To open the heart, open the back of the legs and release the lower back – what more do you want on a cold snowy December morning?
Take a few moments in child’s pose, being aware of the spine and the movement of breath in the back ribs.
Come into Downward Facing Dog (play around with Monday’s variation if you so desire) have the knees slightly bent at first to work into the hamstrings slowly. You could try bending and straightening alternate legs as though walking on the spot if that feels good, just don’t force the heels down to the mat until the backs of the legs are ready.
Take 5 breaths in the full pose and then step the right leg between the hands and bring the left knee to the floor, untucking the left toes. Lift the torso up and, keeping the back of the neck long open the arms out at shoulder height, palms facing forward to expand the heart centre. Take 5 long deep breaths.
Place the hands either side of the right foot, tuck the left toes under and straighten both legs into Parsvottanasana. If, like me, you have tight hamstrings, it’s OK to bend the front knee slightly. Draw the back heel down to the mat, turning the foot out slightly. Feel the stretch through the legs and lower back. Take 5 breaths and step back into Downward Dog.
Repeat to the other side and then finish up in child’s pose again.
Stay warm!
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And now for some Christmassy blanks from Lauren.
1. Giving is really hard. I never know what anyone wants. Himself + I aren’t bothering this year – after all there was that big trip to London a couple of weekends ago and another little trip Down Under next year. I think they are presents enough don’t you?
2. Receiving is lovely of course! But anyone who knows me knows that Christmas for me isn’t about giving and receiving, it’s all about the eats!
3. The best gift I ever received was a silver cornelian ring from my nan when I was about 9 or 10. It was my first “real” piece of grown up jewelry. I still have it. That and this unbelievably rare book that my dad found for me. It was one year when we were in Australia for Christmas and he brought it all the way out for me! 
4. The best gift I ever gave was….honestly I have no idea. Himself seemed to really like the framed vinyl of This is a Call a few years ago. I’m pretty rubbish at giving presents.
5. Something intangible that I wish I could receive is better health, for sure.
6. Something intangible that I wish I could give is the belief in our own inner beauty. Imagine how awesome the world would be if we all just knew.
7. The one gift I always wanted as a child, but never got was….nothing springs to mind to be honest. I’ve lived a charmed life I guess.
