About a year ago Natasha started her journey on the Soma Ranch Teaching team when she was featured as the 30 minute monthly teacher feature. This Saturday Natasha is teaching both the 8:45am
Here we share more about Natasha's journey, what's coming up, how's she's evolved and blossomed over that past year. And how Natasha will soon be taking some safe risks with regards a Fun Friday event.
Happy Friday!
This Saturday 10/14 Special Saturday Guest Teacher, Kellie Chambers, is teaching both Nia 5 Stages and 10am Classes. We continue our monthly focus of Upper Extremities with Expressive movement from Heart. The 5 Stages lesson is “Upper Extremities “ at 8:45 then, at 10:00am, dance to Kellie’s beautifully evolved “Heart Strings” movement experience.
“We cannot help but be affected by the energy and events around us. There are things we can do with our Upper Extremities to clear the energy field in front of us, to contain our energy or to give energy. By moving our Upper Extremities we can move physical and emotional energy to feel better. Together, let’s connect to the energy from our Heart and through our Upper Extremities to move in ways that nurture our body and life. ”
Thank you Monthly 11am Community Cuppa, this month we raised $15 for St. Jude and yet again enjoyed some deep meaningful fun connection times. Amazing how so many emotions and life stories can be shared and heard in 60 minutes.
Thank you also Kay for signing up for the Year Unlimited at Soma for the 4th year.
And, if you’re able to be in Houston Sunday, October 15th, 10:45am, I hope you’ll be able to join me, my former business partner, Kristie Bryant, fellow Nia teacher Julie Wilson and many of the NiaMoves community members for a special “Farewell NiaMoves” class. The NiaMoves studio is closing down at the end of this month.
with love
Helen, Joe, the team and all the fond 4 legged friends at Soma
A few weeks ago we, at Soma Ranch, were incredibly relieved and excited when, finally, after months of drought, we received rain. In joyful celebration Helen Terry (Co-owner, Soma Ranch) reached out to both the Nia Teachers Int’l group and our 30 Day Challengers with a request for suggestions for great rain songs.
More than 4.5 hours of music and over 50 songs were suggested.
This morning, in our Fun Friday Shuffle class. Helen put this long list on shuffle and improv’ taught the 30 min class. The “random fairies” were very kind this morning, with a beautiful sequence of tunes.
This is a class where there is no preparation, the process includes:
CREATE something out of nothing on the fly
ADAPT some already known movement sequences
PROVIDE a progression through some of the Nia 52 Moves
when all else fails… EveryBody FreeDance!
Here’s the LONG playlist and also the FridayRain30 from this morning.
Saturday 10/14/23 Just Move Studio Owner, Bloom Retreat Center and Nia teacher/trainer extraoridnaire, Kellie Chambers is teaching both the 8:45am Nia 5 Stages class and the 10:00am class.
Continuing our October month, where our focus is the UPPER Extremities of movement: Arms, Hands, Fingers, Expressive movement from Heart. We will focus on Upper Extremities and dance to Kellies beautifully evolved “Heart Strings” movement experience.
Focus: Upper Extremities
Intent: To Connect to the world around us (outside the body) and the world within us (feelings and emotions)
Routine: Kellie's Nia Inspired Routine "Heartstrings"
Comments: We cannot help but be affected by the energy and events around us. There are things we can do with our Upper Extremities to clear the energy field in front of us, to contain our energy or to give energy. By moving our Upper Extremities we can move physical and emotional energy to feel better. Together, let's connect to the energy from our Heart and through our Upper Extremities to move in ways that nurture our body and life.
Kellie Chambers
“We cannot help but be affected by the energy and events around us. There are things we can do with our Upper Extremities to clear the energy field in front of us, to contain our energy or to give energy. By moving our Upper Extremities we can move physical and emotional energy to feel better. Together, let’s connect to the energy from our Heart and through our Upper Extremities to move in ways that nurture our body and life. ”
“We look at anatomy
to see how the body or body part is positioned,
then we sense it in our own bodies.”
Kellie Chambers 8:45am + 10:00am (CT)
These classes are HYBRID via Zoom and 24HR replay upon request. = 2 great choices:
Online via Zoom and/or
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.
“From looking, listening, learning
and gaining an understanding of anatomy,
we can then sense
to re-align all parts of our body. ”
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.
Anatomy: Arm, Hand, Fingers, Elbow, Forearms, Spirals, Simple Hinge + Pivot joint, Ulna, Radius.
YBW: Your Body’s Way “the current design and function of your body” (always changing/new)
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 forearm bones are the only two bones in the
body that spiral. We spiral energy into and out of the
body as the forearm bones spiral. Spiraling picks up
more energy. The spiraling of your spine and upper
body is very much supported by the way you pull
energy in by spiraling and sensing your forearms.”
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
Dear Becki, Cathey, Chris, Emily, Kay, Peggy and Susannah.
Thank you for choosing to hang out after class on Monday for our “Monthly Cuppa” . We appreciate your generous donations to St Jude, today we raised $15.
Being able to relax, sit down outside, enjoy the perfect Texas weather and delightful conversations was a treat. These monthly connections are very special times. The opportunity to connect, learn more about each other, laugh and support was much appreciated.
We raised $15 for St Jude (our annual fundraising campaign)
“These monthly meetings are very important to me and other people in the group. I love and need the opportunity to connect and appreciate these special cuppas.”
Our next “Monthly Cuppa” is Monday, November 6th
There is a core group of fabulous women here at Soma Ranch who sign up for the year unlimited classes with Helen. Their commitment, regular attendance and support is appreciated and enjoyed immensely.
“Often I seriously wonder if I would continue to teach classes if not for this amazing core group of women who show up, fill me up, support and sustain me. ”
Thank you Kay for renewing in September. As usual Kay renewed on Soma Ranch’s birthday September 9. This is the 4th year Kay has chosen to commit to a year of 10am classes. Thank you for your continued support.
“Helen and Joe have created a haven of peace and joy at Soma and a tribe of beautiful people has grown up within it. ”
Amy, Becki, Bonnie
Cathey, Chris, Cynthia
Deana, Diana, Darlene
Kay, Jessica, Laura
Megan, Monica, Peggy
$20 | 1 class
$75 | 5 class pass (3 month expiration) ($15 per class)
$130 | 10 class pass (3 month expiration) ($13 per class)
$99 | 30 Day Journey, 30 Classes, ALL 8am + 10am ($3.30 per class)
$25 | Lunch or Dinner
$96 | 60 min massage
$145 | 90 min massage
30 Day Challenge Benefits:
unlimited 10am + 8am Nia Classes for 30 days
bring a “new to the journey” friend to class for a month
enjoy before and after class conversations and nuggets
receive automatic 24HR replays via email
Enjoy a gentle "chin wag" between Team Teachers Paul, Natasha, Gigi and Helen.
We talk about upcoming classes in the 30 day challenge, how we will continue this adventure in 2024, with structure of a Vintage Nia Routine each month, along with an adaptation (new music similar moves), and some of the latest Nia Routines. Big thanks to Kathy, Tippie, Kitt and Brenda who have all already committed to sign up for the 2024, 365 day challenge.
We are excited to be preparing a Team Jam near US Thanksgiving, free to ALL folks who have been part of the 30 day challenge in the past 3 years.
More information about both the monthly 30 day challenge and 2024 365 day challenge
https://www.somaranch.com/booking/nia-challenge
More information about Soma Ranch
https://www.somaranch.com
More information about the Soma Ranch Rock Star Team
https://www.somaranch.com/rock-star-teachers
#30daychallenge #somaranch #somarockstars #2024
7 years ago, having co-owned NiaMoves Houston for many years, Kristie Bryant and Helen Terry sold both the business and property to Angela Mestre. Now, at the end of this month, October 2023, NiaMoves will become a new home for a hot yoga studio.
All present tenants and teachers, including Houston Nia Collective and Sahira , are in the process of finding new homes for their classes, with their last classes being before the end of October.
Helen and Kristie are joining Julie, to co-teach her Sunday 10:45am class, October 15. Our purpose is to connect, celebrate the good times, the friendships, the memories, the years, wish Angela well on her new venture, say goodbye to the studio and wish the Houston Nia Collective teachers well in their new location. We REALLY hope you can find a way to join us, there are many folks in the Houston area we haven’t seen or danced with in years and this is the “last dance”, our last opportunity to dance and be with you in the NIaMoves space. Usual class rates apply, sign up here https://www.htxnia.com
This is a summary of the events we are aware of so far for this special month at NiaMoves:
Sunday, October 15, 10:45am Farewell Class with Helen and Kristie
Sunday, October 22, Special Event with Angela
Wednesday, October 24 Event with Sahira
Thursday, October 26, Last Nia Class with Cambrey
“Hey! We really want to keep this vibrant community
and we would really love your positive vibes
and smiling faces in the new space
to help get things going”
Here’s what Angela Mestre shares about this end of an era/new beginning…
“After 7+ years of operating the studio I’ll reach a point of closure - starting November, the Studio NiaMoves space will be exclusively leased by Mode 8 Yoga & Fitness studio of Clear Lake to open a hot yoga studio, and all current classes and events will close out by end of next month.
I’m sad yet hopeful. NiaMoves will remain the fondest in my heart as my first boutique studio to dance, to teach and to operate. In the coming weeks, the studio will get a remodel and modernization touch by new owners at Mode 8 Yoga & Fitness and the elephant mural will remain. I am also actively helping the current studio teachers and event hosts to relocate to ease their transition. We will post additional updates and further announcements will be made once we finalize their next teaching homes.
For those of you are curious, I am actively exploring what next chapter of my life looks like. I have learned a lot through the last few years navagating my corporate career while remain active in studio management, various fitness and wellness programs and spiritual communities. I will be opening new doors, gain/regain connections, regain the joy in dancing, mentoring and teaching whatever that unfolds for me. As the wise ones said, if you are brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with new hello.
I see this as more of a "see you later" than a "goodbye forever". Hope to see you soon as our roads cross.
Yours truly,
Angela”
https://www.facebook.com/awmestre
Happy Friday!
I (Helen) am back from Budapest (my 3rd “home” town) with Kinga and the Shift Studio community and Brentwood UK (my 1st “home” town), having spent time with my parents and sister.
This Saturday 10/7 Helen is teaching both Nia 5 Stages and 10am Classes. We continue our monthly focus of Upper Extremities, with the 5 stages lesson “Elbow and Forearms” and 10am class “Inno-Kaleidoscope” with focus Expressive Spirals .
Now’s your last call to consider joining us for the October 30 day challenge. A wonderful month with the focus of upper extremities and sharing expressive movement from heart.
This coming Monday 10/9/23 is our monthly 11am Community Cuppa.
And, if you’re able to be in Houston Sunday, October 15th, 10:45am, I hope you’ll be able to join us in a special “Farewell NiaMoves” class. The NiaMoves studio is closing down at the end of this month.
with love
Helen, Joe, the team and all the fond 4 legged friends at Soma
Helen Terry (Co-owner of Soma Ranch) shares about her latest creative movement project, using a process from Original, through Adapted, now using “Sandwich” to reach a new creative movement experience.
I’ve been teaching Nia for 30 years. In the beginning, clueless with regards choreography, I appreciated the resources that helped me prepare for teaching Nia Movement Classes (old VHS tapes of Debbie and Carlos Rosas teaching Nia Classes, accompanied by the dubbed TKD 90 cassettes, with hand written notes from Carlos of the tracks etc.) Oh how we have progressed since then.
After a while, teaching these first Nia routines over and over again, I knew the choreography well enough to begin dropping in new music and exploring how to ADAPT the choreography. Adapting a few class experiences (New music to Original Music) provided the skill and experience to take the next step: to Create my own class experience, i.e. select some music and choreograph moves from nothing.
Original
During this past year a fabulous Nia Experience called Bloom has captured my interest and fascination. The movements are familiar yet novel, intimately in relationship with the music, with beautiful architecture, where each song’s choreography stands alone, yet also compliments the other songs, one song after the next builds into a beautifully orchestrated experience.
Adapted
From the ORIGINAL theme of “Bloom” - the life of a seed, I was inspired to ADAPT this choreography to one of the playlists created for our “Hero’s Journey Retreat”, based upon the return to Innocence, where all the songs have something to do with the theme innocence. This was the birth of a movement experience fondly named “Inno”
Created
Recently, listening to the latest Lauren Daigle Album (Self titled), I was inspired to take the ADAPTED routine Inno and CREATE something new with the new music. This is currently a work in progress and I wondered if you might enjoy being part of/witness the process, i.e. the “work in progress”…
Sandwich
Tomorrow (Saturday 10am) I will be sharing this “sandwich” experience where the new Lauren Daigle songs are weaved in between the known, cultivated moves of the “Inno.” Experience. This is the process I use to get to creative, where the end product is so vaguely like the original it truly has taken on a life of it’s own.
In this creative “work in progress” process, I pour my heart and soul into creating a movement class that transcends a mere fitness routine, to hopefully collectively elevate our understanding of movement into a transformative and empowering experience. Ideally something that empowers individuals to explore their true potential, express themselves authentically, and cultivate a deep sense of joy through the transformative power of movement. Join us in this explorative movement class experience and unlock the power within!
Saturday 10/07/23 Soma Ranch Co-Owner, Helen Terry, is teaching both the 8:45am Nia 5 Stages class and the 10:00am class.
Continuing our October month, where our focus is the UPPER Extremities of movement: Arms, Hands, Fingers, Expressive movement from Heart. We will focus on Elbow and Forearms and dance to Helen’s latest “work in progress”, Inno Kaleidoscope.
A fabulous class where we explore the relationship between anatomy of Elbows and Forearms with the expressiveness of movement from heart to hands, with the intent to feel relaxed, expressive and fulfilled.
“We look at anatomy
to see how the body or body part is positioned,
then we sense it in our own bodies.”
Classes with Helen Terry 8:45am + 10:00am (CT)
These classes are HYBRID via Zoom and 24HR replay upon request. = 2 great choices:
Online via Zoom and/or
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.
“From looking, listening, learning
and gaining an understanding of anatomy,
we can then sense
to re-align all parts of our body. ”
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.
Anatomy: Arm, Hand, Fingers, Elbow, Forearms, Spirals, Simple Hinge + Pivot joint, Ulna, Radius.
YBW: Your Body’s Way “the current design and function of your body” (always changing/new)
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 elbow is a hinge joint
located at the center of the arm,
much like the knee is a hinge joint
located at the center of the leg.
The elbow joint is formed by
the upper arm bone (the humerus)
and two forearm bones (the radius and ulna).
The surfaces of these bones are smooth.”
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
Each month for 2023 we feature a New Fun Challenge (See full list below).
For the month of October welcome to our focus of "UPPER" (the third of a 3 month series that takes us through BASE, CORE, UPPER)
Focus: UPPER, Arms, Hands, Fingers, Expressive Movement, Movement from the heart.
Intent: Connect with our expressiveness and how to move from heart.
Sign up: https://www.somaranch.com/booking/nia-challenge
All 30 classes are provided online via Zoom.
The October Challenge “The UPPER” is all about the expressive movement. Providing you with classes that provide exploration of
19 Upper Extremities Nia Moves
Expressive movement
Emotions in motion
Some class Foci will explore the essentials of Expressive UPPER movement, for example
Sense the spiraling of your 2 lower arm bones (Ulna and Radius)
Sense the your heart connection to your humerus (upper arm) bone
“Isolate to Integrate” sense the different parts of your upper extremities
Other classes will explore duality and contrast between upper principles, for example.
Sense your upper extremities fully moving out and returning home (“home base”)
Sense palms up and down, to open shoulder girdle and release rhomboid muscles
Sense the relationship between your hands and heart
A month to help
improve your competence and confidence of your upper moves
you understand more about the anatomy, biomechanics and structure of your Upper
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.
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 October 30 day challenge by September 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.
30 bones
7 main areas covered in the upper limb; The muscles, bones, joints, nerves, blood and lymphatic supply, anatomical areas, and the structures in the hand.
Shoulder Girdle (ball and saucer joint)
Upper arms (Humerus)
Lower forearms (Ulna + Radius)
Elbow (simple pivot - hinge joint)
Wrist (classified as an ellipsoidal or condyloid joint)
Hands + Fingers (carpal, metacarpals, phalanges)
The musculature of the upper limb is quite vast, much more so than the lower extremity
Upper Body Muscles include: biceps, triceps, and chest/arm muscles (rhomboids, pectorials,
A. Arm Moves
Blocks
Punches
Elbow Strikes
B. Hand Moves
Touch
Strike
Chop Cut
Fist
Pump
Palm Directions
Web Spaces
C. Finger Moves
Finger Flicks
Finger Extensions
Creepy crawlers
Spear Fingers
Catch the Flies
Claw hand
Power Finger Cross-Over
Balance Finger.
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.
Our “Monthly 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, October 9th.
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 Monthly Monday Cuppa
Thank you Soma Team Teachers, Paul, Elaine and Natasha, for sharing the joys, focus and thoughts around our upcoming 30 day challenge for October on this wonderful and entertaining video. I love how you give folks a feel for who you are, what you bring and how much fun we have on the team and within this “30 day movement challenge” each month.
We’ve also included the full calendar (who’s teaching when) for the month, plus more information about what you receive when you sign up for the month. Remember, when you sign up by September 29, you can bring a friend for free..
Happy Thursday!
I (Helen) am typing to you from Budapest (my 3rd “home” town). I’ve been coming to this area, on average, at least twice a year for the past 14 years. One of the first Hungarian graduates was Kinga Brezina. Kinga has since moved through all the belts, hosted countless special guests and Nia trainers at her studio, invested in traveling to Soma Ranch in Texas and Nia Headquarters in Portland, to further develop her practice.
Kinga opened a studio in the downtown area and has created a flourishing local community. One of the fun facts about Kinga is that she in several ways had already delivered 10+ Nia White Belt trainings, as we found our style over the years, where Helen delivers the training one sentence at a time and Kinga masterfully translates and shares the information in Hungarian. This year Kinga has graduated as a Nia trainer and Helen was keen to celebrate this significant milestone. Attending a graduation ceremony at the end of Kinga’s White Belt seemed a perfect time.
This Saturday 9/30, Special Guest Instructor, Erin Curren, is teaching Nia 5 Stages P8 The Core followed by 10am “Awake where we will focus on: Spine, Spiral, Space, with the intent to sense energetic flow up and down the spine.
Now’s a super time to consider joining us for the October 30 day challenge. Remember, when you sign up by the 29th September (giving you an extra day! LOL) , you can bring a friend for free! That adds up: 30 Days, 30 Classes, for 2 people = 60 classes for $99.
with love
Helen, Joe, the team and all the fond 4 legged friends at Soma
I (Helen) am typing to you from Budapest (my 3rd “home” town). I’ve been coming to this area, on average, at least twice a year for the past 14 years. One of the first Hungarian graduates was Kinga Brezina. Kinga has since moved through all the belts, hosted countless special guests and Nia trainers at her studio, invested in traveling to Soma Ranch in Texas and Nia Headquarters in Portland, to further develop her practice.
Kinga opened a studio in the downtown area and has created a flourishing local community. One of the fun facts about Kinga is that she in several ways had already delivered 10+ Nia White Belt trainings, as we found our style over the years, where Helen delivers the training one sentence at a time and Kinga masterfully translates and shares the information in Hungarian. This year Kinga has graduated as a Nia trainer and Helen was keen to celebrate this significant milestone.
This weekend is a mix of
surprising Kinga’s white belt graduates showing up at their ceremony AND getting to present Kinga with her red training belt
supporting Kinga as we attend the funeral of her mother. A dear lady who has been an integral part of my experiences with Kinga’s family. She lived next door to Kinga and would pop over with the most amazing food, hugs and smiles. With neither of us speaking each other’s languages we would fondly speak the “language of heart” with nods, smiles, charades and sometimes the assistance Kinga as our translator
providing a Full Day workshop for teachers on Saturday
sharing my latest Nia experience with a public class at the end of the day
Congratulations to Hungarian Nia Trainer, Kinga Brezina. And congratulations to Nia White Belt Graduates.
Saturday 9/23/23 Special Guest teacher, Erin Curren, provides both the 8:45am Nia 5 Stages class and the 10:00am class.
08:45 - 09:45am CDT Nia 5 Stages Lesson: The Core of the Body: Pelvis, Chest, and Head
10:00 - 11:00am CDT Classic Nia Routine: Awake
Focus: Spine, Spiral, Space
Intent: Sense energetic flow up and down the spine
“Even my butternut squash
is spiraling its core
as I prepare to teach! LOL!”
Notes about the Core:
Pelvis, Chest and Head
This is the part of the body we call the feeling center.
The diaphragm moving up and down stimulates the spine. The more relaxed you are in the belly, the more power you have.
The chest is designed to expand and contract as you breathe, maintaining space.
Even my butternut squash is spiraling its core as I prepare to teach! LOL!
The movement of the ribcage is critical for your shoulder joints and for your neck.
The head balances directly over the chest and the pelvis, sitting on the top of the spine.
When your Three Body Weights support you from underneath this gives you a lot of dynamic power from behind, then your arms and legs will be completely relaxed.
… and that’s the tip of the iceberg!
We hope you’ll join Erin for a delicious morning of movement and awakening!
“We look at anatomy
to see how the body or body part is positioned,
then we sense it in our own bodies.”
Classes with Erin 8:45am + 10:00am (CT)
These classes are via Zoom with 24HR replay upon request. = 2 great choices:
Online via Zoom and/or
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.
“From looking, listening, learning
and gaining an understanding of anatomy,
we can then sense
to re-align all parts of our body. ”
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.
Anatomy: Pelvis, Chest, Head, Spine,
YBW: Your Body’s Way “the current design and function of your body” (always changing/new)
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
Happy Friday!
Yesterday was such an epic experience we thought you might like an extra newsletter this week. Helen spent the day pre sunrise till post sunset at the Houston Post Oak Hotel. Teaching classes on a heliport on the top of a very tall building can now be checked off the list! The event was successful beyond expectations. Now discussions have begun with regards how to create monthly events at the hotel. The Post Oak Hotel is amazing, Helen was able to enjoy smoothies by the pool, massage in the spa and delicious lunch at the on site Bloom and Bee Bistro between classes. Hope you can enjoy a staycation with Helen next time (or fly in if you live beyond Houston!)
This Saturday 9/23, Helen is teaching Nia 5 Stages Architecture of CORE followed by 10am “ChakraDancer”. We will focus on CORE and dance to ChakraDancer to get “all tuned up”. A fabulous class where we explore the relationship between Energy Centers and the Core of the Body, with the intent to feel aligned energetically and physically.
Now’s a super time to consider joining us for the October 30 day challenge. Remember, when you sign up by the 28th September, you get to bring a friend for free!
with love
Helen, Joe, the team and all the fond 4 legged friends at Soma
This past week Helen had the joy of sharing a “yogadance” experience on the roof top of Houston’s Post Oak Hotel. The Sunrise Event was hosted by fabulous members of local media including HoustonLive, here’s what they broadcasted.
The response was (no surprise as this truly was an epic event) was fantastic with the phone ringing off the hook at the hotel with folks wanting one of the limited spots for the Sunset Roof Top Experience.
Good news is the hotel is keen for Helen to return, including the possibility to offer AquaYoga, Poolside events as well other roof top experiences. Be sure you are subscribed to our newsletter to receive updates on these future opportunities. And thank you Gigi who covered Helen’s regular Thursday 10am class at Soma Ranch and on line, Go Team!
