Humanity

Psychologist Abraham Maslow identified that no matter what gender,

age, ethnicity, or spirtual background, all humans have the same basic needs. My belief is that these needs seem to resonate one to the other, in either direction, whether they are in balance or disrupted. The following is an example of these and how they might resonate up or down the pyramid of needs.

The base or foundation consists of the Physical Needs which are Food, Rest and Shelter. All of these elements are essential for human survival. Comfort and Privacy within the shelter are also important factors that aid overall well being. Without shelter, food and rest humans become more vulnerable to sickness and the numerous threats in our physical world. They may develop a sense of unworthiness of the remaining aspects of their basic needs, such as security and safety.

The second level up is Security and Safety. People have a need to feel secure, safe and unthreatened in their environment. When personal and financial security is threatened humans become fearful and may also develop a sense of uncertainty or despair within their place of shelter. They may also feel at risk or unloved.

The third level up is Love. Needing to feel love, affection, a closeness to others, or to be in a true and meaningful relationship with one or more persons. Included in this level is a need to be treated with respect and dignity. Without love, humans develop insecurities that may make them feel alone in the world. This could result in a threat to their sense of security and their self esteem.

The fourth level up is Self Esteem. The need to feel good about oneself, to be valued and to be needed. Feeling good about oneself may resonate as love and an ability to express brotherly love to others. The lack of self esteem may make love an impossible emotion to trust, because self esteem is often brought on by the recognition from others. Without self esteem, self actualization through reaching ones potential may seem out of reach.

The fifth and upper level is Self Actualization, which includes religious and spiritual beliefs. Humans have a need to pursue their full and    greatest potential, their hopes and aspirations. Reaching ones potential, elevates self esteem, which resonates as an ability to give and receive   love. Love provides a feeling of safety and security, which makes one more comfortable in their physical world, or shelter.

Understanding these key elements can help us and others reach the highest potential in overall well being. Interaction with friends and loved ones can also become more fulfilling.

Degradation, ridicule, shame, selfishness, neglect, inflicting guilt and other forms of abuse are toxic and can cause serious damage. They have the potential of casting a negative energy that imbeds deep in the human psyche.

As humans, we've all been there. Either directly or indirectly we have experienced the discomfort of others negative words or actions. Some have carried the scars for years and learned to heal from them, while others have recreated hardships of their past by inflicting it's negativity on others.

Either way, denying innocent people their basic needs, violating their being and attacking their spiritual beliefs that lay at the core of their dignity, is cruel and unforgiveably wrong.

Our world is a myriad of belief systems and we may never be able to peacefully coexist, but we can at least try random acts of kindness, to guide those who are in need of help and care.