I place my hands flat on the ground, fingertips pointing forward.  There is a slight pull on the back of my legs, but the pain actually feels good.  My hair sweeps the ground slowly, side to side.  I try not to think about the bacteria my split ends are picking up with each gentle swoosh.  For my body is at peace, and my mind is clear of thoughts.  In theory.

We all know the drill.  Oprah knows it.  And of course Gwyneth does.  But how surprised was I to find Colin Farrell and Jeremy Piven were not just kindred partying spirits, but also on the yoga bandwagon?  And apparently, even the McConaissance owes credit to this Eastern practice.

Do I really need celebrity validation about what is now a mainstream trend?  After all, I face an obstacle course every Saturday morning, dodging the ponytails, and the awkwardly protruding mats, as I head to the bakery.  Of course, there are always a few lads and ladies that have the right mat carrier, slung sleekly on their backs, perfectly snug pants ending just below the calf.  I am most impressed when I see the ones who have cute mesh shoes purely for the five-minute walk to the studio and back.  I only feel a little guilt, as I trudge on towards my blueberry muffin, adjusting my suddenly tight-fitting shirt.

But I don’t even need to leave my house for reminders of the craze that has taken over cool and uncool kids alike.  Someone has dropped off a postcard for doggie yoga on my doorstep.  Dogs and owners look happy lying together on the wooden floor.  When I turn to stare at my own canine redhead – currently curled on the sofa cushions, belly full of salmon biscuits, lavender scent still lingering from his last bath, relaxed before I drive him into the woods for a walk – I am certain he is already quite blissful.  The promise of a sun salutation is unlikely to lure him off the couch.

So, I meekly explore this new hobby, once a week, sometimes twice.  My bare feet feel the ground, my palms join together, and I silently clear my mind of everything.  Except the running route I will take the next day.   Yoga is a practice, after all.