A long, long time ago, a man named Abraham Maslow created a pyramid graph, depicting the “Hierarchy of Needs”. It represented the order of things you need in life to reach “Self-Actualization”, a wonderful state, of well, Zen. That doesn’t mean nothing bad ever happens, just you have a different outlook on it then, say, someone who hasn’t yet found self actualization.
Anyone can say they have self-actualization, but few do, because they ignore the process in which it takes to receive it. There is a process, an order. There is a reason why it is a pyramid. You can’t have this or that, without first having something else to support it. I believe I have self-actualization, because I took an in-depth look at each individual part before coming to that conclusion.
The first step in the process, taking it’s place at the bottom of the pyramid, the foundation, if you will, is Physical Needs. No, not physical touch, this just basically means the bare essentials. Having a roof over your head and plenty of food at your disposal are a couple of things found in this section. If you are homeless, you probably see symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. Though, if you have the base, you most likely are rested, energetic and satisfied. I have a roof over my head and food at my disposal. I meet the first requirement.
Next up is Safety Needs. Now safety needs could mean a variety of things, such as physical safety, psychological safety and security. I am safe right now, no harm is going to happen to me right now, and I am also secure for the time being. So I meet this step, which gives me confidence and trust towards others. People who don’t usually experience a sense of fear or paranoia.
Love Needs would be the third step. This is where someone has the need to feel loved. Whether it be by a family member, a relationship or marriage. Even the joining of a gang or cult can make someone feel loved. A lot of people jump into a relationship, whether it be a good or bad person just to have that sense of love. No matter what, I have a family that supports me, and is there for me, so I feel their love. This makes me feel cared for and content. People without this usually feel lonliness and uncared for.
Second to last step would be Esteem/Self-Esteem. You cannot love anyone else unless you first love yourself. I do love myself, and through that I can love others. This creates balance in my life and allows me to be respectful. Doesn’t mean I don’t slip up once in a while. This isn’t a plan where you can’t step down once in a while, you just have to fight to stay up on top. People with low self-esteem are usually self-loathing and have no respect for others.
This brings us to the last step, which is Self Actualization itself. I said before you are in a state of Zen. To be more specific, you accept yourself and you know exactly where you’re going in life. You accept your own flaws and those around you, and accept difficult situations around you, but don’t dwell on them. Dwelling doesn’t solve anything. Accepting it, and deciding how to fix it is another thing.
People who haven’t met self-actualization usually are empty, hollow, feel they have no purpose, and are alienated from everyone. It’s not a pretty scenario. I have self-actualization, because I know exactly where I am going, and I cannot wait to get there. Drama is happening all around me every day, which sucks, but I don’t dwell on it. Doesn’t mean that I don’t care, just means I don’t dwell.
Having self-actualization is a freeing and rewarding feeling. If everyone had this, there would be no more wars. Only understanding of one another, and acceptance. All having a common goal to climb the ladder of success. That’s what I’m doing, climbing that ladder, making sure I get to the top.
PEACE OUT
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