The other morning in yoga class, our teacher told us to “let our tummies hang out.” A few second later: “No, really push them out, so it looks like you’re pregnant.” We tried again but failed miserably. “Women especially are so used to holding their stomachs in that it’s hard to really relax,” he explained, and then proceeded to take us through some breathing exercises until we were all sitting there like rolly-poly happy little Buddhas.

“Isn’t it liberating when you can finally fully relax and let go of all the tension?” he asked. And boy was it ever. I don’t think I have ever let my tummy bulge out (well, when I didn’t have to). I have been in a perpetual state of self-corseting until now without even knowing it. Since that yoga class, I have revelled in my new-found potbelly-ness. I have sat around contentedly like an old great uncle about to pop open his top button after a big roast and crumble dinner. And it has felt so amazingly great. So much so that I am a little bit worried that I love the feeling so much that I won’t be able to ever suck my stomach back in again. Well then, it might just be time to buy some new floaty frocks for spring.

PS: Winners of last week’s Himself27 Father’s Day competition: Anita Dovell, Marina Cook, Nhi Thuy Thi Le, Cayley Hickmott and Amy Wolfe. Your skincare sets will be sent out today.

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