Page | 150 individuals that make up societies. On paired systems of biological checks and this view, the social level of organization balances; when one system is activated, arises out of the interaction of lower- the other tends to restore equilibrium. level entities. But invisible forces For instance, one set of muscles flexes operate in both directions; one’s degree the arm, and an opposing set extends it. of social integration or isolation (at the We have seen that the sympathetic and higher level) can have profound parasympathetic components of the influence on one’s mental and physical autonomic nervous system—the system health (at the lower level). Just how that makes us breathe and that makes our these forces operate—in both heart pump—operate in this way, and directions—is one of the main themes of that chronic stimulation of some this book. systems, like overstretched elastic bands, A recurring theme is the human last thet ability to Spring baal. The need for connection. As we have notions ad ebsennnig a, DOE cn explored this fundamental need, it has performing that behavior not only are become clear that it can be satisfied in conveptuallyy sumilar, they may berooied part by connections not necessarily to I @ COMMON, Set ot neusalogiodl other human persons, but to other minds. struchires whieh may, in sua help us t Since the minds of others are in part of understand how we call percelve anAthes our own construction, connections to a human being as being like us, but notus. higher being, or to our pets, or even to a antisepemonpl tga as fire beter that transcendent order underlying the world, other minds cenaruliekedisheaiak this celars can fulfill part of what we strive to the "way We Perceive the woeld and the attain. Indeed, such non-human other actors mm iT, ifeehatiiem that attachments can share the character of alle ras us tei Siiiinlate geting unter the human connection: we can feel valued skin of the other person. by our pet (just as we can feel v