Knowing when to back off

There are days, and for me, super hot days are one them- that (I believe) listening to what your body needs is more important than getting in another sweaty vinyasa practice just because it is on your 'to do' list. Today for me is one of those days- it is warm out and I need to cool off, not build more heat so that I can find a place of balance rather than throwing myself further out of balance. Lots of forward bends and cooling inversions such as taking your legs up the wall can help you feel more grounded and cooling. I read somewhere that yoga should untie your knots, not make them tighter. You know your body better than anyone else and only you can judge when you need to back off or push forward. Finding your 'edge'- that place between hard work and relaxation so that you can find strength and ease simultaneously in your practice is a major part of your practice. I like to think of my practice as a mirror for the rest of my life- if I am not taking care of myself in my yoga practice maybe I need to explore where I might not be taking care of myself in other parts of my life.