Human beings are born with an innate survival instinct. Maslow (1954) identified a hierarchy of needs (from lower to higher level order needs: biological and physiological needs, safety needs, belongings and love needs, esteem needs, and self-actualisation needs) whereby basic needs must be fulfilled before higher level order needs can be addressed. It goes without saying that most of our physiological needs determine survival, such as air to breathe, food and drink, as well as shelter, warmth, and the capability to reproduce in order to survive. Safety needs include shelter from the elements, security, law and stability to name but a few examples. These are also crucial to our survival. Belongings and love needs are highly sought after in so far as developing and maintaining relationships, and raising a family. Moreover, a sense of belongingness is vital to developing meaningful relationships with others within the local community and within the workplace.
Life experiences may impact on the capability of attaining certain needs and thus, can lead to a fluctuation between these levels. To reach self-actualisation, an individual first needs to meet all lower level needs, aim to achieve self-fulfilment, realising their personal potential, to seek personal growth and to strive to be the best they can possibly be. Remember, Love You begins with YOU.
Best wishes,
Roxana Rudzik-Shaw (MSc (Dist), BSc (dual hons), MBACP, MBPsS, ACTO)
RRS Counselling Services
www.rrs.counselling.co.uk
© RRS Counselling Services. All Rights Reserved.
RRS Counselling 