Stag

His antlers reached to the sky
like antennae to the heavens,
displayed in structured yet abstract teirs,
in perfect Yin to Yang balance,
keeping him grounded in times
of battle or protection
yet connected to the moon and the state
that guided him so valiantly

source for art & text: Anon

Community

“A strong community
is a place of
joy & belonging,”

Source: Anon

I am grateful for the community we have created in our Zoom class.
Never did I think it would last this long when I started it, but I am so glad it has.
T, Kat, Ann, Susan, Linda, Fawn, Kathy, Jean & Pam
Thank you for your commitment to your own well-being.
& for joining me on the mat weekly.
I am honored.

Dragonflies & Hummingbirds

Screen Shot 2020-08-03 at 1.30.54 PM.png

Dragon flies and hummingbirds flying through my view

They’re comforting & lilting, in their flights, in their hues

They tell me

“Lighten up and fly, move on to your next perch

Keep a playful eye on life but don’t give up the search.

See the beauty of the world, let compassion tag along

Enjoy each branch you sit upon it’s right where you belong”

Tricia Schwaba, August 2025

Muscle Pain Vs. Discomfort

I’m going to ask you to draw a distinction between muscle pain and muscle discomfort. Muscle pain takes on many characteristics, possibly sharp, tingling, burning, intense and it makes you want to draw back — stop the movement. Muscle discomfort doesn’t make you draw back from the movement, but dares you to sink in, giving you the sense that, in the sinking in, lies the release.

Muscularly speaking, this distinction is valuable as it may dictate what path to take to relieve the pain. Discomfort from strain or chronic compromising, postural habits can often be managed, even eliminated by massage therapy and various self-care practices. For those of us who do not have the luxury of good health insurance (or any at all) understanding this can not only ease the stress of the uncertainty but also save you some money. I have had periodic foot pain throughout the years and I understand exactly where it comes from and why. Did I wear shoes inappropriate for the situation? Did I wear a pair of shoes that were slightly large, that perhaps required a thicker sock to be secure? Did I do a lot of incline walking? These are the activities that bring on my foot pain and despite my muscular & myofascial insight and knowledge of my own body’s tendencies I don’t always obey my own rules either through ignorance or stubbornness. I can ease my pain w trigger point therapy and self massage techniques, and hope I’ll learn my lesson to prevent a next time!

The bottom line is if you experience muscle pain through movement, back out gently, come back to center and breathe, and make an appointment w the appropriate practitioner. If you experience muscle discomfort go right on in, have a seat and talk things over.

Tricia Schwaba, August 2025

Sunrise of Her Evolving Self

The sun sets on her self doubt

No longer the strong harsh

high-noon light it once was

Glaring, blinding her

access to essence

Screen%252BShot%252B2015-02-03%252Bat%252B8.07.45%252BPM%252B2.jpg

The deep blue infinity expands

A void from which the

new sun of credence rises 

Revealing the rich soil of

her authentic self

And with it the realization

that it is she alone 

Who cultivates the many

& varied blooms 

As she flows through

the autumn of her life    

Tricia Schwaba 2025