Learning to Connect to Your Needs

Needs, as Marshall Rosenberg defined them, are qualities (sometimes referred to as yearnings) that all humans need to survive and thrive. This list is a started point to support you connecting to the needs that live in you - either ones that have been neglected and are calling for attention, or ones that are regularly met. The list is neither exhaustive nor definitive. Sometimes we need to connect to and grieve our unmet needs, sometimes our needs can be met by our own acknowledgement and welcoming of them, at other times we need others to help us meet them.

CONNECTION 

acceptance  

affection

appreciation

be known

belonging 

be seen

cooperation

communication

closeness 

companionship

compassion

consideration

empathy

inclusion

intimacy 

love 

mutuality 

nurturing 

respect/self-respect

safety, security

self-connection

shared reality

stability

support

trust

understanding

to be understood 

warmth

MEANING 

awareness 

celebration of life

challenge 

clarity 

competence 

consciousness 

contribution 

creativity 

discovery 

efficacy

effectiveness

growth 

hope

learning

mourning

participation 

purpose

self-expression

stimulation

to matter

understanding 

AUTONOMY 

choice

freedom 

independence

space

spontaneity 

HONESTY 

authenticity

integrity 

presence

PLAY 

joy 

humour 

PEACE 

beauty 

communion

ease 

equality 

equanimity

harmony

inspiration 

order 

PHYSICAL WELL-BEING 

air, food 

movement / exercise 

rest / sleep 

sexual expression

safety

shelter 

touch

water