Soma News

Wonderful Soma times…

Howdy!

We had a delightful time at the Nia “Art of Communication” Blue Belt here at Soma Ranch.

Congratulations “Art of Communication” graduates Payton, Pamela, Dorit and Michelle. Kudos to Hananda and Lauren who returned for the whole experience.

Thank you for the many visitors, including: Lara, Lesa, and Kathy who made the journey from Dallas, Kitt enjoyed an extended stay in the poolside Casita, while Peggy popped over a couple of times from The Woodlands nearby. Gigi dropped in from College Station for an overnight stay, Angela brought a lively group of friends for an enjoyable day retreat, Crystal returned for a mini retreat, Megan and Leila drove up from Houston to join us, Chris, Joy and Sabrina joined us for Monthly Cuppa. Emily boldly signed up for a day retreat without knowing anyone beforehand, as she was new to Soma Ranch.

We love how participants who return to revisit a Nia Belt training bring a wonderful added layer of depth that significantly enhances the overall experience for everyone involved. Additionally, it is wonderful to see how members of the public can “ride the waves” of the vibrant energy of the retreat by popping in for a class, enjoying lunch, and/or making their own day retreat at Soma Ranch.

We encourage you to consider dropping in for classes or to join us on our May 30-day journey, aptly titled “Dancing Through Life.”

Be well, with love from

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

Congratulations "Art of Communication" Graduates

Congratulations “Art of Communication” Graduates. Thank you for an incredible week.

Fun Friday Blue Monkey

Our "Fun Friday" class has developed into a fabulous weekly tradition. This week was particularly special with our Nia Blue Belt participants joining in the fun and being present in the studio. We focused on Dancing Through Life with "smooth" as our theme. The community offered song suggestions, Helen improvised the moves and together we co-created some sassy, satisfying, smooth magic!

Here's a delicious taste of our classes and community at Soma Ranch, with opportunities to enjoy classes in person and ONLINE via zoom.

Click “Enjoy the Replay” if you’d like to experience the whole class experience. Please consider making a donation to our annual fundraiser for St Jude.

Entertain joining us for a month, 30 classes in 30 days, for only $99 and have the opportunity to enjoy every Fun Friday!

Fun Cinco De Mayo Dinner

Joe, who is not only a co-owner of Soma but also a remarkable food artist extraordinaire, wisely states, “people eat with their eyes.” He meticulously prepares some exquisite food that is truly a work of art at Soma Retreats. This past week, we joyfully celebrated May 5th, Cinco De Mayo day, with Joe’s vibrant and tantalizing “Tex Mex Fiesta” meal, which was complete with colorful decorations, festive hats, lively music, and a delectable dessert that perfectly complemented the themed feast.

The menu featured a delightful quinoa made in the style of traditional Spanish rice, along with homemade guacamole served in such an impressively large quantity that guests often exclaim, “that is the largest bowl of guac I have ever seen!” Additionally, there were tasty black beans infused with red bell peppers, a colorful assortment of grilled mixed vegetables, a succulent chicken option, and an array of trimmings such as shredded cabbage, grated cheese, sour cream, fresh corn tortillas, hot sauce, and so much more. This widely popular meal has become a highlight of most training sessions and retreats held at Soma Ranch. Returning guests frequently express their desire to enjoy it all over again.

There were many meaningful conversations and great giggles experienced throughout our time together. Such lovely memories were created as we enjoyed the gentle breeze, perfect temperature, and beautiful nature sounds, all while being undercover outdoors.

We truly relished our conversations around the dining table as well as the engaging HYBRID Nia Classes, which allowed both in-person and online participants to connect.

Lara, Lesa, and Kathy made the journey from Dallas, while Peggy popped over from The Woodlands nearby. Gigi dropped in from College Station, Angela brought a lively group of friends for an enjoyable day retreat, and Megan and Leila drove up from Houston to join us. Emily boldly signed up for a day retreat without knowing anyone beforehand, as she was new to Soma Ranch.

We love how participants who return to revisit a Nia Belt training bring a wonderful added layer of depth that significantly enhances the overall experience for everyone involved. Additionally, it is wonderful to see how members of the public can “ride the waves” of the vibrant energy of the retreat by popping in for a class, enjoying lunch, and/or making their own day retreat at Soma Ranch.

Teaching “Fun Friday” (where the class brings the moves, I, Helen, bring the moves and together we co-create magical experience) was extra special with all the Nia Blue Belt participants dancing with me in the studio! Our Graduation lunch party was fun with Joe creating food with the Nia and Soma Ranch logo, sparkling (non alcoholic) fizzy bubbly in our “wedding flutes”.

A Beautiful "Art of Communication" Retreat

Wow! what an amazing week at Soma Ranch with wonderful people from around the country We came together and co- created magic.

We danced joyfully, explored new ideas, learned valuable lessons, shared stories, laughed heartily, and LAUGHED even more! This experience serves as a lovely reminder of how, when we stay light-hearted, engaged, and genuinely curious, deep work and self-discovery can unfold with minimal frustration or pain, while maximizing fascination and pleasure.

Participants arrived safely on Wednesday afternoon, which is always a relief when there are no travel delays and everyone arrives safe, well, and punctually. Something wonderfully confirming sings within me when I set up the studio for our first night together, fueling the affirmation "yes! this is why we’re here!" .

As we gathered around the Soma Dining Room table that first evening, hearing where everyone is from and learning a little more about each other's backgrounds creates a lovely atmosphere to foster connection among us.

The studio's “community social” room, affectionately referred to as the LOVE room, is perfect for some of the Nia Blue Belt Sessions, such as Communication and “The Power of 2.”

Meanwhile, the studio’s “dance” room, lovingly dubbed the JOY room, fills with wonderful natural light, has an incredible sound system, and features a sparkling sprung birch wood floor that invites movement.

The dorm "peace" room offered a serene sanctuary where everyone could peacefully sleep and feel remarkably rested. All guests adhered to the "silence is golden" rule, which encourages individuals to remain quiet within the dorm, allowing for focused rest while chatting, socializing, and connecting with one another took place in the adjacent lounge, affectionately known as the "love" room. This thoughtful approach not only provides every guest with the comfort of knowing they can always retreat into the calming silence of the dorm whenever they need to rest, nap, sleep, or meditate, but it also infuses the space with a unique and indescribable energy. It is reminiscent of the magic one experiences when stepping into a library, where tranquility reigns and the atmosphere is filled with a sense of profound peace.

There were many meaningful conversations and great giggles experienced throughout our time together. Such lovely memories were created as we enjoyed the gentle breeze, perfect temperature, and beautiful nature sounds, all while being undercover outdoors.

We truly relished our conversations around the dining table as well as the engaging HYBRID Nia Classes, which allowed both in-person and online participants to connect.

Lara, Lesa, and Kathy made the journey from Dallas, while Peggy popped over from The Woodlands nearby. Gigi dropped in from College Station, Angela brought a lively group of friends for an enjoyable day retreat, and Megan and Leila drove up from Houston to join us. Emily boldly signed up for a day retreat without knowing anyone beforehand, as she was new to Soma Ranch.

We love how participants who return to revisit a Nia Belt training bring a wonderful added layer of depth that significantly enhances the overall experience for everyone involved. Additionally, it is wonderful to see how members of the public can “ride the waves” of the vibrant energy of the retreat by popping in for a class, enjoying lunch, and/or making their own day retreat at Soma Ranch.

Body Awarness: Pain + Pleasure Resilience

We'd be thrilled if you'd like to join us ONLINE or via our 24HR recording this Saturday. We will connect with Pain, Pleasure and Resilience, to explore how to reduce (and thank) pain, increase Pleasure and enJoyment, with healing, movement, dance and wonderful community connection/conversation.

The Nia 5 Stages lesson at 8:45am CT is Body Awareness: Pain + Pleasure. We continue this lesson, as our focus, into an adapted “Resilience” Nia class experience at 10am CT. Helen will bring her “simple kata formula” to provide space for somatic, body centered movement, awareness and creativity

Key themes/concepts for these classes include:

• The voice of the body is sensation.

• The voice of pleasure is a sensation that says, “This feels good. This feels better!”

• The voice of pain is a sensation that says, “This doesn’t feel good; let’s change what we’re doing.”

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.

Thank you Monthly Cuppas for St Jude

Our monthly “Community Cuppa” was a wonderful time for connection, conversation and support. Thank you Sabrina, Pamela, Joy, Payton, Dorit, Kitt, Barbara, Peggy and Chris. We LOVED Celebrating the Nia Blue Belt, Supporting and comforting some in the group going through challenging times, we prayed over safe travels and healing needs.

This event is a fundraiser for our “Soma Charity Partner”. All donations collected go towards St. Jude. We raised $88 for our 2025 fundraiser and we are 6% there with a total of $313! Yes! we are moving in the right direction towards our quest to raise $5000 by February 2026.

We also raised $200 with Helen’s clothing donation rack!

Our next “Monthly Cuppa” is Monday, June 2nd.

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

Soma News

Flowering Cactus welcomes our Soma Guests at the gate as they arrive.

Howdy!

We are having a delightful time at the Nia “Art of Communication” Blue Belt here at Soma Ranch.

Check out these amazing yellow flowers that popped out of our cactus at the gate to greet our guests.

You are welcome to join us for public classes. We also have a couple of extra classes/special events for you. Here’s a summary of the public schedule:

08:45am Sat. Nia 5 stages

10:00am Sat. Enigma

11:00am Sun. Selfless

05:00pm Sun. Soma Faith

10:00am Mon. Ignite

08:00am Tue. 52 Moves Express (30 min)

08:00am Wed. “Shine” Celebration (30 min).

PLEASE NOTE the Sunday Class is 11:00am

We encourage you to consider dropping in for classes or to join us on our May 30-day journey, aptly titled “Dancing Through Life.”

Be well, with love from

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

Symbology of Flowering Cactus

Suddenly our cactus, at the Soma Ranch entrance gate, bloomed big beautiful yellow flowers on the eve of the arrival of our Blue Belt Guests. There seemed to be some significance around this so we looked it up. How fascinating to learn what a flowering cactus symbolizes…

Cactus flowers generally symbolize endurance, resilience, and the ability to thrive in difficult circumstances. They represent the strength and tenacity of the cactus plant, which can survive in harsh desert conditions. Additionally, the bright, vibrant colors of cactus flowers can also represent joy, happiness, and beauty found in the face of adversity. 

Here's a more detailed look at some of the symbolism:

• Endurance and Resilience:

  Cacti are known for their ability to survive in harsh, dry environments, making them a powerful symbol of strength and perseverance. 

• Hope and Renewal:

  The fact that some cacti bloom in the winter, like the Christmas Cactus, symbolizes hope and renewal, even in the coldest, darkest times. 

• Adaptability and Transformation:

  The cactus's ability to adapt to its environment and thrive despite the odds can be seen as a reminder of our own ability to transform and overcome challenges. 

• Spiritual Significance:

  In some cultures, cactus flowers are associated with spiritual meanings like transcendence, purity, and protection. 

• Love and Warmth:

  In some instances, cactus flowers are also associated with love and warmth, particularly in the context of maternal love, as they are seen as a symbol of nurturing and protection. 

Nia Art of Communication Begins

Welcome to Soma Ranch, a unique boutique ranch sanctuary where dreams truly come to life, relationships flourish and grow, communication becomes clearer and more meaningful, and individuals have the wonderful opportunity to deepen their level of intimacy (as in pay attention to details) not only with themselves but also with music, their mindful practice, their consciousness, and the opportunity to explore the art of living fully and authentically.

Soma Ranch Retreat

We love this moment before a retreat begins. The beds are made, the space is clear and sparkling clean, there's a quiet hush vibe, a grounded anticipation and then WHOOOSH!! everyone arrives and the journey begins.

May Journey to "Dance Through Life"

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

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

Focus: Pay Attention to Body (Somatic Consciousness)

Intent: “Dance Through Life”

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 be able to move, feel vibrant, healthy and well consciously, through paying attention to the language of our body, sensation and encouraged to dance through life (on and off the dance floor)

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.

When you sign up for the May 30 day Journey by April 28th you can bring a friend for FREE!

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

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

All for $99.

The May Journey “Dancing Through Life” is all about conscious awareness of the body, through paying attention, particularly to the body through Sensation. Providing you with classes that provide exploration of

1. Sensation ~ The Language of the Body

2. Pay attention ~ investment to reap reward:

3. Reduce Injury - Enhance Performance

4. Dancing Through Life

5. Living Meditation

6. Life as Art

Some class Foci will explore the essentials of Body Somatic Awareness, for example

• Sense the 3 layers of somatic awareness: Skin, Bones, Soft Connective Tissue

• Sense the spaces in between

• Sense temperature, texture and weight/pressure

Other classes will explore duality and contrast between core principles, for example.

• sense the contrast of movement and stillness, steps and stances, with the intent to receive a felt sense of dancing through life and living meditation

• Sense the relationship sensations in to out, out to in and within to within.

• Sense the duality play between body awareness to reduce injury and enhance performance

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

Welcome to May We Dance Through Life

We have begun a wonderful 30 day journey our theme for the month is Somatic Awareness and how we May Dance Through Life. Here Helen introduces the month, provides an over view of the simple kata formula, shares why this is beneficial for both someone new to movement and to an experienced mover/dancer. At the end of the clip Helen shares an invite to our Fun Friday Blue Monkey experience. You're invited to participate, let us know a song you like that has something to do with "smooth"

Sale

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

Soma Faith Kaleidoscope

Sunday 05/04/25 Soma Ranch Co-Owner, Helen Terry, is leading a special Soma Faith Dance at 5pm Helen’s creation “Kaleidoscope”.

A fabulous class where we explore the relationship between the many parts of us (Body, Mind, Emotion, Spirit), with the many parts of our body (Bones, Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments, Skin) to express movement from the inside out, heart to hands, earth to heaven, with the intent to feel relaxed, expressive and fulfilled.

“ka·lei·do·scope
/kəˈlīdəˌskōp/
a constantly changing pattern
or sequence of objects or elements.
”the dancers moved
in a kaleidoscope of color””

— Oxford Dictionary

This classes are Triple HYBRID, where you can choose:

1. In Person at Soma Ranch

2. LIVE Online via Zoom and/or

3. Enjoy a 24 hour replay

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

“Each time you look at a kaleidoscope, new beautiful arrangements appear magically. This figuratively suggests that one should approach the most difficult situations in life by changing one’s attitude to the circumstances because life is truly amazing. It also means there is so much to look forward to, regardless of the worst lows you might encounter. Things fall apart sometimes, but they can always be put back together even if in a different pattern, much like the stunning art in a kaleidoscope.”

Sir David Brewster, the Scottish scientist, invented this wonderful instrument in 1816 when he experimented with light polarization. He mixed up a few Greek words that meant “observer of beautiful shapes” and succinctly came up with the word “kaleidoscope”.

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

Soma Faith Class

from $5.00

Welcome to Soma Faith 5pm Sunday “Pop Ups” at Soma Ranch. These special Sunday events don’t happen every week. Please email helen@somaranch.com if you’d like to be including in the Soma Faith News List.

SOMA FAITH

Online (Via Zoom), In Person (at Soma Ranch), or via 24HR recording, come Praise, Dance, Worship, Workout, Pray, Connect, Move and Sweat with us!

We're in for a GLORIOUS TIME singing, praising and dancing to Christian music.

All Faiths and Fitness Levels Welcome.

Helen Terry creates all inspiring Christian workout/worship experiences. They combine her passion for Christ, with her love for movement and fitness and Nia.

Helen brings more than 35 years experience with holistic fitness and wellness.

Receive zoom link for class and 24 HR replay by clicking “PURCHASE”

Classes are on a sliding scale, choose your price $5 - $100.

• Pay for a class

• Pay for the month

• Pay as you go

• Make a one time payment

The choice is yours.

We never want finances to get in the way of your opportunity to connect, move and be moved through our Soma Faith program. We appreciate your support and how you give.

We never want religion to get in the way of your opportunity. All beliefs and faiths are welcome. Helen will pray at the beginning and end of the experience, and the name Jesus will be mentioned. All are welcome.

50% of all funds collected go towards our Soma Charity: St Jude.

Payment Option: Select Payment Option $5$10$15$20$30$50$100$500

PURCHASE

Saturday Morning Sensational Enigma with Helen

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

Introducing our May Journey of “Dancing Through Life”. We will focus on Sensation Science, specifically exploring how the body works, communicated and co-operates. And how we can move our body’s way (the current design and function of our body): through systemic movement.

After 5 stages lesson Helen will continue the focus into the 10:00am movement experience with one of her most request movement experiences “Enigma”.

Come experiment, express and evolve with us.

Nia 5 STAGES

FOCUS: Sensation Scientist (Lesson B02)

10am Class: Enigma

FOCUS: The Body’s Way, Our Body’s Way

INTENT: To have a felt sense of exploration of body anatomy through movement.

ROUTINE: Helen Terry’s “Enigma” experience

In this class, you will:

• Sense your spine by integrating it with the movements

• Develop strength and confidence from the inside out

• Enhance your physical conditioning and self-healing by moving Your Body’s Way

This class is perfect for students of all levels and abilities - from beginners to beyond!

“Becoming a Sensation Scientist means to use
sensation as a research tool – and what you’re
researching is how to live in your body and how to
live your life using sensation to enhance your well-
being”

— 5 Stages

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

Triple HYBRID classes = 3 great choices:

1. In person at Soma Ranch

2. Online via Zoom and/or

3. Enjoy a 24 hour replay

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

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

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

Saturday 10am Dance "Enigma"

This Saturday 10am, as part of our special Blue Belt Week, (following 5 stages “Sensation Scientist” we will dance “Enigma”

The music is by Enigma, their second CD “Cross of Change” from beginning to end.

One of the cool things about this music is how most of the songs weave seamlessly from one to the next.

This continuity brings a beautiful building energetic quality to both the music and the moves for a magical experience.

“e·nig·ma
/iˈniɡmə,eˈniɡmə/

a person or thing
that is mysterious, puzzling,
or difficult to understand.”

— Oxford Dictionary

Focus: Seamless Continuity Celebration with 5H’s: Heals, Hara, Heart, Head & Hands

Intent: to feel more Grounded, Relaxed, Aware, Centered with Energy.

Usual class rates apply

24 hour replay available upon request.

The words of these songs feel so relevant for today….

Lyrics for “Return To Innocence”

Love - Devotion

Feeling - Emotion

Don't be afraid to be weak

Don't be too proud to be strong

Just look into your heart my friend

That will be the return to yourself

The return to innocence.

If you want, then start to laugh

If you must, then start to cry

Be yourself don't hide

Just believe in destiny.

Don't care what people say

Just follow your own way

Don't give up and use the chance

To return to innocence.

That's not the beginning of the end

That's the return to yourself

The return to innocence.

Lyrics for Cross of Change (the last song)

If you understand or if you don'tIf you believe or if you doubt

There's a universal justice

And the eyes of truthAre always watching you

Here’s a video clip with more information about adapting and creating choreography and also more about the creation/focus of Enigma. FYI tomorrow we dance the ORIGINAL MOVES TO ORIGINAL ENIGMA MUSIC (disregard my chat at the end about options LOL).

Soma News

The weather is lovely, the flowers blooming, pool is sparkling and the temperature is perfect here at Soma

Howdy!

Thank you team, way to go Gigi and Dani for teaching classes this morning as Helen is jumps in the car to drive 4 hours to attend a funeral.

Continuing our April 30 day Movement journey Gigi the Nia 5 Stages class “Chest” and Dani is leading AyaDance at 10am.

Need a little extra “movement medicine” this weekend? Enjoy a replay of Medicine Woman with Helen

Next up is the Nia Blue Belt (May 1 - 7). This is the last Nia training Helen will be offering at Soma Ranch. Let us know if you’d like to join us either for this very special training, re-experience the “Art of Communication” course or join us for a lovely retreat.

We have several extra classes available at Soma Ranch during the upcoming May 1 - 7 retreat. Check out the full schedule for May included below for your convenience. We encourage you to consider dropping in for classes or to join us on our May 30-day journey, aptly titled “Dancing Through Life.” When you register by the 28th, you will have the opportunity to bring a friend along for free, making it an even more enjoyable experience.

Be well, with love from

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

Saturday Morning 2 amazing teachers for 2 wonderful classes

Saturday 4/26/24 Gigi is teaching the 8:45am Nia 5 Stages class and Dani is leading the 10:00am class.

Continuing our April Journey of choices for Health and Happiness, at 8:45am we will focus on Chest in 5 Stages. Then 10am Dani is leading her “Aya Dance” experience.

PRACTICE: Aya Dance Meditation

FOCUS: Ease & Just being here now

INTENT: To invite the sensation of ease into our body as we dance. To have some time to simply enjoy sensing our body & connecting with this beautiful moment right here, right now.

MUSIC:  Full playlist is available here

TEACHER: Dani Eastman

Kin 33: Red Resonant Skywalker

Your Galactic Affirmation is:
I Channel in order to Explore
Inspiring Wakefulness
I seal the Output of Space
With the Resonant tone of Attunement
I am guided by the power of Life Force

“ choose to delight myself today
by awakening my curiosity so that I will continue to learn
and grow, educating myself, for the highest place of
education is in my body”

— 5 Stages

Gigi (5 Stages) 8:45am + Dani (Aya Dance) 10:00am (CT)

Double 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 Journey 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.

“Continuing Education for an adult is to go back to the non-thinking, pre-verbal experience of being curious and noticing in the senses,
“Does this feel better?”
“Does this feel comfortable?”
“Is this giving me Pleasure?”

— 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

Movement Medicine

This morning’s class truly felt like medicine for my soul; a rejuvenating experience that uplifted my spirit. I really love when everything aligns flawlessly, coming together with such ease, great pleasure, and deep comfort. Teaching a fully embodied class, while integrating all that I’ve learned and experienced throughout my extensive 32-year full time career with Nia, brings an immense sense of satisfaction. All the familiar “regular” ladies showed up in the room, and at the end of class, I couldn't help but exclaim, “Today felt like the team got back together; it’s so great to see all y’all in class at the same time!”.

As well as saying this out loud to the Soma Ranch class participants, I was also sharing this insight with “my peeps within my soma,” which refers to the supportive internal team I rely on, residing deep within my own mind. These are the voices that I consult for guidance and assistance in both my teaching endeavors and my everyday life.

With my upcoming final Nia training at Soma Ranch approaching, maintaining joy without slipping into depression or spiraling into drama truly feels nourishing. In many ways, the training has already begun within me. My mind is actively constructing the 7-day course; memories of previous trainings flood in like a vibrant tapestry, while creative ideas begin to percolate. All of this happens as my heart expands, enveloped in a profound felt sense of potential and endless possibilities.

Similar to tracking a moment in time by observing the age of a child, my first Blue Belt training is quite easy to remember, as it was the significant event we chose to celebrate the opening of the NiaMoves Studio on Pecore in Houston back in 2008. I have provided this Nia Blue Belt course 3 - 8 times a year since then, and now, 17 years, 90 trainings, and 630 days later, with over 1000 trainees having participated, I can reflect on the incredible journey we have shared.

The Nia Blue Belt is a deep dive into communication, relationship and intimacy. There’s a lovely parallel between applying knowledge and skill in the Nia class on the dance floor and doing the same in life to create a life well lived “dancing through life”

For example,

1. Intimacy: In class this morning, sustaining a consistent and unwavering focus throughout the entire experience significantly contributed to an exceptionally satisfying and rewarding outcome. This remarkable level of focus required a harmonious combination of skill, determination, and thoughtful strategy, all of which were meticulously supported by the hundreds of hours of dedicated practice and accumulated knowledge and experience. This phenomenon can be described as intimacy—specifically, the ability to pay careful and discerning attention to details, maintain genuine engagement, be fully present in the moment, notice subtle nuances in interactions, and possess the capacity to respond effectively and appropriately as situations unfolded.

2. Communication; in class I am communicating with my body, mind, emotions and spirit (me, Helen, inside my body), and also expanded, beyond my immediate “team” to what is still within my realm. I am receiving sensations from both my body and my physical realm, images from both my mind and my mental realm, feelings from my heart and my emotional realm and finally lots of fun unique things from both me and my spirt realm. While this might sound complex and mentally challenging, with practice, the teacher can be in the center of all centers, like a sweet soft spot, the still point, in the center of a vibrant storm. I love to feel suspended in time and space, relaxed and quiet, receiving fabulous flowing data from “all my peeps” in and around me. (yes - welcome to the privacy of my brain LOL)

3. Relationship: in class I am practicing being in relationship with many aspects simultaneously, including being in relationship with my body, details in the music, the class participants, choreography, creativity, spontaneity. Ideally all these relationships are flourishing joyfully, I am bringing attention, curiosity, clear communication and desires to my relationship with all of the above, meanwhile they are each bringing specific things to their relationship with me. For example my body is bringing sensations, communicating both pain and pleasure to it’s relationship with me, I, am then bringing adaptability and changes (small and big) to my relationship with my body. The music brings rhythm, melody and harmony to its relationship with me, i bring synchronized movement and expression. The result being my relationship with the music, my body and the class participants, is flourishing wildly!

If you’d like to enjoy some movement medicine, witness how the above was applied in class, feel free to click the button below. This is a gift from my heart to yours. I hope you find some medicine to help you feel better whether you watch, listen or dance to the class experience. If you feel led to provide something in return you could either make a donation to St Jude or pay for class. Buttons for these options are included below. (This is OPTIONAL)

Rising Movement Experience

As a Christian, at Easter time, I feel the strong desire to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. I also want to honor the uniqueness of everyone in class and be accepting of all religions, beliefs and faiths.

Coming into my inclusive public Nia class with "let's all celebrate Jesus!" simply is not going to work.

Feeling the creative tension between my personal faith and professional responsibility, I found myself jumping for Joy when a fabulous solution revealed itself! What if we compile a playlist of songs to do with Rising with a focus around the concept "Rising".

Saturday, April 19th 10am, as we approach Easter, we will celebrate with “Rising” ~ a movement experience. enjoy a playlist of songs who all have something in common… Rise! Lift up! Feel Good! Celebrate!

Usual Class Rates Apply. Class is Hybrid: available simultaneously IN PERSON and ONLINE with 24 hour replay available upon request.

Soma Class Rates

from $20.00

Soma Ranch Classes: Select Soma Ranch Classes $20 | Drop In$75 | 5 class pass$130 | 10 class pass$75 | Day Retreat$30 | Lunch or Dinner$30 | Sauna$96 | 60 Min Massage$145 | 90 Min Massage

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