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Pausing to Breathe: Teaching Yoga to Conference Colleagues in India

March 14, 2026 by
Pausing to Breathe: Teaching Yoga to Conference Colleagues in India
NNU Yoga, Nita Nicole

In February 2026 I was fortunate enough to be invited to speak at a legal conference in New Delhi, India. I was also asked if I would guide my colleagues in a yoga session the first morning of the conference and am delighted to share my account of this lovely experience. 

The morning sun was just beginning to spill over the rooftops of New Delhi, casting a golden glow over the verandas and gardens of our hotel nestled in the diplomatic enclave of New Delhi. The air carried a warm, earthy quality—a reminder that we were far from home, immersed in a land of ancient widsom, timeless traditions and rich heritage. I unrolled my yoga mat in a quiet corner of the pool deck of our hotel, ready to welcome colleagues to a brief oasis of calm before several days of intense conference activity.

Jet lag hung over us all, and the previous day’s travel had left everyone feeling a little disoriented and low on energy. As immigration lawyers, we’re used to long hours and high-pressure work, but crossing multiple time zones adds an extra challenge. That’s why yoga felt so important in that moment. A practice that has always helped me navigate both professional demands and travel fatigue offered a chance for all of us to reconnect with our energy, focus, and presence.

Watching everyone take slow, intentional breaths, stretch into poses, and find small moments of stillness amidst the fatigue was profoundly grounding. Even a few minutes of mindful movement can help release tension, clear the mind, and cultivate focus.

By the end of the session, there was a subtle shift in energy—lighter, calmer, more centered. It was a vivid reminder that self-care isn’t a luxury, especially in a high-pressure profession. Yoga isn’t just movement; it’s resilience, clarity, and grounding, and sharing it reminded me that even in the busiest, most exhausting moments, a pause can make all the difference. 

The conference was a resounding success and after the conference I flew from New Delhi to Udaipur to tour the region of Rajasthan and visit palaces, explore bazaars and visit a game reserve. Rajasthan was simply breathtaking—every palace, fort, and desert landscape felt like stepping into a living painting, rich with color, history, and wonder. I came back home feeling grateful for the opportunity to expand my horizons professionally and personally and of course grateful to share my love of yoga with my wonderful colleagues who have become part of my yoga tribe. 

Pausing to Breathe: Teaching Yoga to Conference Colleagues in India
NNU Yoga, Nita Nicole March 14, 2026
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