Fun informative video about Montgomery County!! I love living here.
We've been here at Soma Ranch, in Montgomery, 2 miles from the Historic Town, since 2009.
And on MY has it changed since then!
AUGUST: Foundational Movement
Each month for 2024 we feature a New Fun Challenge (See full list below).
For the month of August welcome to our focus of "BASE". The beginning of a 3 month series that takes us on a “journey through the body” with monthly foci BASE, CORE then UPPER.
Focus: Foundation, Steps & Stances
Intent: Ground, the hands that touch the earth
Sign up: https://www.somaranch.com/booking/challenge
All 30 classes are provided online via Zoom.
The August Challenge “The BASE” is all about the foundation of systemic movement. Providing you with classes that provide exploration of
steps, stances,
how to ground our body through our feet and
sense these incredible feet, sensing them as the hands that touch the earth.
Some class Foci will explore the essentials of Foundational BASE movement, for example
Sense the stability of your feet as the firm foundation for the mobility of your body.
Sense the 7,000 nerve endings in each foot like fascinating messengers who provide a wealth of fabulous information
Sense the 3 arches of your feet (inner, outer, transverse)
“Isolate to Integrate” sense the 3 part movement of your heel lead “ReLaX”
Other classes will explore duality and contrast between foundational principles, for example.
Steps and Stances, sense the stillness of stances and the motion of steps becoming aware of the Body’s way of simultaneous stability and mobility of the body
Sense how we step like “Dancing through life” and Stance like a “Living Meditation”
Sense the relationship between your hip, knee and ankle joints
A month to help
improve your competence and confidence of your base moves
you understand more about the anatomy, biomechanics and structure of your Base
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/challenge
When you sign up for the August 30 day challenge by July 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 Base of the Body include:
Feet
Ankles
Knees
Thighs
Hip Joint
The 27 Base moves of Nia are:
A. Feet Techniques
Heal lead
whole foot
ball of foot
releve
rock around the clock
squish walk
duck walk
toes in, out, parallel
B. Stances
Closed Stance
Open Stance
A Stance
Sumo Stance
Bow Stance
Cat Stance
C. Steps
Sink and Pivot Table Wipe
Step back on the Ball of the Foot
Cross Front
Cross Behind
Travel in Directions
Lateral Travel
Cha Cha Cha
D. Kicks
Front Kick
Side Kick
Back Kick
Knee Sweep
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.
Monthly Cuppa for St Jude
Our monthly “Community Cuppa” is a super time to visit Soma Ranch. Please join us for this lovely local community get together, on August 5 at 11am after class. This event is a fundraiser for our “Soma Charity Partner”. All donations collected go towards St. Jude. We will be celebrating Summer and all the bright things happening in and around our community.
Enjoy Coffee or Tea, Health snacks, Fabulous conversation, and Great Company. This month we’ll be celebrating the grand finale of our annual fundraiser.
You’ll get to meet some fabulous local ladies (and sometimes men) who love to dance and leave feeling inspired. You’re welcome, and encouraged, to bring friends!
Entertain coming early to enjoy a “double scoop!” Dance at the 10am Nia Class before Cuppa at 11am.
If you prefer to dip your toe rather than dive in, you are welcome to sit and watch the Nia Class..
“After reading about the
monthly community cuppa,
and seeing the photos,
in the newsletter for years
I had a surreal experience,
to be attending in person”
Our next “Monthly Cuppa” is Monday, August 5, 2024.
Soma News
Soma JAM Class - Group Hug Via Zoom - Magical Moment
Howdy from Soma Ranch!
Oh MY we had a blast at our July Community JAM and raised $75 for St Jude.
Fellow Nia teacher Elaine Dumphy shared
“anyone who says virtual classes have no real connection hasn’t been part of this community”
Helen is teaching both Saturday Morning classes: The BASE (5 Stages) and The DANCE (with music from George Michael “Faith”)
We’ve started the August 30 day challenge. and are super excited to have some new folks and some others return. We are beginning a 3 month series “a journey through the body” where we focus on the Base for August, Core for September and Upper Extremities for October.
““anyone who says virtual classes have no real connection hasn’t been part of this community””
Thank you Lesa for the wonderful 5 star review. Also a yaHOO! celebration, 11 years later, we continue to be AirBNB SuperHosts.
Super excited that 10 participants have registered for the 5 Stages course. Please consider joining us on a special ONLINE weekend retreat with Helen November 8 - 10.
Remember Monthly Community Cupa is this Monday, August 5th, let’s get together, drink coffee/tea, support each other and raise funds for St. Jude. (what’s not to love there!)
We’ve already received a couple of 2025 bookings for our Soma Satelite “Cabin” Retreat by Lake Cushman, near Seattle, WA in the Pacific North West area. Read more and complete the form if you’re interested in renting the Cabin. (August is SOLD OUT, however there is some availability September - December)
Be well, with love from
Helen, Joe, the team and all the fond 4 legged friends at Soma.
Featured
Review of the Week
Thank you Lesa for sharing a lovely review about your experience with Soma Ranch. We appreciate you and how you keep coming back for more.
“Beautiful slice of Texas hospitality with Helen and Joe and the donkeys and horses! I’ve been a repeat customer since 2018 for retreats and Nia trainings and keep returning due to the sense of a truly cocooning retreat experience. Abundantly healthful and delicious food for the body by Joe while experiencing transformative Nia training and other retreats with Helen. Then there’s the comfy beds, pool, hot tub, sauna...great experience!”
Lesa has been coming to Soma Ranch for over a decade! We love how, with Lesa living in the Dallas area, she’s able to attend retreats and trainings at the ranch and attend classes online via Zoom in between time.
Lesa has been a DAILY attendee of the 30 Day Challenge program since it began in January 2022! She finds a way to juggle her traveling and Grand Parent duties to make the commitment to dance on a regular basis, Lesa always has something encouraging to share with the group. Thank you for being a wonderful part of our community.
AirBNB SUPER Hosts with 5 Star reviews.
Soma Ranch Owners, Joe and Helen, love sharing Soma Ranch through AirBNB short term rentals and small group private rentals.
Thank you all fabulous guests who came to stay these past 3 months, we continue to received 5 star RAVE reviews and sustain SUPER Host Status.
The AirBNB Super Host Status, elevates us up to the top of searches and filters, while bringing benefits and bonuses. AND we now have a new listing, new property, new opportunity, a very special Cabin in Washington State:
soma ranch house
Welcome home to our secluded 15 acre ranch retreat. Feel like a rock star and enjoy the whole ranch to yourselves. We're close to the Texas Ren Fest, only 2 miles from quaint Montgomery. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, enjoy a peaceful setting with the convenience of cafes, restaurants, wineries, boutiques, and grocery store (even Signature Krogers Grocery and 24 hour Walmart Super Center!) within minutes.
Combo: Soma Ranch House + Pool Casita
Have a large group? or someone who really wants their own, very quiet, private space? Enjoy the entire Soma Ranch House and add the Casita; As above (Soma House) and add this charming private poolside casita tiny home, offering a delightful and tranquil stay for one extra person. This inviting space boasts a cozy interior, meticulously decorated with rustic yet modern touches. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a comfortable and inviting twin-sized daybed, perfect for a restful night's sleep after a day of exploration.
Soma Ranch Sweet Suites
Enjoy the entire upstairs of the Soma Ranch House. Whether solo, couple, triple or quad you are guaranteed the entire upstairs suite exclusively to yourself. Enjoy Full Private bath. And take it easy at this unique and tranquil getaway. Downstairs is shared space with Helen & Joe, however you may find you have the whole place to yourself as we're often out working in the pastures or off enjoying all things fabulous in Montgomery, Texas
Soma Ranch ~ Pool Side Casita
At Soma Ranch, nestled in the picturesque countryside, awaits a charming private poolside casita tiny home, offering a delightful and tranquil stay for one person. This inviting space boasts a cozy interior, meticulously decorated with rustic yet modern touches. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a comfortable and inviting twin-sized daybed, perfect for a restful night's sleep after a day of exploration.
At Soma Ranch, nestled in the picturesque countryside, awaits a charming private poolside casita tiny home, offering a delightful and tranquil stay for one person. This inviting space boasts a cozy interior, meticulously decorated with rustic yet modern touches. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a comfortable and inviting twin-sized daybed, perfect for a restful night's sleep after a day of exploration. The casita features a kettle, selection of teas and coffee machine, allowing for convenient hot drink preparation, the mini fridge provides space for your chilled beverage and/or snacks food you choose to bring with you and a cozy sitting area where you can relax and unwind.
The true highlight of this tiny home is its private poolside location, inviting you to soak up the sun's rays or take a refreshing dip at your leisure. The sauna, hot tub and cold plunge are a welcoming triad of rejuvenation. Whether you're seeking solitude or looking to rejuvenate in the serene surroundings, this private poolside casita at Soma Ranch provides an idyllic retreat for a memorable stay.
Soma Ranch Barndo Beauty
Get away from it all when you stay under the stars in our cozy rustic barndominium that is like none other! This spacious converted, fully insulated, barn, with excellent AC/heat system, ceiling fans and luxury thread counts, provides a unique haven for your romantic get away for 2 or a slumber party for up to 11! You get to choose.
Personal Retreat: Private Room & Bathroom
Indulge in a rock star experience at our magnificent 15-acre Ranch Retreat, where luxury and serenity meet. Unwind in your exclusive private room, boasting a charming wrap-around porch that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding beauty. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of our Olympic lap pool, or rejuvenate your body and soul in the tranquil embrace of the sauna and hot tub. And if connecting with nature is your thing, our friendly horses and donkeys eagerly await your company. Feel like royalty as you settle into the cozy downstairs Queen bed, complete with a private bathroom for your utmost convenience. Need some inspiration? Look no further than the desk adorned with two comfortable chairs, positioned perfectly near your window overlooking the lush pastures. At Soma Ranch, we aim to deliver an experience that will make you feel like a true rock star.
Book SOMA Ranch
Soma house
https://airbnb.com/h/somaranch
soma ranch Combo:
Soma House + Pool-Side Casita
Complete Privacy in Special Pool Side Casita Tiny Home: Twin Bed, Shower, Toilet, Sink, Sliding Glass doors to amaving poolside view. Porch area with complete privacy option with new Cabana Curtains
airbnb.com/h/somaranchwithcasita
Book By the Room
Personal Retreat: Private Room & Bathroom
Downstairs Private 1 Bedroom and Private 1 Bathroom: 1 Queen Bed, Desk & Chairs by Window
https://airbnb.com/h/somaranch-personal-retreat
Soma Sweet Suites
Entire Upstairs Floor: 2 Bedrooms, 4 Double Beds, 1 - 4 guests, Private Full Bathroom
https://airbnb.com/h/somaranch-suites
Soma Barndo Beauty
Exclusive Barndominium Booking: Large Bedroom. Queen Bed + 10 twins. 2 Full Bathrooms. Lounge, Kitchenette, Dinning Area
https://airbnb.com/h/somaranch-barndo
Soma Pool-Side Casita
Complete Privacy in Special Pool Side Casita Tiny Home: Twin Bed, Shower, Toilet, Sink, Sliding Glass doors to amaving poolside view. Porch area with complete privacy option with new Cabana Curtains
The Base + The Dance
Helen Terry leads both Saturday morning class this week; 8:45am Nia 5 Stages and 10:00am Nia Classic (Central US Time).
Focus: Base: connect to the sensation of our foundation,
Intent: to root our energy and stimulate movement and growth from underneath and behind.
Routine: The Dance, George Michael “Older”
We hope you’re able to enjoy the Saturday morning “double scoop” experience.
When you sign up for a class you are automatically sent the Zoom link for class. The link is the same each week.
““We will move to connect with our base as a powerful, dynamic and grounded foundation to stimulate movement variety for our whole body””
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
“The BASE: with feet, like hands, that touch the earth”
Thank you Jayne for staying at Soma Ranch
Thank you Jayne for visiting Soma Ranch all the way from the UK. We loved your impromtu sharing of your experience while revisiting the Nia White Belt and retreating at Soma Ranch. And most of all thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting and having the honor of you staying with us for a week. Hope to see you next May (as planned ;-)
Budapest: a great city to visit and experience Nia
I agree with Kinga Brezina with regards Budapest being a beautiful city and a wonderful venue for experiencing a Nia Training. The vibe, the opportunities, and especially the people, make this a most unique and very special place to be. I hope you can find a way to enjoy 1 2 or 3 of these wonderful opportunities.
Here's what Kinga Brezina shared and links for all 3 training opportunities below.
“I think Budapest is the most beautiful city in the world and I dare to say that without any bias. Living history, European culture, breathtaking buildings, the world famous thermal baths, the language that is the mother tongue of several Nobel Prize winners (by the way, did you know that the ballpoint pen was invented by a Hungarian, László József Bíró, and that the first Hungarian institute for teaching therapeutic movement arts opened in Budapest in 1912? ), the flavours, the hospitality, the thriving Nia community are all reasons why it’s worth coming to this city on both banks of the Danube””
In the autumn of 2024, we're looking forward to welcoming you with three different in-person Nia trainings:
21-26 September AOS White Belt Training with Kinga Brezina
19-20 October Move IT Training with Ann Christiansen
17-22 November Art of Communications Blue Belt Training with Helen Terry
🌺Retakers are also very welcome!🌺
For accommodation, cultural and culinary programmes, please contact me at niakinga@gmail.com. The venue for the trainings is the Shift Studio, on Andrassy Avenue, next to the Opera House, also a World Heritage Site.
White AOS with Kinga: https://onlinetraining.nianow.com/courses/nia-art-of-sensation-new-white-belt-with-kinga-brezina-09-21-24
Move IT with Ann:
https://onlinetraining.nianow.com/courses/nia-move-it-with-ann-christiansen-10-19-24
Nia Blue Belt with Helen:
https://onlinetraining.nianow.com/courses/nia-blue-belt-with-helen-terry-11-17-24
Thank you 30 and 365 day Challengers
Thank you 30 and 365 day challengers, we appreciate how you continue to show up and sign up for classes and be part of our daily movement connection community.
Celebrating our challengers and program we are offering a Team Taught 30 Min Jam this Wednesday at 8am, July 31, 2024.
Whether you are a regular attendee in the program, have been gone a while or perhaps have never experienced a class in our 30 day challenge, this jam is a wonderful way to connect. We hope you can join us.
Soma Rock Star Jams for St Jude at 8am Jul 31
The Soma Rock Star teaching team are offering a 30 min Jam for St Jude this Wednesday, 8am. Everybody is invited to attend as our guests.
A donation of any amount to our annual St Jude Fundraiser is appreciated yet not expected.
This is also an opportunity to thank and get together with all who have attended any of our 30 day (or 365 day) movement challenges.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Jul 31, 2024 08:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsdeivqT0iGtDDiTloFTOqlRrTChl73qU2
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Jul 31, 2024 8am Soma Rock Star Community Jam
3 Sunday 1pm Community JAM classes for 2024: LOVE (Feb), FREEDOM (Jul), THANKS (Nov)
3 Jams for 2024: Love, Freedom and Thanks
From the huge successful and joyful experience of our Thanksgiving Sunday Jam, we’ve scheduled 3 Community Jams for 2024: Love, Freedom and Thanks, save the dates!
Everybody is invited to attend as our guests. A donation of any amount to our annual St Jude Fundraiser is appreciated yet not expected. This is also an opportunity to thank and get together with all who have attended any of our 30 day (or 365 day) movement challenges
Feb 4, 2024. LOVE Jam
Jul 31, 2024 FREEDOM Jam
Dec 1, 2024 THANKS Jam
3 Sunday 1pm Community JAM classes for 2024: LOVE (Feb), FREEDOM (Jul), THANKS (Nov)
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Jul 31, 2024 08:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsdeivqT0iGtDDiTloFTOqlRrTChl73qU2
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Special Sale on 5 Stages Course
Helen is offering a very special 5 Stages course: 7 sessions shared over 1 weekend, Fri, Sat, Sun Nov 8.- 10.
This course has been added to accommodate our Soma Teaching team who all want to take this course and prefer to take the course over one weekend. You are welcome to join us. The foundations of the course will be covered with a strong emphasis on how the lessons are taught.
Use the code: SUMMERSPECIALTY at registration with HQ.
The discounted payment breakdown is: $190 to HQ + $289 to trainer for a total sale price of $479 > best price since before the pandemic!
Join Helen Terry for the Nia 5 Stages Training ONLINE.
Nia 5 Stages is an integrative movement practice based on the five developmental movement stages humans experience from the embryonic to walking. Practiced with awareness, these stages have the power to facilitate optimal alignment, improved function, energy flow and comfort in the body. As a practice, Nia 5 Stages supports your body holistically to sustain mobility, flexibility, strength, agility and stability.
Nia 5 Stages Training provides you with tools to deeply embody the Nia 5 Stages practice and experience its self-healing benefits - whether you are a Nia teacher, student, movement practitioner, somatic educator or health professional, Nia 5 Stages Training will give you a new skill set to add to your somatic toolbox.
In this Training You Will Explore:
The Science, Craft, and Art of Nia 5 Stages;
Adapting and Personalizing;
Nia 5 Stages Class Format;
The Body’s Way Principles and Nia Lifestyle
Body Awareness + Body Literacy
Body Gratitude + Sensory IQ
Sensory Anatomy – Look, Listen, Imagine
The 7-Minute Body's Way Workout
Voice + The Art of Somatic Guidance.
For Nia Sacred Athlete + Livelihood members, this training includes 52 ready-to-deliver lessons plans and access to a post-training program. Anyone can take the training for personal experience and growth.
“For Nia Sacred Athlete + Livelihood members,
this training includes 52 ready-to-deliver lessons plans
and access to a post-training program.
Anyone can take the training for personal experience and growth. ”
https://onlinetraining.nianow.com/courses/nia-5-stages-with-helen-terry-11-08-24
Nia 5 Stages
Growing up (and I still feel like I’m growing up!) I’ve been “plagued” by being challenged to connect; connect with my body, people, facts, learning, remembering… the list goes on. Something magical happens when I do 5 stages on a regular basis… the dots connect!! my body feels less tension and moves smoother, my mind feels less distracted and more focused, my emotions feel more balance and I’m less stressed.
Every time I lead a Nia 5 stages course, I'm reminded of how amazing this Nia practice is and how wonderfully the Nia 5 stages course compliments Nia technique, deepens the understanding of the human body, enhances how to teach Nia and provides the opportunity for deep healing. It's all in all, an awesome program.
Of all the Nia belts, and continuing education courses, I’ve taken over the past 31 years, Nia 5 stages is the one that has enhanced my knowledge of the body, enriched my vocabulary in Classic Nia classes and helped deepen my practice the most.
Nia 5 stages is a process that takes us through the 5 developmental stages we go through from an infant to a walking human (Embryonic, Creeping, Crawling, Standing and Walking)
The Nia 5 stages lessons are an in depth, well thought out program, that, utilizing these 5 essential movements provide an opportunity to learn, heal and receive deep benefits. All in one hour! The lesson is divided into 2 parts Your Body’s Way and The Body’s Way.
Part 1 Your Body’s Way is an introductory exploration to the 5 developmental moves, where you check in with your body and breathing, are guided through the 5 stages then reassess and recognize the healing that has already occurred simply from moving through the 5 stages.
Part 2, The Body’s Way includes an educational lesson providing more information about the body, this can be anatomy, biomechanics, enhanced sensory awareness and other fascinating, yet easy to follow, information sound bites. The theory is then applied to the Nia 5 stages in an extended experience where “interference” is applied to the process to create new neuron pathways and help the body restructure to provide more ease and greater efficiency in movement.
Debbie Rosas, co-founder of Nia, has poured her wisdom, knowledge, creativity and fascination for the human body into this wonderful program. Often participants who sign up for the course have no idea how valuable the course will be for them both personally and professionally. They don’t realize how part of the package, when you become a Nia 5 stages teacher, is you have access to more than 60 lesson plans.
For more than 2 decades Nia Founder, Debbie Rosas, provided a Nia 5 stages class called “the lab” before her most popular Saturday morning Nia class. This was Debbie’s exploration and development of the work we now call Nia 5 stages. Nia 5 stages teachers receive the amazing downloads from these classes, the transcripts have been formatted into an easy to follow, fascinating to read and amazing to learn from, format. I personally think it's the closest thing to getting a sneak peak into the brilliance of the mind who co-created Nia!
In a world that constantly pulls us outside of ourselves, our healing and well-being depend on our ability to stay present within our bodies. The many stresses of being a human in these times can cause our bodies to regress to a less evolved state. When we first learn to move as babies, we integrate what doctors call our primitive reflexes, moving from a cuddly ball to our backs, our bellies, all fours and finally onto two feet.
Stress can bring children and adults back to earlier stages of evolution on this spectrum, causing challenges in coordination, endurance, balance and mental focus. The best known way to re-evolve ourselves is to learn and practice movement patterns that look like that first learning we had with gravity.
“The Nia 5 stages teaches us how to stay present, and evolved, and guide others in the same. In my experience, this kind of work has the healing power of both physical and emotional therapy. I recommend this training not just to teachers, but to moving humans who want a better understanding of their senses and themselves.
So, for the love of gravity, please check out how to learn more about Nia 5 stages.”
Nia 5 Stages
Focus: Art of Self Healing
Intent: To facilitate optimal function and comfort in the body.
As integrative practice based on the five developmental stages humans experience from the embryo to walking, Nia 5 Stages supports your body holistically to sustain mobility, flexibility, strength, agility and stability. Whether a Nia teacher, movement practitioner, somatic educator, health professional or individual seeking healing, this 2 day course provides a new skill set to add to your realm of expertise and practice.
““For everyone looking to dive into the wisdom of The Body’s Way, Nia 5 Stages is your answer. As a lover of the body, always interested in learning the how, what, and why, this unique somatic course makes it possible to learn, practice and teach what you love. During the course of the training and teacher apprenticeship, you will explore 52 unique lesson plans designed to teach you and your student what makes living and moving in the body an amazing sensory experience.””
1st Summer Trip to Hiker's Cabin
Joe and Helen are back from an OUTSTANDING time at our Hiker’s Cabin in the Pacific North West Area. This was our first time to experience the area in the Summer Season and the experience far exceeded our high expectations.
escape Texas summer temperatures
sleep with all windows open = cool 50’ breeze through
private parks accessible exclusively to Lake Cushman Residents (and their guests)
who needs a pool when you can walk to a crystal clear lake
miles of local trails to discover
amazing National Park/Forrest within minutes
this is our new “happy magical place”
5 Sensations
This weekend we are celebrating our month of Sensational Movement with 2 fabulous opportunities with Helen Terry. We'd be thrilled if you'd like to join us ONLINE this Saturday morning.
Our focus is 5 Sensations
FOCUS: Sensations of Movement
INTENT: Love the sensations of your body
ROUTINE: Helen Original "Aria"
MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/nr-h-arias/pl.063fcca7064344a5aadf0a99d87b4b9b
TEACHER: Helen
COMMENTS: Sense the endless potential of loving your body and life. The 5 principles of the body's way apply to life as much as they do to the body. Hope you find dynamic ease, balance, mobility, stability and may life itself reveals "life's" way :-)
Nia 5 Stages 8:45am CST with Helen Terry
Part of the learning methodology of Nia 5 stages lessons, to bring a greater holistic fascination when learning about the body, through utilizing different approaches: Look, Listen, Imagine. For example
LOOK
Energy Extending out along the bones - Like Laser Beams (Flexibility)
Energy starting and stopping, like sparks of electricity (Agility)
Energy in constant motion, like water (Mobility)
Energy In, muscles packing the bones, like sponges (Strength)
Energy equal and opposite, like a rock (Stability)
LISTEN
The Body needs and demands balance between the 5 sensations.
IMAGINE
The 5 Sensations as the five food groups from which you feed your body
Flexibility – Imagine your bones growing longer, your joints yawning
Agility – Imagine your body as blinking lights or camera flashes
Mobility – Imagine your limbs as scarves, water, or snakes
Strength – Imagine packing the muscles in closer to the bones
Stability – Imagine being at rest, ready for action
Aria Movement with Helen 10am CST
“The 5 Sensations are
like the five food groups
from which you feed your body”
This Saturday be guided through the Nia 5 Stages lesson “5 Sensations” at 8:45am CT.
At the Nia class at 10am CT, we will continue bringing awareness of the 5 sensations into our dance with moves from the original movement experience, “Aria” created by Helen Terry.
Zoom Link is the same as usual, whenever you Sign Up for a class the link is sent to you automatically.
When you sign up for a class you are automatically sent the Zoom link for class. The link is the same each week.
Soma News
Howdy From Lake Cushman, PNW, Near Seattle)
Howdy from Soma Ranch!
Helen and Joe are back from a beyond the beyond experience at their Soma Satelite “Cabin” Retreat by Lake Cushman, near Seattle, WA in the Pacific North West area. This was the first time to explore the area in the Summer season. Cool temperatures, amazing local exclusive parks with crystal clear lakes, time to wind down and enjoy precious family time all added up to an outstanding experience. Read more and complete the form if you’re interested in renting the Cabin or joining a small group (4 people) hiking trip with Helen.
Helen is teaching both Saturday Morning classes: 5 Sensations and Arias
Also Rock Opera HYBRID (IN PERSON at Soma Ranch, ONLINE via zoom and with 24HR replay) on Monday at 10am.
We’ve opened up registration for the August 30 day challenge. We are beginning a 3 month series “a journey through the body” where we focus on the Base for August, Core for September and Upper Extremities for October.
FYI on July 31, 8am, we will be celebrating the end of this sensational month with a 30 minute team jam. (SAVE the DATE).
Read more about 5 Stages and consider joining us on a special ONLINE weekend retreat with Helen November 8 - 10. ON SALE for a limited time only.
Be well, with love from
Helen, Joe, the team and all the fond 4 legged friends at Soma.
Featured
Soma News
Congratulations Nia White Belt Graduates at Soma Ranch
Howdy from Soma Ranch!
This week we experienced an “off the charts” amazing Nia White Belt “Art Of Sensation” training retreat at Soma Ranch. Great SOLD OUT retreat with a group of participants who were present, showed up and fully participated. For example “officially” the Nia White Belt is no longer for teachers, instead it’s the foundational course for everyone. Knowing there were some very keen students who had strong intentions to teach, I was able to weave some “Soma Play” sessions. Participants had the option to attend these bonus sessions, or go play independently at Soma Ranch. When I asked the 10 participants “who is interested in the possibility of participating in a jam, where you could each teach a song in a collective community class experience?” Everybody immediately shot their hands up in the air. I was delightfully surprised and almost fell backwards in amazement! And the JAM was phenomenal, with high levels of embodied awareness, relaxation and joy.
Natasha is teaching both Saturday Morning classes: X Ray Anatomy and Sensational Mix
The weather was great. We were extremely thankful to not loose power during the hurricane. Fortunately grocery stores were reopened and sufficiently stocked for us to be able to have the necessary supplies to feed the group! We were able to do several extra curriculum activities including Sunset Boat Ride, Cowboy Church and S’mores! Over the next few week’s we’ll likely share more about this fantastic week.
Joe and Helen are heading out to the Soma Satelite “Cabin” Retreat by Lake Cushman, near Seattle, WA Sunday - Thursday (temperatures in 70’s by day and 50’s at night). We have a fabulous “ranch sitter” and are excited to experiment with this developing theme of living part time in Washington State while someone runs Soma Ranch. Gigi is teaching the 10am Monday and Thursday classes at Soma Ranch and “the team” are coving online classes.
We’ve opened up registration for the August 30 day challenge. We are beginning a 3 month series “a journey through the body” where we focus on the Base for August, Core for September and Upper Extremities for October.
FYI on July 31, 8am, we will be celebrating the end of this sensational month with a 30 minute team jam. (SAVE the DATE)
Be well, with love from
Helen, Joe, the team and all the fond 4 legged friends at Soma.
Featured
X Ray Anatomy and Art of Perception MIX
Natasha leads both Saturday morning class this week; 8:45am Nia 5 Stages and 10:00am Nia Classic (Central US Time).
Natasha brings a beautiful relaxed presence, with a grounded approach. She is presently still “flowing n glowing” from her recent Nia Brown Belt experience at Soma Ranch. Natasha looks forward to sharing her wisdom about X Ray Anatomy followed by a “MIX” of favorite Tunes from her Soma Brown Belt experience. We hope you can enjoy these Saturday morning “double scoop” experiences.
Focus: X Ray Anatomy
Intent: Felt sense of Dynamic Postural Alignment
When you sign up for a class you are automatically sent the Zoom link for class. The link is the same each week.
“With X-Ray Anatomy, we get to look through. The real work
comes in looking at the shapes in a book, on a skeleton or on a
human body, so that you learn what your living structure looks like
and develop a relationship with it”
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
“We look at anatomy to see how the body or body part is positioned, then we sense it in our own bodies. We can then use not only what we see and what we understand of anatomy, but also what we sense to re-align all parts of our body.
X-Ray Anatomy provides an opportunity to look at The Body’s Way and Your Body’s Way, perceive the difference and adjust your body so that you feel better. Your body is constantly tweaking and adjusting to maintain a Dynamic Postural Alignment”
Nia White Belt JAM
EveryBody attending the Nia White Belt at Soma Ranch asked to teach a song in our community class. The JAM was phenomenal, with high levels of embodied awareness, relaxation and joy. And the playlist is fantastic… take a look..
