MAY we dance through life

Lovely conversation connecting with fellow Soma Ranch Rock Star Teachers, Paul, Natasha and Irene. We each bring different qualities, passions, experience, styles and more to our monthly 30 day challenge, the opportunity to enjoy 30 classes in 30 days LIVE or via 24HR replays. 

This month our theme is MAY we dance through life, with the focus: Awareness of the Body through sensation.

Paul is creatively offering a fun Friday 52 moves shuffle with "comforting underpinning" of the class is "one hit wonders". Remember to make your requests for "one hit wonders" tune for this collaborative experience (post on our private FB page or email info@somaranch.com.

Participants bring the music requests, teacher brings the moves "on the fly", together we co-create magic. This class is a St Jude Fundraiser Class, open to the public (make a donation and request the link for class and/or 24HR replay) 

Paul's Tuesday class will be a fun mix of "classic and cover" songs (like Bridge over troubled waters and Simply the Best) with choreography from Life. 15 minutes of movement to music then repeat/re-explore with different versions of the same songs.

Natasha is leading a Fun Friday MIX Combo compilation from Nia Routines Express, Sexi and Wild. These are all routines she is currently teaching with her students and Natasha loves how they compliment each other.

Natasha is also leading the Nia 5 Stages lesson on the Thigh bone on Saturday May 13, 8:45am Central.

Irene: feet and fingers - to get more mobility in our feet and more mobility to land on our feet so the forces go up through our body in a way that nurtures the joints of the body so we feel tall and powerful powerful.

playing with her own experience of how recent lessons have helped transform how to releve and walk on balls of the feet and to be powerful. (able to climb rocks like a 6 year old at the age of 60)

Elaine is leading a moving to heal class, more information coming soon.

Full schedule below.

50th Fun Friday Improv' Class

Many moons ago we began an “improv’” Fun Friday Theme. Where the class brings the tunes, Helen brings the moves and together we co-create magic. Today we celebrated the 50th Fun Friday event! having the Nia Blue Belt trainees in the room accompanying Helen was a delicious extra fun detail.

Usually these experiences are exclusive to the 30 day challengers. If you’d like to make a donation to our annual fundraiser we’d love to share the joy with you through the 24HR replay option.

1. make a donation of any amount at http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/somaranch2024

2. request the 24HR replay

3. enjoy the class

Many moons ago we began an “improv’” Fun Friday Theme. Where the class brings the tunes, Helen brings the moves and together we co-create magic. Today we celebrated the 50th Fun Friday event! usually these experiences are exclusive to the 30 day challengers. Today, if you’d like to make a donation to our annual fundraiser we’d love to share the joy with you through the 24HR replay option.

1. make a donation of any amount at http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/somaranch2024

2. request the 24HR replay

3. enjoy the class

RECORDING DAY 5 - May you dance through life 

FOCUS: Sense The Body and The Song Simultaneously

INTENT: Communicate an Intimate Relationship with the Music

ROUTINE: Fun Friday Mix #50

MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/fridaycreative-50/pl.u-55DPj86hye8vm

TEACHER: Helen

COMMENTS: Thank you for being on this JOY ride of awareness with us. OH HOW i adore our community and hope you do too. 

“Kin 92:
Yellow Magnetic Human

I Unify in order to Influence
Attracting Wisdom
I seal the Process of Free Will
With the Magnetic tone of Purpose
I am guided by my own power doubled”

— NATURAL TIME SIGNATURE OF THE DAY

Here’s the playlist…. After collecting all the song requests Helen puts the playlist on shuffle, we began with the last song from the previous week, then leave the rest of the song order up to the power of random! This is how the music unfolded…

Soma News

Happy Friday! We hope this weekend brings you some joy, hopefully dance, possibly connect or ideally have a grand time.

We have some fabulous opportunities coming up, many of them with Online options and would love to see you, either via zoom or with the 24HR replay request. Including today’s 50th Fun Friday Improv class.

Enjoy information about Awareness of Bones and entertaining learning and experiencing more this Saturday morning with 8:45am Nia 5 stages and 10am Nia Routine Bloom (US Central Time)

This Sunday we have an extra Special 10am Class The “Inno” Experience, where we adapt the moves of the Nia Routine Bloom into music that focuses on the return to innocence.

Remember now is last call for joining us for the May 30 day Movement challenge “Awareness” with the Focus: Paying attention to Sensation with the Intent to Dance Through Life with JOY.

Thank you Monthly Cuppa Fundraisers.

We have begun our 7 day Nia Blue Belt training, you are welcome to join us for the training, or a 7 day retreat, a day retreat or perhaps pop in for a class. 10am Saturday, Sunday, Monday and 8am Tuesday and Wednesday.

Special Sunday May 7, 10am "Inno" Class

10am Sunday, May 7, during the Nia Blue Belt we are offering an extra class (ONLINE via zoom, In PERSON at Soma Ranch, with 24HR replay option.

1. make a donation of any amount at http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/somaranch2024

2. receive link (the usual 10am class link) or come to Soma Ranch

3. attend class and/or enjoy 24 replay

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

Welcome Nia Blue Belts

Welcome Nia Blue Belt Participants, Amanda, Kathy and Liz. 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:

• Amanda is new to Soma Ranch and relatively new to Nia, coming from a Yoga background, she’s keen to learn for her own self development with curiosity about possibly teaching in the future

• Liz returns to Soma, having experienced her Nia white belt here last July. After loving how her life was enhanced from attending the foundation course, and also having dipped her toes into teaching a little, Liz has come back to go deeper and also gain more clarity and confidence in her teaching and life.

• Kathy returns to Soma having experienced the Writer’s Retreat and also Nia Green Belt. She continues to integrate Nia principles into her equestrian career, including her program call the “Ride Moves”

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

5/6 Saturday 8:45am Nia 5 Stages

5/6 Saturday 10am (60 minutes)

5/7 Sunday 10am (60 minutes)

5/8 Monday 10am (60 minutes)

5/9 Tuesday 8am (30 minutes)

5/10 Wednesday 8am (30 minutes)

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

Saturday Morning Awareness of Bones

During our Nia Blue Belt 7 day training retreat you are invited to join us for the public Saturday, 10am Class via Zoom, in person or via the 24HR recording.

FOCUS: Awareness of Bones

INTENT: Evolve a felt sense of bones, their relationship with each other, and with us.

ROUTINE: Bloom

MUSIC:  Nia Sounds Bloom 

We explore:

• Long Bones

• Short Bones

• Flat Bones

• Round Bones

• Irregular Bones

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 the Nia Routine “Bloom”. An experience led by Helen Terry that continues the exploration of bones in relationship with each other (+ the spaces in between) and the relationship of bones with us as humans. How the bones provide structure, form, protection, movement and storage.

“the Nia 5 stages class is
like a luxurious 60 minute movement meditation
that delves into the focus of class.
The following Nia dance class is
enhanced through this investment
bringing fascination up and frustration down
as we dance””

— Helen Terry

This Saturday let’s come together to dance and sense our bones. Every bone tells a story. The shape of the bones communicates how it’s designed to be moved. The form indicates the function. For example bigger bones bear more weight and smaller bones do not. Irregular shaped bones are designed for move movement variety whereas regular shaped bones provide more “reliability”.

“My moveable architecture provides
you with protection, support, and a place for the storage of minerals, salts, and a fresh supply of red blood cells.”

— Nia 5 Stages

“There are no bones in the human body that are straight, there is a roundness and a spiraling action to most bones.
The forearm bones are the only two that spiral over each other. Energy moves along a curved line more functionally versus a straight line. ”

— Nia 5 Stages

The BLOOM Routine uses imagination and imagery from the life cycle of a flower blooming to enhance the sensations of squeeze/release, positive tension, and dynamic ease in the body. In BLOOM, you will sense moving energy from in to out and intrinsic to extrinsic.

About

ROUTINE TITLE: BLOOM

CHOREOGRAPHERS: Christina Mae Wolf, Kellie Chambers, and Rossella Vanti

RELEASE DATE: 2022

DIFFICULTY: All Levels

The FOCUS of the Nia routine BLOOM is on Imagination.

The INTENT is to engage your mind to enhance your physical experience of conditioning and self-healing.

The BLOOM Routine uses imagination and imagery from the life cycle of a flower blooming to enhance the sensations of squeeze/release, positive tension, and dynamic ease in the body. In BLOOM, you will sense moving energy from in to out and intrinsic to extrinsic. BLOOM invites you to imagine moving from the positive tension of the seed to the dynamic ease of the sprouts, from the positive tension of a flower bud to the dynamic ease of the bloom, from the positive tension of creating new seeds to the dynamic ease of letting them go. This routine will build your brain-body connection and take you on a journey of body, mind, emotions, and spirit.

“That inner voice has both
gentleness and clarity.
So to get to authenticity,
you really keep going
down to the bone,
to the honesty,
and the inevitability of something.”

— Meredith Monk

Oh my! if you’d like to get a little geeky, or simply enjoy listening the this beautiful run of anatomy words about bones. Check out this great video which provides a wonderful introduction to the different shapes in the body, and other, more in depth videos follow.

“To succeed in life, you need three things:
a wishbone,
a backbone
and a funny bone.”

— Reba McEntire

When you sign up for a class you are automatically sent the Zoom link for class.

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

Monthly Cuppa for St Jude

Dear Chris, Cynthia, Emily, JoAnn and Susannah,

Thank you for choosing to hang out after class on Monday for our “Monthly Cuppa”. (and Happy Birthday to Emily)

We enjoyed a vigorous entertaining conversation that weaved around many subjects. The opportunity to connect, learn more about each other, laugh and support was much appreciated.

We raised $20 for St Jude (our annual fundraising campaign)

Our next “Monthly Cuppa” is Monday, June 5th.

https://www.somaranch.com/jude

May Challenge of Awareness

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

For the month of May welcome to our focus of "Awareness"

Focus: Paying Attention to Body | Sensation

Intent: Dance Through Life

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 May 30 day challenge by April 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, your Guest’s Name and Email address, and confirmation that your guest is new to the 30 day challenge. The other information is optional (helpful when available). Then scroll to the bottom and click submit.

Soma News

“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….

Happy Friday! We hope this weekend the world gives you a reason to laugh, at least smile, hopefully dance, possibly connect or ideally have a grand time.

We have some fabulous opportunities coming up, many of them with Online options via Zoom and would love to see you.

Enjoy information about Saturday morning spirals with Nia 5 stages and Afro Celt.

Now is the time to consider joining us for the May 30 day Movement challenge “Awareness” with the Focus: Paying attention to Sensation with the Intent to Dance Through Life with JOY.

Remember next Monday is 1st Cuppa.

Next Wednesday Carolina is leading a “pre-Cinco” class.

Next Thursday we begin the 7 day Nia Blue Belt training, you are welcome to join us for the training, or a 7 day retreat, a day retreat or perhaps pop in for a class.

Saturday Morning Spirals

Super excited to be sharing this special Saturday, 10am Class via Zoom. Adapted from an original Nia routine “SkyDancing” by Carlos Aya Rosas. The AfroCelt Experience leads us through a journey of discovery, with the Core and Extremities (Legs and Arms).

We explore:

• Gift of Travel ~ Legs - Low Extremities

• Gift of expression ~ Arms - Upper Extremities

• Gift of connection ~ Core

“I LOVE this routine. It’s a well refined vertical routine that transcends me to a different time, takes me to a fitness level that I love to reach and I think carries the class along with me! I love the look on participants faces. when we are in the peak of get moving, the expression says something like “wow! how did I get here!””

— Helen Terry

This Saturday let’s come together to dance and sense spirals. The spiral is the path of movement in a human being and almost all organic growth – plants spiral up. A tightrope walker has to practice a really longtime to walk on a straight line. Our natural walk is a shifting, a spiraling back and forth. Our breath spirals. Even an idea spirals – it begins, spirals up, goes back down, and then we say something.

“We are not going in circles, we are going upwards. The path is a spiral; we have already climbed many steps.”

— Hermann Hesse

FOCUS: Celebrate Spirals through Core + Extremities

INTENT: Leave invigorated and inspired with a sense of greater connection through your body and beyond. Connect the dots physically and energetically.

ROUTINE: Afro Celt

MUSIC:  Afro Celt 3: Further in Time

An Album like “Further in Time”, with a band like Afro Celt Sound System, creates a fun, fabulous and expansive sound back drop from which to choreograph moves. The result being a magical experience.
A routine inspired from the SkyDancing routine designed by Carlos Aya Rosas. In class I choose to give thanks to Carlos Aya Rosas, for all the life changing inspiration he has brought to my life and the lives of many….

All songs other than the last come from Afro Celt Volume 3:Further In Time

North 6:49

North Part 2 3:01

When You’re Falling 5:14

Colossus 6:44

Lagan 4:05

Shadowman 6:36

Life Begin Again 6:22

Further In Time 6:32

Go On Through 8:04

Onwards 5:27

Adagio 5:11 Safri Duo Spine

“There are no bones in the human body that are straight, there is a roundness and a spiraling action to most bones.
The forearm bones are the only two that spiral over each other. Energy moves along a curved line more functionally versus a straight line. ”

— Nia 5 Stages

oh MY!! in preparation for my classes tomorrow (teaching adapted version of Sky Dancing called Afro Celt (named after the band who plays the music LOL) I found this wonderful breakdown & visual display of a song (by Afro Celt)... how cool is this...

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 “Afro Celt”, will be an experience led by Helen Terry that explores spirals in relationship with Core and Extremities.

Oh my! if you’d like to get a little geeky, or simply enjoy listening the this beautiful run of anatomy words with spiraling visuals. Check out this great video which provides a wonderful journey along the spiral line of the body.

“The spiral is a spiritualized circle. In the spiral form, the circle, uncoiled, has ceased to be vicious; it has been set free.”

— Vladimir Nabokov

“The whole universe is based on rhythms.
Everything happens in circles, in spirals.”

— John Hartford

When you sign up for a class you are automatically sent the Zoom link for class.

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

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

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