Honoring the Body Temple

If we imagine that all the elements of the Christmas story signify some part of us, a stable as the setting for the birth is significant...There is a lot in common with the human body (and the stable). Many religions point to the body as the dwelling place of God. 
Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian (Path of Wonder: A Meditator's Guide to Advent pg.34)

I continue to draw from Yogacharya O'Brian's book, Path of Wonder and the symbols of Advent for a deeper spiritual understanding of how this story of the waiting can prepare us for spiritual awakening. This week I am inspired by Yogacharya's contemplation of the connection of the stable, in the story, with our physical bodies. She asks why "many of us ignore, abuse, or indulge the body, not respecting that it is the dwelling place of God." An important part of our spiritual practice is respecting and caring for the body and the mind. It is through the body and mind that we think, speak and act with spiritual intention. I know that for me, during this holiday season, it is very easy to forget how this body supports my spiritual awakening. There are so many temptations to eat more and especially more sweets than I know are good for me. I may feel too busy to do the exercise that keeps my body strong and healthy. I can push my limits by not always listening to what my body needs by not getting enough rest. 
We can ask ourselves: how can I treat my body as the temple of the Divine that it is? Another question Yogacharya suggests we ask ourselves is: what simple step can I take today toward caring for my body?  You can read more on this topic in Yogacharya's book Path of Wonder: A Meditators Guide to Advent; Week Two-Tuesday.