Thank you Monthly Cuppas for St Jude

Our monthly “Community Cuppa” was a wonderful time for connection, conversation and support. Thank you Kay, Kitt, Peggy, Chris, JoAnn, Kathy and Helen. We LOVED Celebrating Chris’ new kidney anniversary, JoAnn returning to joy, Kitt becoming a regular attendee, Kay loving family, Peggy sharing gems about her plants, meeting newcomers Kathy and Helen, and Helen T sharing she’s going to become a grandparent. Yes! Liliana and Carter are expecting a baby in September.

This event is a fundraiser for our “Soma Charity Partner”. All donations collected go towards St. Jude. We raised $25 for our 2025 fundraiser and we are 1% there with a total of $25! Yes! another new beginning on our quest to raise $5000 by February 2026.

Our next “Monthly Cuppa” is Monday, May 5th (during our Art of Communication retreat)

The direct URL to our fundraiser page is

http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/soma2026

Here’s the general information page

https://www.somaranch.com/jude

Every dollar donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital counts! Take a look at some of the possibilities that your effort could provide to the kids and families of St. Jude.

• Infant Care Supplies for 10 Babies: $50
  These supplies help parents and nurses care for babies in treatment and include items like diapers, baby bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, footies and heel warmers.

• Wagon: $70
  Wagons can make traveling through the halls of St. Jude easier for parents and more fun for a young child.

• Parties to celebrate birthdays, holidays and "coming off chemo": $75
  St. Jude provides parties, decorations, cakes and more to keep spirits high during the holidays and to celebrate special occasions like birthdays and a child's completion of chemotherapy treatment.

• Creative Toys: $100
  Play is an essential part of every child's life, and it's important for the children to have fun as often as possible. At St. Jude, colorful, toy-filled play areas are just as plentiful as exam rooms.

• Delicious Meals: $210
  St. Jude provides meal cards so that patients and families can enjoy the comfort and convenience of good, nutritious meals in the Kay Kafe, our cafeteria.

• One Day of Oxygen: $447
  Oxygen is key to keeping the immune system strong. A gift of oxygen can help a young body thrive and help fight cancer at the cellular level.

• Child-sized Wheelchairs: $700
  These special wheelchairs help children move easily through St. Jude.

• Airfare for a parent and child: $1,000 Average
  For a patient referred to St. Jude, the hospital covers the cost of airfare for a child and one parent or guardian.

2024 Fundraiser Campaign

2023 Fundraiser Campaign

Experience a Nia Retreat with Helen

Here are Nia training retreat opportunities with Helen in 2025

05/01 - 05/07 | Nia Blue Belt: Soma Ranch, Montgomery, Texas, USA

06/21 - 06/26 | Nia Blue Belt: Shift Studio, Budapest, HUNGARY

11/15 - 11/20 | Nia Brown Belt: Shift Studio, Budapest HUNGARY

CO-LEADING “ART OF SENSATION” RETREATS

06/11 - 06/16 | Nia White Belt: Glous UK with Geri Timmins

10/17 - 10/23 | Nia White Belt: Just Move Studio, Stay at Bloom, Pleasant Hill, Oregon, USA

https://onlinetraining.nianow.com/courses/nia-blue-belt-with-helen-terry-05-01-25

https://onlinetraining.nianow.com/courses/nia-blue-belt-with-helen-terry-06-21-25

https://onlinetraining.nianow.com/courses/nia-brown-belt-with-helen-terry-11-15-25

https://onlinetraining.nianow.com/courses/nia-art-of-sensation-new-white-belt-with-helen-kellie-10-17-25

Already taken one of the above courses? Would like to re-experience for only $500?

email helen@somaranch.com for more details and to check availability.

Celebrating Alan Davidson

Today I celebrate a dear friend, Alan Davidson, who left this world suddenly 4 years ago (and IMHO too soon).

A lot of folks in our “Soma” community, local and globally, knew Alan. Today I invite you to celebrate the day in a big way, find a fabulous way to celebrate the one, the only, the most amazingly fabulous Big Al.

AND (as if Alan manifested this timing) anyone in the area check out the Boston POPs who are performing in The Woodlands at the The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion https://www.facebook.com/events/1140690397837768/?

Engage hyperdrive and set coordinates for the first free show of 2025: Boston Pops at The Pavilion!

Take an intergalactic musical journey with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops! Watching all nine episodes of Star Wars would take over 20 hours - but you can re-live the entire saga in just two as a live narrator and America’s Orchestra bring this epic story and iconic music to life. This interstellar concert experience will awaken the Force within you and transport you to a galaxy far, far away.

Show at 7:00 PM
Gates at 5:30 PM

May the Force be with You…

““He was humorous, speaking truth in a lighthearted way.
He was a visionary, but entirely without ego.
He was generous, but without intent or expectation.””

— Helen Terry

Cool days and Blue Bonnets

This is a beautiful time of year to be at Soma Ranch in Montgomery Texas. The temperature is cool, the sun bright, suddenly the grass and trees are green, we have more blossom on our fruit trees than any year before, the pool is warm enough for laps and it’s time to get the cold plunge going!

And, in addition to all these wonderful “things Soma” the Texas wild flowers, particularly the Bluebonnets, are AMAZING this year.

Here’s some fun photos with Soma friend Mimi and a regular Soma Ranch guest, Calvin. He’s one of the most best behaved dogs we’ve ever met, who is bigger than some of our donkeys!

High Altitude Hooper Retreat

Thank you retreat leader Amy Neel and all the fabulous “half way to high altitude” retreaters. We loved hosting you and seeing you fully enjoying the facilities at Soma Ranch. From roasting marshmallows, feeding the donkeys, dancing in the studio, getting a sound bath with Helen, performing on the back deck, having a full moon fire hooping dance extravaganza, all y’all reminded us what it means to be fully alive and living life to the full.

Something we enjoyed witnessing was how every person in the retreat was supported, accepted and encouraged. There was a wide variety of personalities, skill level and experience and everybody was praised, cheered and celebrated.

If you’d like more information about the Hoopers and their retreats visit https://www.highaltitudehoopretreat.com or email highaltitudehoopretreat@gmail.com

High Altitude Hoop Retreats is a subsidiary of Mad About Hoops. It was created by friends and flowmies, Madison McBurney and Amy Neel. They have been manifesting their dreams into reality together since 2014.

Fun Fact: Amy and Madison met each other at Helen’s former studio NiaMoves.

https://www.highaltitudehoopretreat.com/about

Soma News

We’re happy, home at Soma after a great PNW Trip

Happy Monday and welcome to a new month!

We’ve been on quite a whirlwind since the last newsletter. Thank you for your understanding.

I (Helen) chose to return to the UK to attend a funeral of one of the most dearest and significant people in my life, Barbs Hanlon. This “Impromtu” visit influenced by wisdom I received from Brene Brown years ago where she encourages us to always “show up and participate at funerals”

Super “High Altitude” HOOPING Retreat at Soma

Within days of my return Joe and I hosted a SOLD OUT retreat for Hoopers. Yes! folks who are very passionate about hula hoops and all the movement experiences and performances possible.

Welcome to Calvin, a regular visitor at Soma Ranch.

We then hosted a private rental immediately after. Then left for Seattle to visit family and check on our Lake Cushman Cabin. We have several vacancies and fabulous “family and friend” rates for you to book direct. Please let us know if you’d like more information.

Now we are back, catching up, cutting grass, clipping hedges, cleaning the deck and pool.

Enjoying how everything has greened up and a joyful pleasure of living in Texas: the spring wild flowers including glorious Texas Bluebonnets.

Hope to dance and/or retreat with you soon,

love

Helen, (and Joe, Horses: Zephyr & Roger and of course Da Donkeys ;-)

Brené Brown Inspiration "Just Show Up"

I recently took an unplanned swift trip from Texas to London to attend a funeral of a very significant person in my life (Barbs Hanlon).

Several folks were curious about my choices and actions. I thought I’d share a little more about what influences me to show up in general and specifically at funerals. I hope this gives you some food for thought and encourages you to explore how you show up.

Years ago, I was deeply touched by the words of Brené Brown where, in "Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone", she emphasizes the importance of showing up for funerals, stating that it's a powerful act of support and connection, and that "just show up" is often the bravest and most important thing you can do. She views attending funerals as a form of "ministry of presence," where being there for someone grieving is a powerful act of support and connection. Brené Brown's research on trust found that funerals consistently emerged as one of the top behaviors that people identified as raising their level of trust with others. She emphasizes that showing up for funerals matters not just to the grieving, but also to everyone who is there, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. 

“Funerals matter. Showing up to them matters. And funerals matter not just to the people grieving, but to everyone who is there. The collective pain (and sometimes joy) we experience when gathering in any way to celebrate the end of a life is perhaps one of the most powerful experiences of inextricable connection.”

— Brene Brown, Braving the Wilderness

I deeply appreciate our community, both here locally at Soma Ranch, Montgomery, Texas and also around the world via zoom. Our classes and community are a wonderful example of powerful experiences through connection. If you’re a participant thank you for what you bring to this collective and, if you are reading this with curiosity we encourage you to check out a class.

THANK YOU: 66 Donors, we raised $5000

For the 5th year, Helen managed to complete the 13.1 mile, half marathon, as a St. Jude Hero.

And, thanks to 66 generous donors, we raised our $5000 annual commitment for St Jude.

Together we run the race together; killing cancer and helping children.

Thank you to all who made a donation

“I think of you as I run
and sense us all
crossing the finish line together.”

— Helen, with gratitude.

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, (often the first Monday of the month) on April 7 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 how Helen ran the 13.1 mile distance and how we crossed the finish line together, exceeding our annual goal to raise a minimum of $5000. Now, for the 6th year we continue our get togethers and begin our annual fundraiser again.

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 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”

— Caroline, Nia Brown Belt

Our next “Monthly Cuppa” is Monday, May 5th (during our Nia Blue Belt “Art of Communication” retreat.

https://www.somaranch.com/jude

April Choices for Health and Happiness Journey

Each month for 2025 we feature a New Fun Journey

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

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

Intent: Move to Heal and Condition Your Soma

Sign up: www.somaranch.com/booking/challenge

All 30 classes are provided online via Zoom.

The “journey” 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.

Helen will be teaching several “2 for 1”s, including:

1. Passion, then adapted moves to music of Donna Summer

2. Mantra, then adapted moves to music about Rising

3. Medicine Woman and choices for healing.

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 April 30 day journey by March 28th you can bring a friend for FREE!

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

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

All for $99.

30 Day “Journey with Movement”

Sale Price: $99.00 Original Price: $120.00

Join our ONLINE 30 day Soma class “Journey with Movement” for only $99

• Receive a gift; 30 Day “Journey with Movement” with Helen & Friends, to give to anyone new to the program. (WHEN YOU REGISTER BY 28th of the PREVIOUS MONTH)

• Receive LIVE classes + Enjoy 24 hour replays

• 30 classes (Nia, 52 Moves, Feldenkrais, Moving to Heal, Ageless Grace)

• 3 x 30 min 8am Classes + 3 x 60 min 10am classes a week (US Central Time)

• 1 Weekly Nia 5 stages healing class

• Great Beginners Introduction to Nia

• Feel supported and stay motivated

• Learn more about Nia

• Learn the 52 moves of Nia

• Learn about Nia 5 stages

• Experience Feldenkrais Method

• Experience Ageless Grace

• Receive information about anatomy

• Develop a healthy regular practice

• Meet people from all over the world!

• Be part of a fabulous community

• Connect, cheer and encourage

• Supportive Private Facebook Group.

• Adapt to Your Body’s Way and Life

• Learn about The Body’s Way

• Combine LIVE class + 24 hour replays

• Sustain Fantastic Somatic Movement every day for 30 days!

CLICK HERE to learn more about the 365 day journey with movement.

Options: Select Options DecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovember

BUY NOW

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.

https://www.somaranch.com/30-day-bring-a-friend

Soma News

Enjoy Sunshine (both in your heart and out in nature)

Celebrating the Life of Barbs, a very special person in my life.

Happy Saturday!

I hope there is sunshine in your heart and maybe you are as lucky as me to be enjoying sunshine (this is exceptional when in the UK!)

I chose to return to the UK to attend a funeral of one of the most dearest and significant people in my life, Barbs Hanlon. I’ve been touched by lovely memories, beautiful reconnections and fabulous long walks that sooth my soul. Reminded to focus on the DASH

I will be teaching both the 8:45am 5 stages and 10am movement class from my Mum’s kitchen. Focusing on 13 joints AND a new playlist for Inno (some familiar and some new) Hope you can join us online via zoom. Then I’m back at Soma Sunday ready to teach on Monday and begin to host a sold out “Hoop and Coaching” Retreat Thursday - Sunday.

Thank you everyone who contributed to the annual St Fundraiser we raised $5000, This is the 5th year to complete this quest.that has become a lifelong endeavor for me.

We have begun our March 30 day “Variety” journey where we will feature 9 movement forms and provide various fabulous somatic movement opportunities LIVE via zoom.

Let us know how we may help more.

with love,

Helen, Joe and all the 4 legged friends at Soma

Hope to dance with you soon,

love

Helen, (and Joe, Horses: Zephyr & Roger and of course Da Donkeys ;-)

The Dash - an inspirational poem

At a recent funeral I was reminded of a poem I first heard in church many years. This is a poem that has influenced my life, that inspires us to consider how we will spend the time “in between” as in the dash (on our tomb stone!) between the 2 points of our birth date and death date

There is a beautiful reminder about focusing on what matters rather than attaching to possessions and putting importance on things we own. To enjoy the moment and be in the now, as the truth is we don’t know when the end of our dash will come! Also to let go of worrying, and instead to fully live, fearlessly, with love. To not wait to start something, to not delay with “I will do that tomorrow”, if we truly want change we need to begin.

Here’s the program about Barbs who died recently. A person so significant in my life that I felt I had not choice other than to fly back to the UK to attend her funeral. The lovely extra twists was the delight of revisiting the area (thank you beautiful English sunshine) and the wonderful opportunity to reconnect with people I’ve not been with for decades.

An here’s a mixed bag of photos from my trip. My summary: enjoy life, get out in nature, don’t wait till tomorrow and celebrate when you can connect with those who are special and important in your life.

Saturday Morning Variety of 13 joints with Helen

Saturday 3/8/25 Helen Terry is teaching both the 8:45am Nia 5 Stages class and the 10:00am class.

Continuing our March Challenge of Variety. We will focus on The 13 joints, specifically ankles, knees, hips, spine, shoulders, elbows and wrists. After 5 stages lesson Helen will continue the focus into the 10:00am movement experience with her original experience “Inno” - based on the return to Innocence with beautiful songs that bring this sweet, childlike, nourishing quality to the experience.

Nia 5 STAGES

FOCUS: 13 Joints (Lesson A13)

10am Class: Inno

FOCUS: 13 joints

INTENT: sensing the space holders and gates of movement and energy.

ROUTINE: Helen Terry Original “Inno”

“Sensing the activation of the joints connects you to the sensation of being energetically and physically balanced”

— 5 Stages

Helen Terry 8:45am + 10:00am (CT)

HYBRID classes = 2 great choices:

1. Online via Zoom and/or

2. Enjoy a 24 hour replay

Usual Class Rates apply: Drop in for $20, 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.

“When we move energy through these joints by opening and closing them, the energy moves out and interfaces with the energy fields outside the body and is then recycled back into the body.
Energetically, you are basically breathing. You breathe energetically into the flesh as you move your joints. When you lock your joints, you cut off your air, or energy, to the body”

— 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. 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 can also find links for class at the top of our private Facebook Group, in “Featured": https://www.facebook.com/groups/helenterry

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.”

— Nia 5 Stages

March Journey of Variety 2025

Sale

30 Day “Journey with Movement”

Sale Price: $99.00 Original Price: $120.00

Each month for 2025 we feature a New Fun Journey (See full list below).

For the month of March welcome to our focus on variety. We are including a feature of all the 9 personalities of Nia. How we draw from the wisdom of Martial Arts, Dance Arts and Healing Arts.

Explore how variety can be the spice of body and life. How we can sustain motivation, be stimulated through engaged content and meaningful connection.

Our intent is for everybody in the monthly journey group to feel lucky/blessed, to be both stretched and supported. For us to enjoy and celebrate all the variety we can experience for our Body and our Life.

The “journey” 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 March 30 day journey by February 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.

Sale

30 Day “Journey with Movement”

Sale Price: $99.00 Original Price: $120.00

Soma News

Lovely “Team St Jude” family times in Vegas

Annual Run 13.1 Miles + Raise $5000 commitment.

Happy Friday!

We’re back from Vegas having completed the annual “St Jude Hero” half marathon tradition and we are 83% towards our commitment to raise $5000.

This is an annual run, and commitment to raise a minimum of $5000 a year for St Jude, a lifelong endeavor. This is the 5th year to complete this quest.

Thank you for everyone who has made a donation. Here’s the link if you would like to track our fundraising progress and/or to make a dontation to be part of our annual fundraiser.

http://events.stjude.org/soma-ranch

Helen kicks off our March 30 day “Variety” journey where we will feature 9 movement forms and provide various fabulous somatic movement opportunities LIVE via zoom.

Let us know how we may help more.

with love,

Helen, Joe and all the

Hope to dance with you soon,

love

Helen, (and Joe, Horses: Zephyr & Roger and of course Da Donkeys ;-)

13.1 Miles and we are almost at our goal

For the 5th year, Helen managed to complete the 13.1 mile, half marathon, as a St. Jude Hero. This is an annual commitment to raise a minimum of $5000 for St Jude. Presently we are 83% at our goal with $4163 raised to date. Together we run the race together; killing cancer and helping children.

Thank you to all who have made a donation (Listed Below). Please join us and support with a donation of any amount. Like every step in a 1/2 marathon counts, every dollar donation counts.

“I think of you as I run
and sense us all
crossing the finish line together.”

— Helen, with gratitude.

Saturday Morning Movement Forms with Helen

Saturday 3/1/24 Helen Terry is teaching both the 8:45am Nia 5 Stages class and the 10:00am class.

Introducing our March Journey with Variety. We will focus on The 9 Movement Forms, specifically exploring the timing and chemistry of each personality After 5 stages lesson Helen will continue the focus into the 10:00am movement experience with her version of the Nia routine R1.

Nia 5 STAGES

FOCUS: Natural Time and the Movement Forms (Lesson D06)

10am Class: R1

FOCUS: Moving 13 joints + Measuring with 20 digits

INTENT: Experience variety and chemical shifts.

ROUTINE: Helen Terry Adapted Version of R1.

“Sensing the activation of the joints connects you to the sensation of being energetically and physically balanced”

— 5 Stages

Helen Terry 8:45am + 10:00am (CT)

A HYBRID classes = 2 great choices:

1. Online via Zoom and/or

2. Enjoy a 24 hour replay

Usual Class Rates apply: Drop in for $20, 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.

“When we move energy through these joints by opening and closing them, the energy moves out and interfaces with the energy fields outside the body and is then recycled back into the body.
Energetically, you are basically breathing. You breathe energetically into the flesh as you move your joints. When you lock your joints, you cut off your air, or energy, to the body”

— 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. 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 can also find links for class at the top of our private Facebook Group, in “Featured": https://www.facebook.com/groups/helenterry

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.”

— Nia 5 Stages

1 Dollar 1 Step at a Time: Let's Kill Cancer Together

Today’s the day! We run the race together; killing cancer and helping children.

What’s not to LOVE about that?

Please join me and support with a donation of any amount. Like every step I take counts, every dollar donation counts.

“I think of you as I run
and sense us all
crossing the finish line together.”

— Helen, with gratitude.

Fabulous Running Playlist for St Jude

Thank you everyone for the fabulous recommendations for an ultimate running/workout playlist. This what I intend to play this evening on my 13.1 mile run for St Jude.

The Lauren Daigle “Kaleidescope” Album has been my “healing go to” playlist for several months and the music I’ve most played during the training. This is going to be my “get going, you’ve got this” beginning.

A best of Teddy Swims playlist was my most amazing successful run, back in October, when I ran for more than 2.5 hours, and 14+ miles, running hills near our Hiker’s Cabin in Lake Cushman. The memories of the run and the joy experience will hopefully spur me on.

The rest of the songs are combinations of fun favorites and fabulous suggestions from our community (thank you). As I end the race I will be playing these, sensing all y’all with me and together we will cross the finish line, winning the race AND moving towards KILLING Cancer.

Want to synchronize with me? Entertain starting the music around 5pm and tracking me. You could imagine running from the comfort of your own home, enjoying the music I will be playing.

Soma News From Vegas!

Lovely “Team St Jude” family times in Vegas

Annual Run 13.1 Miles + Raise $5000 commitment.

Happy Sunday!

Joe and Helen are here in Vegas for their annual “St Jude Hero” half marathon commitment + tradition.

Helen runs 13.1 miles along the Vegas strip, starting at 5pm Vegas time this evening.

Joe is the amazing “support team” and cheer leader.

This year we have the extra wonderful bonus of Helen’s parents joining from the UK. How amazing in their mid 80’s they can fly, explore, accompany and cheer us along! We’re having a grand time and hope you like the photos.

Helen has chosen to make this annual run, and the commitment to raise a minimum of $5000 a year for St Jude, a lifelong endeavor. This is the 5th year to complete this quest.

Thank you for everyone who has made a donation. Here’s the link if you would like to track our fundraising progress and/or to make a dontation to be part of our annual fundraiser.

Together we cross the finish line to kill cancer and help children.

http://events.stjude.org/soma-ranch

And here’s the link if you’d like to track Helen’s running progress LIVE:

https://track.rtrt.me/e/RNR-LV-2025#/tracker/RK9E6MR3

Helen’s bib number is 4289.

Thank you to the Soma “Rock Star” teachers back home who have been covering all the classes.

As a thank you to everyone who have provided donations to St Jude, here are 4 complimentary class replays for you to enjoy:

1. Helen’s Birthday class

2. Natasha’s 5 stages “Awareness” experience

3. Natasha’s “Magic Helen Medley”

4. Irene’s Feldenkrais Awareness/healing 30 min experience.

“This week I decided to feature our very own Helen ❤️ Many of these songs carry fond memories of community and connection as I’m fortunate to have danced most of them live in the Soma studio. I’m sure many of you will recognize the tunes and the moves. I hope you enJOY! ”

— Natasha Villeneuve

Hope to dance with you soon,

love

Helen, (and Joe, Horses: Zephyr & Roger and of course Da Donkeys ;-)