| The first sets of needs according to Maslow's | | | | accurately, of what the organism is. |
| hierarchy of needs are: physiological, | | | | (Psychological Review, 1949) |
| safety, social and belonging. We treated | | | | |
| those needs in the article: "How To Beat The | | | | Maslow writes the following of |
| Survival Game And Achieve Self | | | | self-actualizing people: |
| Actualization". To read this article see the | | | | |
| resource box. | | | | * They embrace the facts and realities of the |
| | | | world (including themselves) rather than |
| Now we come to the "Esteem" needs. This | | | | denying or avoiding them. |
| level of needs is about being respected, or | | | | |
| recognized. Being able to function in a way | | | | * They are spontaneous in their ideas and |
| that you gain an adequate self image. Moving | | | | actions. |
| beyond any type of inferiority complexes etc. | | | | |
| Here are some suggestions for gaining | | | | * They are creative. |
| adequate esteem or status. Our focus will be | | | | |
| on creating "optimal" situations that do not | | | | * They are interested in solving problems; |
| steal your energy. A surplus of energy is | | | | this often includes the problems of others. |
| the best assurance of being able to move | | | | Solving these problems is often a key focus |
| beyond the lower level needs and move into | | | | in their lives. |
| the higher level need brackets. | | | | |
| | | | * They feel a closeness to other people, and |
| Find ways to contribute | | | | generally appreciate life. |
| | | | |
| Make sure these activities complement your | | | | * They have a system of morality that is |
| values. The key is avoiding conflicts of | | | | fully internalized and independent of |
| interest. Also find activities that are low | | | | external authority. |
| maintainance both timewise and moneywise. | | | | |
| This endeavor will reward you with self | | | | * They judge others without prejudice, in a |
| respect and esteem. Recognition and | | | | way that can be termed objective. |
| admiration are important to both give and | | | | |
| receive. They comprise a healthy respect for | | | | In short, self-actualization is reaching your |
| our interdependence. There are lots of | | | | fullest potential." |
| "needy" people and it's easy to find groups | | | | |
| that help them. The environment faces | | | | Ultimately, reaching your fullest potential |
| threats that need correcting. Liberating | | | | requires a mastery of energy. Especially |
| social causes always need more voices to | | | | enough energy to be able to meet the lower |
| speak for them. You don't have to become a | | | | level needs. The less energy you need to |
| fanatic. Just contribute in a measured and | | | | spend on the lower level needs, the more you |
| sane way. You will be rewarded. | | | | will have available to meet the higher needs |
| | | | of self actualization. Finding creative and |
| Express your self creatively. | | | | self perpetuating ways to meet those needs |
| | | | and to gather and preserve energy are what |
| Find a medium that appeals to your nature and | | | | Optimal Living is all about. |
| express your deepest thoughts and feelings. | | | | |
| This could be something simple like a blog. | | | | Energy comes back to you in several ways. |
| You can start one free in many places on the | | | | Money gives you security, food and shelter. |
| Internet. Creative writing is a great way to | | | | From mature relationships and group |
| stay in touch with your true self. If you're | | | | involvement you get nurture, care, support |
| into photography you can upload your pictures | | | | and help when needed. When you learn to give |
| and talk about them. If you do artwork, you | | | | out of your heart, you receive meaning and |
| can scan it and upload it. Music is another | | | | satisfaction. Engaging in creative |
| way to express yourself deeply. MP3 files | | | | expression keeps you in touch with your |
| are easily created and uploaded with a | | | | higher self and exercises that contact. From |
| computer. | | | | the aesthetic side of life - art, music, |
| | | | yoga, contemplation, openness and intimacy |
| After Esteem needs we move into the Being | | | | etc. you experience an increase in awareness, |
| needs area. This is the actual frontier of | | | | subtle pleasure, appreciation, admiration and |
| true self actualization. Quoting now from | | | | the like. |
| Wikipedia: | | | | |
| | | | My hope is that this article will allow you |
| "Self-actualization (a term originated by | | | | to establish a more clear vision for your |
| Kurt Goldstein) is the instinctual need of | | | | life. That it will get your creative juices |
| humans to make the most of their unique | | | | flowing towards "Optimal Living" ways to meet |
| abilities and to strive to be the best they | | | | your needs and gather energy. That you will |
| can be. Maslow describes self-actualization | | | | gain the momentum to achieve "escape |
| as follows: | | | | velocity" from the doldrums of a life of mere |
| | | | survival and move more quickly into self |
| Self Actualization is the intrinsic growth of | | | | actualization. |
| what is already in the organism, or more | | | | |