choices for Health & Happiness, let's start the month off with how PLAY can enhance you Learn, Move & Energize your Nia practice!

See you Saturday!!! No Foolin'!!!; 8:45am Nia 5 Stages and 10:00am Nia Classic (Central US Time).

Hello everyone! Just a heads up that for Martha’s 10am class on Saturday she will be starting class by 10:10 am CT.

Maria will engage you with playful conversation post 5 Stages!

Our playlist for the morning is to the music of Cirque du Soleil.

Hope to see you on the dance floor via zoom!

When you sign up for a class you are automatically sent the Zoom link for class. The link is the same each week.

You are welcome to attend either class.

And, when you’re able to attend both classes, something magic happens! The entire Nia 5 stages class is like a rich 60 minute introduction to the 10am Nia class, a beautiful compliment and super preparation.

In this gentle, self discovering, potentially healing Nia 5 stages experience

• your body gets to settle into and taste the Nia class focus

• your mind can learn new and novel information,

• your heart may open to receive more with fascination up and frustration down

• your spirit could be tickled and curious to experience more

Pop Up Feldenkrais

Pop-up DIY Feldenkrais workshop!

Learn a simple 3-step process you can do on your own to help get out of pain or improve how you move.

Sunday April 2, 11 am - noon Central Time.

100% of funds collected go to St Jude: https://www.somaranch.com/jude.

Email irenep@movebeyondlimits.com to receive the zoom link for class

Embodied Authentic Healing Retreat

Our 5th Embodied Authentic Healing Retreat is coming up this month and we’d love you to join us.

Registration is now open for 2023 Embodied Authentic Healing Retreats. Each retreat is limited to 12 guests. Sign up now to secure your place and receive Early Bird Pricing Discount.

Sale

Embodied Authentic Healing Retreat

from $499.00

Rock STARs at Soma

We had a GRAND time hosting Rock Star teachers at Soma Ranch. More stories will unfold over the next few weeks. For now we hope you enjoy these photos which capture several special moments.

April Challenge of Choices for Health and Happiness

Each month for 2023 we feature a New Fun Challenge (See full list below).

For the month of April welcome to our focus of "Choices for Health + Happiness"

Focus: 3 stages of practice: Learn, Move, Energize

Intent: Move to Heal and Condition Your Soma

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

All 30 classes are provided online via Zoom.

The “challenge” will provide a variety of modalities including Nia, Moving to Heal, Feldenkrais, Ageless Grace, 52 Moves, Move IT, offered by a stellar team of teachers, Helen Terry + Rock Stars and Special Guests.

How to give gratitude for being able to move, feel vibrant, healthy and well, from an abundance of choice and variety.

Would you like to join us? Gain support and encouragement from a lovely welcoming community? Be inspired to develop a daily practice of self care through movement.

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

When you sign up for the April 30 day challenge by March 28th you can bring a friend for FREE!

Receive 30 classes that include: 30 mins, 60 mins, Nia, Nia 5 Stages, Feldenkrais, Fabulous Rock Stars and Saturday Special guests.

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

All for $99.

When bringing a guest for free for the month thank you for completing the following form. The only information required is your Name and Email address and your Guest’s Name and Email address, the other information is optional (helpful when available), then scroll to the bottom and click submit.