At the most fundamental level
are the routines that define our self;
that give us self-esteem.

Routines like that of exercise, diet, and polite behavior. However, the most deeply entrenched of these routines should be untouchable by anyone. Routines such as prayer, meditation, and reflection. Only with these in place are we able to freely adapt to a changing environment without the pressures of manipulative forces controlling us.

Interacting with a person who has established internal routines is very different from a person who has only external routines.