Risk factors anything in our thinking, behavior, body or environment that increases the likelihood of illness are opposed by "resistance resources" we possess. These may include an optimistic way of looking at life, a good social support system, and a strong set of genes. The balance between risk factors and resistance resources largely determines whether we get sick or stay healthy.

I was sleeping in the fraternity house in college. I heard this cat in great pain. I looked out the window and here was this wretched black beast injured horribly in some way. He was screaming in terrible pain. There was a lot of blood pouring out of his rectum. It was more than that.

Dream Three. An airport ramp with a large airplane on it. I am pushing out a small biplane, tail first. Suddenly, I see the large plane has its wing in such a position I won't clear it. I yell, "Heads up!" Too late! My tail hits the wing of the bigger plane, but no damage is done.