Physical exercise weakens the immune system and releases all sorts of nasty chemicals in the body, and yet we still do it. We engage in this willful self-damage because we are motivated by the reward. Working out our muscles and pushing them to their limits builds strength, makes us attractive, and keeps us healthy.

How come we don't give emotional exercise the same respect? How come we are not challenging our assumptions, personality, and character frequently?

The desire for a sound body, at least in America, is usually not motivated by health, but by vanity. A sound mind and heart, on the other hand, will make you happy. So where is the treadmill, Atkins diet, and 24-Hour Fitness membership for the inner-you?

Religion is a start. Even if people are just "Sunday Christians," at the very least they have an hour of reflection and redirection. Praying can be like exercise as it reestablishes your life's direction and reaffirms the values you truly endorse.

I hope to find a good exercise program for the self.