Getting your needs met

We all have certain things that we need in order to fulfil ourselves in a given context.  In order to survive we need food, water, and shelter.  In order to thrive as human beings we need other things too.  If we are getting some of our needs met but not others then we will not enjoy life as much as if we are getting all of our needs met.  There are many lists of words that seek to encompass human needs.  An example list from the school of human scale development is:

Need Being (qualities) Having (things) Doing (actions)
subsistence physical and mental health food, shelter, work feed, clothe, rest, work
protection care, adaptability, autonomy social security, health systems, work co-operate, plan, take care of, help
affection respect, sense of humour, generosity, sensuality friendships, family, relationships with nature share, take care of, make love, express emotions
understanding critical capacity, curiosity, intuition literature, teachers, policies, educational analyse, study, meditate, investigate,
participation receptiveness, dedication, sense of humour responsibilities, duties, work, rights cooperate, dissent, express opinions
leisure imagination, tranquillity, spontaneity games, parties, peace of mind day-dream, remember, relax, have fun
creation imagination, boldness, inventiveness, curiosity abilities, skills, work, techniques invent, build, design, work, compose, interpret
identity sense of belonging, self-esteem, consistency language, religions, work, customs, values, norms get to know oneself, grow, commit oneself
freedom autonomy, passion, self-esteem, open-mindedness equal rights dissent, choose, run risks, develop awareness

Working together I can support you as you identify what needs you have, and how well they are being satisfied right now.  If certain needs are not being met then we can explore new strategies for expressing your needs and ways to negotiate with others in order to get your needs met.

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