Soma News: July 7, 2023

Soma News: Welcoming “Art of Sensation” Nia White Belt Guests!
Greetings to all our beloved Soma community members! We are thrilled to announce that we have joyfully welcomed our lovely guests for the “Art of Sensation” Nia immersive training retreat. Soma Ranch is buzzing with excitement as we share the wonders of Nia movement and celebrate the beauty of self-expression through art. (And look how green the grass, blue the sky and amazing the moon is!)

We invite everyone to join us and partake in the special public classes that we have planned for this week. Whether you are an experienced practitioner or a curious newcomer, our classes offer a unique opportunity to explore the transformative power of Nia. So come on over, experience the blissful energy, and discover the incredible sensations that Nia and Soma Ranch have to offer.

We look forward to sharing this inspiring journey with you!

wishing you a great weekend

with love

Helen, Joe and all the fond 4 legged friends at Soma

Sensational Joy of Movement

This Saturday Soma Ranch Co-Owner, Helen Terry, is teaching both the 8:45am Nia 5 Stages class and the 10:00am. Focus: Joy of Movement for both classes. In the Nia 10am class, we will be dancing with the Nia Routine Bloom. Continuing our 30 day challenge focus of Sensational Fitness & Health.

Helen Terry 8:45am Nia 5 Stages and 10am Nia (CT)

Helen is thrilled to be kicking of another Nia White “Art of Sensation” 7 day retreat.

When you attend a public class during this time, you have the opportunity to taste all the joy from this foundational 7 day Nia course.

All classes will also weave our 30 day movement challenge focus of Sensational Movement, Fitness + Health.

• 8:45 Nia 5 Stages lesson Joy of Movement

• 10am Nia class will continue this focus Joy of Movement with the Nia Routine Bloom

The intent will be to engage awareness and consciousness to enhance the amount of joy we experience through movement.

We would love for y’all to join us!

“Environment dictates how your cells perform.
If your body moves in an environment
of Pleasure and comfort,
your cells vibrate
at a high frequency. ”

— Nia 5 Stages

Explore Joy of Movement with the Nia Routine Bloom

This class is HYBRID = 3 great choices:

1. Join us in person

2. online via Zoom and/or

3. Enjoy a 24 hour replay

Usual Class Rates apply: Drop in for $15, buy a class pass or consider signing up for the 30 Day Challenge 30 classes, 30 days $99 and receive the class as part of your package!

This movement experience is suitable for beginners and people of all different fitness backgrounds.

“Human bodies are coded to seek Pleasure and Joy.
With awareness and conscious intent,
we can enhance
the amount of Joy
we experience through movement.”

— Nia 5 Stages

In the Nia 5 Stages, you are invited to a place of sensitivity that enables you to observe and release the sensation of stress and embrace the sensations of Dynamic Ease, Pleasure, and comfort.

““Hi Movement Friends,

I’m looking forward to sharing both Nia 5 Stages and the Nia body of work “Bloom” with you all this Saturday—a double feature!

The focus is Joy of Movement with intent to engage awareness and consciousness to enhance the amount of joy we experience through movement.”

Love xoxo”

— Helen Terry

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 Nia 5 Stages brings you to a place of sensitivity
that enables you to observe and release the
sensation of stress and embrace the sensations of
Dynamic Ease, Pleasure, and comfort.”

— Nia 5 Stages

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

Here’s a link to the Play list for class https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/nr-g-bloom-60/pl.u-r2yJ2eqTmVPBy

Welcome "Art of Sensation" Nia White Belts

Greetings and a warm welcome to all the Art of Sensation Nia White Belt guests visiting Soma Ranch!

We are thrilled to have you here, ready to embark on a journey of movement, self-discovery, and personal growth. Get ready to experience the magic of Nia as we guide you through an extraordinary week of transformation.

For those of you who may not be familiar, Nia is a mind-body fitness practice that combines dance, martial arts, and healing arts to create a unique movement experience. It is a joyful and expressive way to reconnect with your body, release stress, and discover the joy of movement.
Soma Ranch, nestled in the heart of the serene countryside, is the perfect haven for your Nia White Belt training. Our peaceful and harmonious environment provides the ideal setting to dive deep into the essence of Nia and unlock your fullest potential. Surrounded by nature, you'll find inspiration and tranquility that will elevate your experience to new heights.

As you immerse yourself in Nia White Belt classes, our experienced and passionate instructors will skillfully guide you through a variety of movement techniques, helping you develop body awareness, improve balance, and foster a deep connection with your physical being. During this journey, you'll not only gain a profound understanding of Nia principles but also discover how to infuse this practice into your daily life, creating more joy, health, and vitality.

But why should the Nia White Belt experience be limited to our guests alone? We invite the public to join us in our regular Nia classes at Soma Ranch. Whether you're a seasoned Nia practitioner or just curious to explore something new, our inclusive classes offer a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Step onto the dance floor and let the rhythm ignite your senses, as you experience the sheer joy of movement, surrounded by a supportive community.

So, if you're seeking a divine union of mind, body, and spirit, join us at Soma Ranch for our Nia classes. Rediscover your body's natural intelligence, unleash your creativity, and dance through life with renewed enthusiasm. Our doors are open, and we can't wait to welcome you into the vibrant world of Nia.

Come and experience the transformative power of Nia at Soma Ranch. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you.

• Note: For reservations and further details, feel free to contact us directly at info@somaranch.com

"Art of Sensation" Public Nia Classes

At Soma Ranch, during our special annual Nia White Belt immersive retreat, we are thrilled to offer Nia Art of Sensation public classes that fuse the joy of dance, the precision of martial arts, and the mindfulness of healing arts.

Led by our experienced and passionate resident Nia teacher trainer, Helen Terry, these classes create a space for individuals of all ages and fitness levels to cultivate body awareness, release stress, and express themselves through movement.

Participants are guided through a dynamic and exhilarating journey, engaging their senses and connecting with their bodies on a deeply personal level. With an eclectic soundtrack that ranges from world music to pop hits, the Nia Art of Sensation classes offer a vibrant and inclusive community where participants can experience the transformative power of movement.

Join us and discover the artistry, joy, and healing that Nia brings to the body and soul.

These classes are HYBRID = 3 great choices:

1. Join us in person

2. Online via Zoom and/or

3. Enjoy a 24 hour replay

Usual Class Rates apply: Drop in for $15, buy a class pass or consider signing up for 30 classes for $99 on the 30 Day Challenge and receive the class as part of your package!

These movement experiences are suitable for beginners and people of all different fitness backgrounds.

Monday Cuppa, 11am July 10

Our “1st Monday Community Cuppa” event is a fun and nourishing part of our “2024 race Fundraiser for St Jude”

We get together, celebrate, connect and boost each other as we also boost our fundraiser. both in a GRAND way.

Next “Cuppa” is Monday, July 10th.

Yes! our “Monthly Monday Cuppa” 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

Happy 4th of July!

Helen Terry Deep Dive with Sensation Saturday July 1

This Saturday Soma Ranch Co-Owner, Helen Terry, is teaching both the 8:45am Nia 5 Stages class and the 10:00am. Focus: Sharing What You Sense for both classes. In the Nia 10am class, we will be dancing with the Nia Routine Deep Dive. Initiating our 30 day challenge focus of Sensational Fitness & Health. Here enjoy a short video clip about what to expect in class.

Helen Terry 8:45am Nia 5 Stages and 10am Nia (CT)

Helen is thrilled to be kicking of another month with our focus of Sensational Movement, Fitness + Health.

• 8:45 Nia 5 Stages lesson Share What You Sense through Smell, Sight, Taste, Hear & Touch.

• 10am Nia class will continue this focus in relationship sharing through movement what we sense with the Nia Routine Deep Dive.

The intent will be to invigorate our body and feel vibrantly alive.

We would love for y’all to join us!

Explore Nia Deep Dive with Helen Terry

“Hi Movement Friends,

I'm looking forward to sharing both Nia 5 Stages and a simple adaptation of the Nia body of work "Deep Dive" with you all this Saturday--a double feature!

The focus of Nia class is sharing what we sense with the intent to invigorate our body and feel vibrantly alive”

I love the way a somatic movement practice, like Nia, allows us to dive deep into sensation as we listen and dance to fabulous music. I hope you can join us, love, Helen”

Usual Class Rates apply: Drop in for $15, buy a class pass or consider signing up for the 30 day challenge and receive the class as part of your package!

This movement experience is suitable for beginners and people of all different fitness backgrounds.

This class is ONLINE = 2 great choices:

1. Join us online via Zoom and/or

2. Enjoy a 24 hour replay

“We can live in the world
through the head – thinking how to function,
or we can live in the world
perceiving the entire body
as a sensory organ.

Thinking actually gets in the way of
your body’s ability to sense.”

— Nia 5 Stages

In the Nia 5 Stages, you will Listen to the Music of your body as you move. You will Dance to the Music of your body. You will be placing your attention on sensation, the Voice of the Body. You will share what you sense by moving in Pleasure and expressing that Pleasure though your whole body.

““Hi Movement Friends,

I’m looking forward to sharing both Nia 5 Stages and a simple adaptation of the Nia body of work “Deep Dive” with you all this Saturday—a double feature!

The focus of Nia class is sharing what we sense with the intent to invigorate our body and feel vibrantly alive”

Love xoxo”

— Helen Terry

This year we are following a tradition at the beginning of each month with the Nia Routine Deep Dive. This is an experience where we choose to say good bye to the month before as we step into the new month, ready to say Hello to the new month. Following the principle of let go of something to welcome something new in.

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.

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

Soma News: June 30, 2023

Love the Path to Soma (Copy)

Branches Down

Fire Ready

Chef Joe Experiences

Fab Aquatic Return

Motivated Youths

Enjoying the Grounds

Athletes in Pool

This week we have been recovering from our most “dramatic” storm. Joe has done an amazing job of cutting down branches, clearing debris and all round picking up a LOT of sticks!

Photos: We are giving thanks how the storm came through the DAY BEFORE the swimmers arrived, we were able to clear enough to not damper the swim camp experience and LOVED having Montgomery Aquatic Race Club return.

We appreciate groups like MARC who are a joy to be around, wonderful to host and how they keep wanting to come back for more (returning visitors are one of the best compliments). The swimmers are already booking for 2024 - YAY

This Saturday Helen is teaching both the Nia 5 Stages 8:45am and Classic Nia 10:00am Classes. We hope you can experience these wonderful classes either live via zoom or through the 24HR replay. Deep Dive into what you choose to say “thank you and good bye to” from June. Ready to embrace July and say “hello to a sensational time”

Sign up now for only $99 for the JULY 30 day challenge, the month of Sensational Movement.

Next event coming up is the Nia White Belt training retreat in July with 7 folks signed up we have room for a few more, let us know if you want to join us for the retreat or our annual Blue Electric Storm retreat (like a Nia and Nature summer camp for Adults)

and YES! our long await Cold PLUNGE has arrived, been installed and Helen is enjoying every day (Joe “I don’t know about that”).

wishing you a great weekend

with love

Helen

JULY Challenge of Sensational Movement

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

For the month of July welcome to our focus of "Sensation"

Focus: Sensation in Movement

Intent: Taste the flavors of fitness with joy and community

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

All 30 classes are provided online via Zoom.

The July Challenge “Sensation in Movement” is all about sizzling sensations and joy of movement. Providing you with classes that provide tastes of the flavors of fitness we often in Nia call the FAMSS; Flexibility, Agility, Mobility, Strength, Stability.

Some classes will explore the benefits of one of these sensations for example

• Flexibility, where we will explore the sensation of energy out, like laser beams extending down and through our bones, with the intent to feel lighter and longer.

• Strength, where we will explore the sensation of energy in, with muscles like sponges squeezing and releasing in and around our bones, with the intent to feel taller and stronger.

Other classes will explore duality and contrast between these sensations, for example.

• Mobility and Stability, where we will explore the sensation of balanced motion through the Body’s way of simultaneous stability and mobility of the body

• Agility and Stability, where we will explore the sensation of start and stop action in motion in relationship with the support of body and mind stability

• Flexibility and Strength, were we will explore the duality, and motion of, movement into and away from the body

A month to help

• improve your fitness

• feed your brain with new novel and fascinating information and experiences

• stimulate health and well being throughout your body and life

• provide balance and a holistic approach to fitness and movement

• enhance your dance with safety, comfort and pleasure

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.

Duality Foci will include:

strength | flexibility

mobility | stability

agility| mobility

flexibility | stability

stillness | motion

doing | non-doing

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 June 30 day challenge by June 28th you can bring a friend for FREE!

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

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

All for $99.

The Nia Sensations of Fitness include:

• Flexibility

• Agility

• Mobility

• Strength

• Stability

Other dynamics to be explored include Stillness, Balance and Force

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.

Congratulations MARC

Congratulations Montgomery Aquatic Race Club on another successful summer camp. We appreciated

Sincere Thanks to Our Young Adult Guests

Dear Young Swimmers,
We wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for choosing to stay at Soma Ranch. It has been a pleasure having you as our guests, and we sincerely hope that your time here has been as enjoyable and rewarding as it has been for us.
First and foremost, we want to commend you for stepping out of your comfort zones and embracing this unique experience. We understand that as young adults, there are countless options and destinations vying for your attention. So, the fact that you chose to spend your valuable time at Soma Ranch is truly inspiring.
Throughout your stay, we have witnessed your unwavering enthusiasm and openness to new ideas and experiences. This, combined with your positive attitude, has made our time together all the more special. We have appreciated your engagement in the various activities, your willingness to learn, and your sincere efforts to connect with one another.
We are also extremely grateful for the sense of community you have created here. We have watched as friendships blossomed, and bonds were formed. It is remarkable to witness the support and kindness you have shown towards one another, everyone cooperated and no one was left behind. In a world where genuine connections can often be rare, your genuine and authentic interactions have shone through.
Your energy and enthusiasm have been contagious, spreading joy throughout the ranch. We have seen laughter echo through the yoga studio, heard the sound of conversations drifting across the dining area, and felt the positive vibes radiating from each and every one of you.
Moreover, we want to acknowledge your commitment to personal growth and self-reflection. It takes courage to delve into the practice of yoga and other mindfulness techniques, and we commend you for embracing this opportunity to nurture your wellbeing. Your dedication to self-improvement and the level of introspection you have displayed have been truly inspiring.

As you venture forward from Soma Ranch, we hope that the memories you've made here will serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment. Remember the lessons you've learned, the connections you created and joyful moments experienced.

Love Helen & Joe

See you next year!

Montgomery Aquatic Race Club Summer Camp 2023

Last week Joe and Helen had the honor of hosting the Montgomery Aquatic Race Club. We feel blessed how this amazing group of swimmers returned for their Summer camp 2023 at Soma Ranch. The opportunity to share Nia in several ways (on land, in the studio and in the pool) is a dream come true.

This was a "full circle", "living life" moment for Helen, who grew up as a competitive swimmer, trained as a PE teacher, certified as an international Nia technique trainer and created/founded Soma Ranch with her husband Joe. All of this came together as they hosted a summer camp for swimmers at Soma Ranch.....

Teaching Montgomery Aquatic Race Club swimmers about how to be somatic in the pool, how to apply the sensations of fitness into their strokes and how to be mindful as they swim in the pool and through life is a JOY!!

With meal times together, group work, “dry lands, late night “Marco Polo” in the pool, time with horses, dress up in silly hats for Mexican fiesta dinner, s’mores around the fire, these wonderful young people stayed active, engaged and were a joy to be with.

The coaches are incredibly creative and caring. They utilize many spaces, inside and out, around Soma Ranch, changing things up each day and coming up with unique ways to keep the campers happy and engaged.

They had a clever and very fun way of getting some Soma Ranch Selfies by creating a scavenger hunt….

They requested we NOT adapt our menu too much, to allow the campers to take safe risks, experience something different, explore new tastes and healthy options. We are stunned with how much they chow down on vegetables, give new things (like quinoa, chia pudding, spearmint infused water) a go and seeing campers taking a photo of the “protein balls” with the intent to share with their parents when they go home, is the icing on the cake.

They used our new big screen TV. Filming the swimmers underwater then, using their iPad for crystal clear images on the big screen. Coaches were able to pause images, show form in the water and swimmers are able to have an image of how they move through water.

Soma News: June 22, 2023

Bye Bye Liliana

We LOVE Goats

30YR inspection YES!

Love the Path to Soma

Welcome back MARC

a DREAM to teach

PLUNGE has arrived

Stay Cool at Soma!

This week we experienced the most “dramatic” storm experienced so far here at Soma Ranch since 2009. Thankfully no damage to house, vehicles or animals, we simply have a lot of “sticks to pick up”. Good news we are stocked for fire wood for years to come!

Photos: bye bye Liliana, love our neighbors goats, my car past it’s 30 year inspection, love the path to Soma, thrilled the Montgomery Aquatic Race Club are back for their annual retreat, teaching these athletes somatic awareness is a DREAM come true, more information to come about our new addition.. a plunge pool!

This Saturday Erin is teaching both the Nia 5 Stages 8:45am and Classic Nia 10:00am Classes. Erin and I had a laugh connecting via youtube to share with you more about the classes that will focus on Head and Neck, which follows into dancing Dragon with the focus Gravity. We also chatted about Erin’s recent accreditation and took some time out to learn how to create an origami crane. We hope you can experience these wonderful classes either live via zoom or through the 24HR replay and be educated + entertained by the extra clips

Information is now up about our JULY 30 day challenge, the month of Sensational Movement. Remember, when you sign up before June 28th, you get to bring a Friend for FREE!

Next event coming up is the Nia White Belt training retreat in July and then our annual Blue Electric Storm retreat (like a Nia and Nature summer camp for Adults)

and YES! our long await Cold PLUNGE has arrived, more information coming soon.

wishing you a great weekend

with love

Helen

Erin shares how to make an Origami Crane

At our recent Soma Rock Star retreat, Erin Curren shared her skillful talents of origami and the joy of sharing her boxes and cranes with others. We all had incredible fun, loved the process and concluded "Erin, you should have a youtube channel".

Here Erin teaches Helen Terry how to make an origami crane.

We encourage you to grab a piece of paper (could be any kind of paper, a page out of a magazine or an old map) and enjoy creating your own crane.

In line with our monthly challenge of Freedom and Creativity focus, play with being creative, enjoy attempting something new and then share the joy with others.

“If this is your first time, consider selecting a large piece of paper”

— Erin Curren, Nia teacher, Coach AND amazing Origami teacher LOL www.erincurren.com

Rock Star Erin Shares about Recent Accreditation

Erin Curren, one of our Soma Ranch "ONLINE" Rock Star teachers recently past the test and can now add accredited coach to her many talents and qualifications. 

We hope you enjoy this light conversation where we celebrate Erin and learn a little more about her, the course and what to expect in a coaching session.

Special Guest Feature Class Saturday June 24th

This Saturday Erin Curren is teaching both the 8:45am Nia 5 Stages class and the 10:00am. Focus: Head and Neck for 5 Stages, moving into the Focus of Head and Neck in relationship with Gravity for the Nia 10am class, dancing with the Nia Routine Dragon. Continuing our 30 day challenge focus of Freedom and curious creativity. Here enjoy a conversation where you can learn more about these classes, what to expect and a delicious feel for this rock star teacher.

Erin Curren. 8:45am Nia 5 Stages and 10am Nia

We are thrilled to be featuring Erin Curren this Saturday June 24th!

• 8:45 Nia 5 Stages lesson will be on head and neck

• 10am Nia class will continue this focus in relationship with gravity and weight shift, with the Nia Routine Dragon.

The intent will be to grounded, light, entertained and curious.

We would love for y’all to join us!

Erin Curren, Explore Gravity with Dragon

“Hey everybody,

I'm looking forward to sharing both Nia 5 Stages and the classic Nia body of work "Dragon" with you all this Saturday--a double feature!

The focus of Nia class will be our dance with gravity with the intent to sense support from underneath and freedom from above.

I love the way the mythical creature of the dragon embodies both the earth-bound lizard and the air-born bird. Join me for this movement exploration, and become inspired to be your best dragon-self! ❤🐲❤ Erin.”

These classes are included in our 30 day challenge...no need for you to register or pay.

“Listen to your body like you listen to nature”

— Nia Trainer: Britta Von Tagen

Also please feel free to share and invite friends who are outside to 30 day challenge group as the Sat classes are open to the public, simply complete the waiver and purchase a pass here www.somaranch.com/regular-classes and then reach out to naturallynatashav@gmail.com or Helen@somaranch.com for the link.

Let's express and dance this Saturday! 🙂

Usual Class Rates apply: Drop in for $15, buy a class pass or consider signing up for the 30 Day Challenge and receive the class as part of your package!

This movement experience is suitable for beginners and people of all different fitness backgrounds.

This class is ONLINE = 2 great choices:

1. Join us online via Zoom and/or

2. Enjoy a 24 hour replay

Usual Class Rates apply: Drop in for $15, buy a class pass or consider signing up for the 30 Day Challenge and receive the class as part of your package!

“Using the eyes and the other senses to move the head is natural, efficient and engages the body systematically
(versus isolating the head by moving it mechanically).

In Nia and the Nia 5 Stages,
we use our eyes to
initiate and integrate
the movement of the head.”

— Nia 5 Stages

The head and neck are intricate and vital parts of the human body.

The head, housing the intricate structure of the skull, protects the delicate brain and sensory organs such as the eyes, nose, and ears. It is also home to the mouth, which allows us to communicate, eat, and taste the world around us.

The neck connects the head to the rest of the body, providing support and mobility. It serves as a conduit for essential structures like the esophagus, trachea, and major blood vessels.

The head and neck are not only functional but also play a crucial role in expressing emotions through facial expressions.

Whether we nod in agreement, smile in joy, or frown in concern, the head and neck are instrumental in communicating our thoughts and feelings to others.

“I love the way the mythical creature of the dragon embodies both the earth-bound lizard and the air-born bird.

Join me for this movement exploration,
and become inspired to be
your best dragon-self!

❤🐲❤”

— Erin Curren

Dragon dancing is a vibrant and captivating tradition that holds a special place in the hearts of many cultures. The rhythmic beat of the drums, the colorful and intricately designed dragon costumes, and the synchronized movements of the performers create an enchanting spectacle. As the dragon comes to life, it weaves and dances through the streets, accompanied by the cheers and applause of onlookers. The dance is not only a visual feast, but it also carries deep symbolism. The dragon is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits, making dragon dancing an auspicious and joyous celebration of unity and prosperity.

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.

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

Nia Art of Sensation 7 day Retreat

Helen Terry (Soma Ranch co-owner) is super excited to have TWO immersive Nia Art of Sensation Retreat experiences coming up.

1. at home here in Montgomery, TX at Soma Ranch
https://onlinetraining.nianow.com/courses/nia-art-of-sensation-new-white-belt-with-helen-terry-07-06-23

2. with the one, the only, most fabulous Kellie Chambers in Eugene, Oregon.

https://onlinetraining.nianow.com/courses/nia-art-of-sensation-new-white-belt-with-helen-kellie-08-03-23

Let us know if you're interested and feel free to share this joy with friends.

Soma News: June 15, 2023

We, the Terry family, have been blessed with 2 weeks of enjoying time here at Soma Ranch and around Montgomery, TX, with our daughter, Liliana. After our amazing Immersive Nia Brown Belt Training experience, unwinding a little has been a delight, with activities including discovering a new Indian restaurant in our area, Liliana reuniting with lifelong friends (plus several of her “aunties”), rock climbing, feeding the fish, playing at Margaritaville, relaxing with friends, boating/surfing on Lake Conroe and hiking the National Forest.

This Saturday Natasha and Martha (2 fabulous members of our rock star teaching team) are leading a double scoop “from our expressive center to FreeDance” with the Focus Chest. Saturday 8:45am Nia 5 stages with Natasha and Special FreeDance experience with Martha at 10:00am. We hope you can experience these wonderful classes either live via zoom or through the 24HR replay.

Information is now up about our JULY 30 day challenge, the month of Sensational Movement. Remember, when you sign up before June 28th, you get to bring a Friend for FREE!

Next event coming up is the Nia White Belt training retreat in July and then our annual Blue Electric Storm retreat (like a Nia and Nature summer camp for Adults)

wishing you a great weekend

with love

Helen

Montgomery Aquatic Race Club Summer Camp 2023

This coming week Joe and I have the honor of hosting the Montgomery Aquatic Race Club. We’re busting with joy with how this amazing group of swimmers are returning for their Summer camp 2023 at Soma Ranch, including the opportunity to share Nia in several ways (on land, in the studio and in the pool)

This was a "full circle", "living life" moment for Helen, who grew up as a competitive swimmer, trained as a PE teacher, certified as an international Nia technique trainer and created/founded Soma Ranch with her husband Joe. All of this came together as they hosted a summer camp for swimmers at Soma Ranch.....

Teaching Montgomery Aquatic Race Club swimmers about how to be somatic in the pool, how to apply the sensations of fitness into their strokes and how to be mindful as they swim in the pool and through life is a JOY!!

The coaches are incredibly creative and caring. They utilize many spaces, inside and out, around Soma Ranch, changing things up each day and coming up with unique ways to keep the campers happy and engaged. For example “Swimcampopoly” and outdoor circuit training.

They request we NOT adapt our menu too much, to allow the campers to take safe risks, experience something different, explore new tastes and healthy options. We are stunned with how much they chow down on vegetables, give new things (like quinoa, chia pudding, spearmint infused water) a go and seeing campers taking a photo of the “protein balls” with the intent to share with their parents when they go home, is the icing on the cake. We hope to make another crumble with the wonderful, massive blackberries picked from our neighbors, P6 farms. Lovely to serve fresh and VERY local produce.

They will be using our new big screen TV. Filming the swimmers underwater then, using airplay, their iPad for crystal clear images on the big screen. Coaches are able to pause images, show form in the water and swimmers are able to have an image of how they move through water.

We’re excited to see them apply what they learned in both swimming and in life.

Congratulations Nia Brown Belts

Congratulations Nia Brown Belt graduates; Amanda, Caroline, Gigi, Heather, Liz, Mary and Susan. Gratitude to repeaters Angela, Marti and Lesa. Big thank you to Peggy and Lila who attended and retreated for part of the week, enjoying meals, some blue belt session reviews and joys.

The following photos give “favorite frames” of what happens at Soma Ranch.

• A favorite joy to witness is the life long, deep and meaningful friendships that are fostered during an immersive Nia Training retreat at Soma Ranch

• Celebration photo on the fence at the end of a Nia 7 day training is a precious moment in time, shared with Soma Ranch and Nature in all their glory

• As a Nia trainer, standing in the center of our circle at graduation I feel incredibly blessed and fortunate to be in the presence of such amazing humans who have been present, kind and vibrant throughout their training

• At the Nia Brown belt the special extra photo under “The Brown Belt” tree is incredibly symbolic of growth. This was the 10th Nia Brown belt training hosted at Soma Ranch. At the first Debbie Rosas presented Helen (and Soma Ranch) with a 3 foot oak tree. The tree is now 10 times it’s size!

• Enjoying non alcoholic sparkling cider, witnessing the bubbles, hearing the fizz, giggling out our accomplishments is a sweet part of our graduation traditions.

• Joe is an artist with food, he provides fun visual yummy surprises at our graduation lunch. Like the Soma Ranch logo cut from a red bell pepper on top of guacamole and the Nia logo stenciled from paprika on top of home made hummus.

• Thank you Gigi, as a regular returning helpful participant, your role as joyful photographer is much appreciated.

• Something we LOVE about trainings and our adaptable tables in the dining hall, is the ability to all sit around the same table on the last meal. One by one we share favorite frames experienced from the Nia training week together, from life changing to laughable moments, the shares blend together into a beautiful, most touching, closing sharing circle.

Congratulations Nia Brown Belts:

• Amanda returns to the Seattle area inspired to continue her journey with Nia. She’s booked to return for the Nia White Belt in July. “i love the serendipity of the timing, how these trainings worked out and I love learning from Helen, taking the belts at Soma Ranch, and Joe’s kindness and cooking too of course.

• Caroline returns Ottawa Canada, ready to integrate the Nia Brown Belt principles to her life and profession as a Crystal Holistic Boutique owner. “I experienced the Nia 5 Stages with Helen 10 years ago and have had Soma Ranch on my bucket list ever since, this was a dream come true” “Thank You ALL for being such a wonderful bunch. I truly felt this to be a beautifully supportive, welcoming and nourishing group experience. I felt like I was in a cocoon of love and healing movement ❤️ Til we meet again…”

• Heather returns to Louisville KY. She has attended Soma Ranch each year for White, Blue, 5 Stages and now Brown. She loved being in community, balancing connecting with folks around the world with precious quiet time. She enjoys having the opportunity to relax, dance and immerse in the Nia experience.

• Angela shares “Thank you for all the wonderful memories. I enJOYed every moment of this journey together tremendously”

• Marti traveled all the way from Africa to be with us. She shares “Thank you for all the wonderful moments and memories made. I am so grateful to each of you for making our BB experience so expansive and beautiful”

• Susan returns to Palo Alto, CA after her second time at Soma Ranch, the first was for her Blue Belt in May, 2022. She is now ruminating about taking the Black Belt in 2024, which was not in "her realm of possibilities prior to her participation in the awesome" Brown Belt training. She is also ruminating about her "rich and multi-layered experience with a lovely group of women with whom she was inspired to continue her journey with Nia."

Congratulations Nia Brown Belts. What an honor to share this experience with you at Soma Ranch, for friendships to deepen and opportunities to open.

Dreams come true as we celebrate our 10th Nia Brown Belt Immersive Retreat here at Soma Ranch. Congratulations Nia Brown Belts! YOU inspire, support and encourage us to keep on keepin’ on at Soma Ranch.

Now, as we say in Texas “y’all come back and see us soon now, y’ah here!”

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

Blue Electric Storm Retreat July 24-26

Blue Electric Storm Retreat began 18 years ago as a concept.

A way to celebrate the Natural Time New Year, and many other celebrations including our NiaMoves community, with new location for our Studio and Helen becoming a Blue Belt trainer.

The first year Joe served Lunch and Dinner to 52 people for the whole weekend! We brought 13 black belts together to teach a Grande Finale Jam at the Houston Grand opera. That weekend was the beginning of the dream of manifesting Soma Ranch.

We now offer accommodation, meals, classes, a jam and LOTS of fun, in nature, on Lake Conroe, with community.

Think of this as a "Summer Camp for Nia Enthusiasts".

BES23 Celebrate with Helen Terry

Come join the celebration of the” Day out of Time” at our annual Blue Electric Storm retreat. Sign up NOW!! Join our 18th Annual event celebrating Natural Time and all the joys of living an alive, connected, fully vibrant life!

This Fun and Fabulous 3 day, 2 night retreat with Helen, includes

• Nia classes (Pink Floyd, ChakraDancer + more)

• Natural Time Workshop + Movement Experience

• Guided Meditation

• Boat Ride on Lake Conroe

• Hike in the National Forrest

• Walk a Labyrinth

• Time to swim, sauna, hot tub under the stars

• S'mores by bonfire

• Boat, Surf, Paddle Board and/or Kayak on Lake Conroe

• Nia JAM with teachers from our group and local area!

Pricing

(all prices are for one person)

$695 Private

$495 Semi-Private

$395 Dorm