Testimonial about Yantra Yoga for The Mirror
September 16, 2019
I am blessed to have had six days of study with Max Leshchenko and Nataly Nitsche at Lotus Light Contemplative Community in Knoxville, Tennessee recently.
Interested in merging the sacred rivers of Yantra Yoga and Harmonious Breathing into my daily meditation practice, and intuitively drawn to acquaint myself with teachers in Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche’s lineage, I made a 2,000-mile pilgrimage to study briefly with Maxim Leshchenko and Nataly Nitsche, in August 2019.
Nataly led the Harmonious Breathing program. Max led the Yantra Yoga training. As co-teachers, they have wonderful chemistry and are quick to share laughter and connect with students. Both provided expert-level support in meeting students where they were at and modified poses as needed. They communicated with precision, emphasizing the union of breath, movement, and proper sequencing, and demonstrated an advanced command of American English. Their own body movements reflect a kind of flowing elegance, serving as testimonials to the beauty of these rich offerings.
Lama Karma had provided a taste of Yantra Yoga during spring retreat at Milarepa Ösel Chö Dzong, an hour outside of Knoxville. I was struck by the power of such a simple technique to clear the mind. Lama Karma is a master teacher, but living at a distance, studying by myself with the Yantra Yoga book at home raised questions. I realized I wanted to learn the foundational practices from professionals over an extended period to genuinely integrate the material. I’m grateful that Lama Karma invited Max and Nataly to Knoxville as part of their U.S. teaching tour. These teachings have indeed become a regular part of my practice.
Max Leshchenko and Nataly Nitsche are world-class yoga teachers. I highly recommend them and hope to study with them again myself.
Colleen Godfrey
Faribault, Minnesota, U.S.A.
