In order to simplify our lives it is beneficial to look at what we really need in order to thrive. I recommend printing this out and putting a number from 0 to 10 beside each need. 0 signifies that the need is not getting met at all, and 10 means the need is fully met. You may want to take one of the needs that is really not getting met and focus on how it can be met.
The only needs I take exception to is sexual expression. I believe that people who value waiting until marriage until they have sexual intimacy do not need sexual expression in order to thrive. There are other situations where it is impossible to have sex, or people choose celibacy as a life style. This list comes from the http://www.cnvc.org website.
The following list of needs is neither exhaustive nor definitive. It is meant
as a starting place to support anyone who wishes to engage in a process of
deepening self-discovery and to facilitate greater understanding and
connection between people.
CONNECTION
acceptance
affection
appreciation
belonging
cooperation
communication
closeness
community
companionship
compassion
consideration
consistency
empathy
inclusion
intimacy
love
mutuality
nurturing
respect/self-respect
CONNECTION continued
safety
security
stability
support
to know and be known
to see and be seen
to understand and
be understood
trust
warmth
PHYSICAL WELLBEING
air
food
movement/exercise
rest/sleep
sexual expression
safety
shelter
touch
water
HONESTY
authenticity
integrity
presence
PLAY
joy
humor
PEACE
beauty
communion
ease
equality
harmony
inspiration
order
AUTONOMY
choice
freedom
independence
space
spontaneity
MEANING
awareness
celebration of
life
challenge
clarity
competence
consciousness
contribution
creativity
discovery
efficacy
effectiveness
growth
hope
learning
mourning
participation
purpose
selfexpression
stimulation
to matter
understanding
© 2005 by Center for Nonviolent Communication
Website: http://www.cnvc.org Email: cnvc@cnvc.org
Phone: +1.505-244-4041
