Ascetic Practice as Living Sacrifice - Orthodox (Romans 12:1-2)

Orthodox monastics practice fasting, vigils, prostrations—bodily disciplines that seem extreme to modern eyes. But they're living Romans 12:1: offering the body. The body isn't evil, to be escaped; it's temple, to be offered. Asceticism isn't punishing the flesh but training it for holiness. "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind"—which comes through disciplined practice, not just intellectual agreement. The body teaches the soul. What does your body's daily routine offer to God?