ey and closer Huston Street.ddddddddddddRasmus repeatedly struggled with injuries while going 0-2 with a 5.84 ERA in 19 games last season, his fourth with the Angels. ' ' '

When we think yogi -- especially in the western-world -- an image of a lithe white woman in warrior pose position typically comes to mind. The clichéd yoga body portrayed in mass media is limited and oftentimes discouraging for diverse audiences.But imagery isnt the only reason why many women have yet to join the yoga bandwagon. Theres also the issue of cost. With its expensive equipment: mats, towels, straps, blocks and gear, it has inadvertently excluded legions of would-be practitioners due to their body size, skin color and lack of means.In all, typically yoga ... equals privilege.But change is on the horizon, and self-proclaimed fat femme yogi and North Carolina native Jessamyn Stanley, 29, hopes to bring yoga to all.After initially shying away from yoga in her teens due to it not seeming accessible to her as a plus-sized African-American woman, she revisited the practice in her early 20s as a means to battle depression at the request of a former classmate. In 2011, she began taking a deeper dive in to yoga and developed an appreciation for various styles. But it wasnt until 2013, when she began to expand her practice in the privacy and comfort of her own home, that she started reshaping her own perceptions of beauty and body image.She now credits yoga and meditation for allowing her to understand that unhappiness fuels the unrealistic beauty standards that haunt many of us. On a daily basis, she says, I make a commitment to stand above the noise of our society in order to see the inherent beauty of each and every being on this planet, myself included.And by the looks of her 240,000 Instagram followers, Stanley has successfully pushed through the body negativity clutter to reconstruct the image of the yoga world. I want people to understand that the strength of a yoga practice doesnt lie in a persons ability to [do a] handstand, buy coconut water, or afford expensive yoga products. Its about how you feel after.?But through Stanleys motivational social media presence and yoga instruction, she lovingly reminds her audience and students that life is full of challenges, and yoga is no different. Its hardcore for everybody, regardless of body type. But the lack of diverse representation -- with about?80 percent of yogis in the U.S. being white?--?and blatant size discrimination, the practice is still intimidating for many.While the social media world sees her as a hero, Stanley is reluctant to celebrate her Insta-fame until the greater modern yoga community welcomes plus-sized practitioners of all abilities. I am very keenly aware that my perspective and practice are still viewed with a tone of smugness by most of the modern yoga community. And furthermore, my success as a black, plus-sized practitioner is very abnormal on the scale of other larger bodied [yogis], particularly those of color, Stanley says.In general, she adds, size and color discrimination are very much the norm within the Western yoga community and the opportunities Ive been afforded are not indicative of larger scale change.The smugness Stanley speaks of isnt solely reserved for her size or skin color. It has also extended to a past method of using books instead of yoga blocks, or a dog leash in place of a yoga strap, due to lack of resources. Her choice of music while practicing is also divergent. Enter the majority of yoga studios anywhere in the world, and youre likely to transition from one posture to the next while listening to soothing, ambient sounds of water flowing or chanting. But Stanley craves something different from the norm.For Stanley, yoga is about mindful intention-setting. And shes most successful at doing so while listening to Compton rapper and activist Kendrick Lamars inspirational works. For most, Lamar would be an odd musical selection for a yoga session. But for her, a southern African-American woman working within a predominantly?white industry, Lamars lyrics about black experiences and social injustices help get her in a zone.Its this idea of celebrating individuality and self-acceptance that Stanley hopes to convey through her practice. The yogic path has nothing to do with size, age, color, wealth, or physical ability, she added. These freeing ideologies make Stanley comfortable in baring her body to her blog and social media followers.When scrolling Stanleys various timelines, readers are met with images of her strong, curvy frame nailing the standing bow posture in nothing more than a bra and panties. Which has coalesced her into being a body-positivity role model of sorts -- a title she didnt seek, but humbly accepts. [I thank my] fellow non-stereotypical yoga practitioners [for helping] create the rainbow-hued community that the world truly deserves.A community shed like to see embraced by yoga teachers, studio owners, media outlets, business owners and students alike, to achieve a safe and inclusive space for all body types and people of color -- with a focus on feeling good, rather than looking good. A community shes willing to build and guide, adding, For many of us, the pursuit of yogic bliss is really just a genuine journey towards self-acceptance, and I think my yoga practice is living proof of that path.Shana Renee is the founder and editor-in-chief of?All Sports Everything?and a passionate New York Jets, Knicks and Yankees fan. Follow her sports talk on Twitter at?@ItsShanaRenee.Swell Traveler Sale . The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Lions have not announced the hiring, which was first reported by ESPN. Lombardi, the grandson of former Green Bay Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi, has been an offensive assistant on Sean Paytons New Orleans staff since 2007. Swell Bottle Wood . -- The St. Johns IceCaps weathered a wild first period with the help of goaltender Jussi Olkinuora, before finding offensive inroads in the second. http://www.swellbottlesale.com/ . Takahashi, who had a 10-point lead after the short program, received 268.31 points after the free skate to finish 15 points ahead of second-place Nobunari Oda. sWell Water Bottle Marble . Miller finished in two minutes, 6.09 seconds, one day before the first medal race on the Alpine schedule. The 36-year-old American also turned in the top time in Thursdays opening training session. Cheap Swell Traveler . The showiest items on Calgarys lot were forwards Mike Cammalleri and Lee Stempniak. Both will be unrestricted free agents this summer.ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Angels have picked up their $7 million contract option for next season on third baseman Yunel Escobar.The team made the announcement Monday night.Escobar batted .304 with five homers and 39 RBI over 132 games in his first season with the Angels, his fifth big league club. The Angels exercised their option on the 34-year-old Cuban infielder instead of paying a $1 million buyout.Los Angeles also designated reliever Cory Rasmus for assignment and activated five key pitchers from the 60-day disabled list: right-handed starters Garrett Richards, Matt Shoemaker and Nick Tropeano, left-hander Andrew Heaney and closer Huston Street.ddddddddddddRasmus repeatedly struggled with injuries while going 0-2 with a 5.84 ERA in 19 games last season, his fourth with the Angels. ' ' '