Took Jeffrey Villanueva’s class at NYC studio… All levels, all ages welcome? He was very patient and helped two tween kids get into a headstand while I did mine against a wall (which functions as my security blanket – yes, I’ve got it too – the fear of the “fall” – and cervical spine injury, having been rear ended in the 20’s, never been the same – treating my body with TLC) feeling a bit queazy from a subway ride right after breakfast.
I knew he was an excellent teacher but I had no idea he was this kind of a practitioner… quite amazing as I recall crossing this intersection in Times Square – usually there are taxis, buses and trucks nudging close to you; roll down the window shout outs; the honking; the sirens; the congestion; the urban strife… I recall clearly what a mess of an intersection this spot is, with taxi drivers and trucks practically owning the streets with onslaught of people in Manhattan’s theater district (Broadway, Baby:) – it would take quite a courage to just do his thing like this – not getting run over by those yellow cabs rushing the pedestrians. (Note – NO MAT on the asphalt!) Instead of being run over by them, look! (Superman?) He’s flying in Times Square! I attest to the craziness of that place and it’s amazing that with focus, strength and balance, he can just be in his own elements, in his body and practice – a natural- in a chaotic surroundings far from nature. It’s just such an inspiration as this video shows the calm within the turmoil expressed through graceful movement. Sounds contradictory? Calmness within Movement? Stillness in midst of Times Square? Even if us common mortals could never get to this, it’s like watching an Olympic feat or a Wimbleton match – just something to marvel at and appreciate what the body and mind is capable of with enough training, practice and … the will.
Of course when you see something like this, you might think yoga is not for you; it’s too acrobatic – I’m not a gymnast or an acrobat – but no worries. His class is quite not like this at all – yoga is not about being able to do the wow-poses – it’s about the intention…The video just shows what HIS body, with will and dedication is capable of at this snap-shot time and serves as an inspiration of human potential. It’s to inspire you & it is not to make you think – I can’t. Not for you to give-up and shrug, “There’s no fri…n way I can do this!” While your ego may beg to differ, It’s not about that – Once awhile ago, I could not do a certain pose and was getting frustrated with myself to which my instructor said – oh, it’s okay – just know that maybe and maybe not even 1% or less in our population could do it anyway – so it’s okay not to be able to do it of course. Tender smile… THANK YOU! (looking back, it probably saved me from a knee or hip replacement surgery later on) I was about to berate my body for not being able to do it – instead of loving my body for what it can do. In Jeffery’s class, he keeps it to the level of his students, never showing off (would not have known he’s this accomplished until I looked him up wondering if he taught other classes…), always a humble warrior with very beautiful eyes reflecting a very beautiful soul within. That soul happens to be riding in a body that flies with such control and precision. In utter awe…