I believe our understandings - sensemaking - is ultimately based
   upon physical systems but in the "compressed" format the brain
   uses.
   [1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Where_Mathematics_Comes_From
   covers some of the idea as it relates to mathematics for
   example. As each metaphor lays upon each metaphor, the layers of
   abstraction remove it from its sources because the brain is
   capable of making connections that physical systems don't seem
   to just yet. It allows us to imagine things-not-yet-possible (or
   perhaps not at all) but their basis (going right back to when
   we're babies) I believe stems from there and builds upon it.
   Well yes, the physical systems / body activities that make the
   initial connection from physical system/activity into a
   simplified compressed 'brain' format. A lot of it is buried
   right in our language. Grasping an idea. Grasping a ball with
   your hands. Seems too simple, but it seems to be everywhere

References

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   1. https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FWhere_Mathematics_Comes_From&h=kAQHltKmf