I often say, after teaching four Sun Salutations in my Intro to Yoga classes, “The hardest part of yoga is showing up. You already got that down, so one more Sun Salutation will be a piece of cake.” I like to do this because it puts the fast-paced challenge of Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutation) into perspective, but also because it’s very true.

Showing up on your mat — whether in a class, at home, or wherever, is the hardest part of yoga. Once you are on your mat, no matter the practice, the hard part is over. Take solace in this. And let it inspire your practice. Let it give you the right perspective. If you are considering practice today, but thoughts like, “I just don’t have the energy,” “I just don’t have the time,” “I just don’t feel like it,” enter your mind, instead shift your focus to the most difficult challenge of the practice — showing up.

Consider this challenge. What would it take for you to unfold your mat and get on it? If you think of it only in those terms — and you do just that, with no expectations, you are bringing your attention to the moment without getting caught up in thoughts that might pull you away. Perhaps you only stay on your mat for five or ten minutes. That’s fine. Likely you’ll be inspired to stay longer, but it’s ok if not. Again, no expectations. Let your practice unfold naturally.

The resistance the mind creates against coming to the mat — for whatever reason — can be strong. When you notice this resistance, in the form of statements like, “I just don’t…,” notice that your mind is resisting, and bring your attention to your breath for a moment. Then, find five minutes and a place to unroll your mat. Or who knows, you might just get in the car and drive to class. Recognize this as the ultimate challenge. Your mind will pose the challenge as the fatigue, lack of time, or lack of desire, but the true challenge is simply showing up.

Once you recognize that the hardest part of yoga is showing up, and you begin to show up anyway, everything changes. No longer does showing up become a challenge, letting your practice take on a new taste. That’s not to say showing up will never present itself as a challenge again. It will. This is the nature of practice (and why it will always be just that — practice). But you will have the unique perspective, based on experience, to know that the challenge isn’t so challenging. So next time you show up on your mat, revel in that.