If there’s anything that proves the effectiveness of yoga, it’s the contrast that can be felt in the simple act of not doing yoga.

As I’m sure was the reality for many of us this past December, the perfect storm of schedules that just didn’t mesh and the need for a post-challenge break, making it to the studio became a rare occurrence, and as we ended the year, rolling out my mat even rarer.

Like most things in life, we tend to go through the motion of cycles. If you found yourself getting off track from your “normal” or desired routine, know that downtime plays an important part in what we consider to be our concept of balance. Stepping back into the studio fresh from that holiday daze, a series of flows left me with that tired but feel-good feeling that comes from a sweaty practice (thanks Solange!). The energy pulsing through my entire body and the deep sleep that followed after my first practice of the year was enough to get me hooked and back on the mat as we kicked off another year. Once again, I found myself making time to show up for myself and for my practice.

That being said, I’m not writing this piece to convince you of any resolutions or new approaches to your practice. You need to do you.

Yoga is a very personal journey and your experience will be different from others. I invite you to take this moment in between challenges (the next one starts February 15th!)  to reflect on what motivated you to begin and what keeps you coming back for more? Know that this motivation will evolve throughout your commitment to your practice. Maybe it’s the calm it brings to your day or the physical and mental strength that builds through consistent practice. It may be the simple act of moving or giving yourself space. Whatever your intention or reason, take a moment to reflect on it and to understand why yoga feels good for you. Sometimes, we can get lost in what we think we should be doing, instead of what’s actually right for us. No one else’s reasons for sweating have any effect on your own, but if you’re curious as to why your fellow yogis sweat, have a read through last year’s biggest sweaters’ reasons for making yoga a priority.