Needs & Satisfiers
In order for any of us to live truly good lives we must satisfy our basic needs. The chart below provides a starting point to help us create and implement a plan. As the process develops we'll refine our approach and improve our understanding.
The vertical column on the left represent types of needs. The horizontal column on the top represents different parts of us that make us who we are. We are physical, emotional, mental and spiritual beings. We have lots of different types of things (i.e homes, jobs, friends, responsibilities, rights, talents, etc.). We act certain ways and do certain things in different scenarios, settings or circumstances.
When the rows of needs intersect with the columns of who-we-are parts, we are able to more specifically identify what will help us satisfy our needs. Then, we can prioritize and map these satisfiers. It is important to note that each of the types of satisfiers have many different qualities influencing their effectiveness: intensity, duration, certainty, delivery, cost, proximity, fecundity, purity, quality, instrumentality, expectancy, direction, consciousness, number of people whose interests are involved, etc.
NEEDS MATRIX | Thinking- Feeling-Being (qualities) | Having (things) | Doing (actions) | Interacting (settings) |
| Subsistence | physical, emotional and mental health | food, shelter | work, feed, clothe, rest/sleep | living environment, social setting |
Protection/security | care, adaptability, autonomy | social security, health systems, work | co-operate, plan, help take care of | social environment, dwelling |
Affection | respect, sense of humor, generosity, sensuality | friendships, family, relationships with nature | share, take care of, make love, express emotions | privacy, intimate spaces of togetherness |
| Understanding | critical capacity, curiosity, intuition | literature, teachers, educational policies | analyse, study, meditate, investigate | schools, families, universities, communities |
| Participation | receptivity, dedication, sense of humor | responsibilities, duties, work, rights | cooperate, dissent, express opinions | associations, parties, churches, neighborhoods |
| Recreation | imagination, tranquility, spontaneity | games, parties, peace of mind | day-dream, remember, relax, have fun | landscapes, intimate spaces, places to be alone |
| Creation | imagination, boldness, inventiveness, curiosity | skills, work, abilities, techniques | invent, build, design, work, compose, interpret | spaces for expression, workshops, audiences |
| Identity/ meaning | sense of belonging, self- esteem, consistency | language, religions, values, work, customs, norms | get to know oneself, grow, commit oneself | places one belongs to, everyday settings |
| Freedom | autonomy, passion, self-esteem, open-mindedness | equal rights | dissent, choose, run risks, develop awareness | anywhere |
*(This is the work of Manfred Max-Neef 1989)
To follow is a creative use of these words to help clarify this idea:
A Sustainable Self is composed of a...
Physical body that's healthy, exercises, eats well, gets adequate rest and is
Protected and Secure with ample shelter and surrounded by family and friends and is allowed to express
Affection and share feelings, desires, emotions so that you gain
Understanding of yourself, others and the world around you which lets you
Participate with and contribute to your family, friends, causes, charities, and to allow yourself to be contributed to which can be balanced by
Leisure to take time out, to "not do," to do things for the sake of pure enjoyment, to relax which allows for
Creativity to let your own essence, your distinct personality come throughmusic, art, dance, writing, or sports which gives you a sense of
Identity, that special something that is distinctly you which leads to
Freedom and the experience of the ultimate quality of life.