Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Re-Belly-Us

A key technical element for dancers is often building a strong "core" of the body. Being centered allows the freedom of movement and minimizes injury from falls or muscle strain due to imbalance. It takes more than abdominal work to have strong bodies for movement. Excess weight can be a hinderance physically and affect our health. We can keep our instruments tuned by adopting great eating habits and educating ourselves about nutrition. We perish for lack of knowledge.

Although it is wonderful to hear testimonies from those who are dancing in spite of health problems, we need to take the necessary steps to stay as healthy as we can. Eating properly may come more easily to some than others. Many struggle with food addictions and eating disorders in the ministry of movement. It is easier to determine those who struggle to keep eating under control by observation. On the other hand, dancers that may look fit and disciplined may be bulimic, anorexic, or starve themselves frequently.

Prayer and confession will aid us on the road to recovery. When we allow righteousness to govern us, we will not obsess over body image and concern ourselves with the opinions of others. Spiritual balance will help bring our flesh under subjection. The Lord can deliver us from our struggles with food and win the battle-of-the-bulge once and for all. Learning about calories, fiber, carbohydrates, fats, sugars, starches, and liquid comsumption for healthy living will assist us in obtaining the wisdom we need to make proper dietary choices. When the Spirit dwells in us, we will realize the importance of treating our bodies as His temple.

Proverbs 23:1-3 (NKJV)
When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you; and put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV)
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Romans 14:16-18 (NKJV)
Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.

Philippians 3:18-19 (NKJV)
For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.

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