continued from part 1.....
Let's start from the bottom of Maslow's pyramid, which is Physiological & Safety needs. These are our basic survival ones like eating, breathing, clothing and, living under a decent roof. The human mind will come to grinding stop if these are not met, and you'll be unable to even think about the next level of needs. Don't believe me? Try dieting/fasting for a day, and you'll be amazed how your fat brain (please, it's a compliment) which used to process complicated thoughts like the greenhouse effect, looming elections, world economy etc. till the day before, can obsessively think of only one thing and nothing else now, which would be the magical, four-letter manna - FOOD. Anyways, these needs would probably come from the closest relationship of all, i.e. parents or caregivers. And, from an evolution point of view, would be our Infant/Childhood stage.
Next, is the Love/Belonging needs, which deals with our sense of being liked, supported and cared for. It's an extremely important need and if not adequately met, can have life-long implications of trauma, stress and countless hours of psychotherapy later on. On the other hand, cohesive family units and healthy friendships can create a wonderful security blanket, helping us to emotionally bloom and soar our wings. Parents, extended family, close friends are the relationships that feature a lot in this time span. This would be our Childhood/Teen Stage.
Moving to Esteem needs, which is simply, having good self-worth and self-confidence. To know yourself more and more, also being aware of your strengths and weaknesses. This is fairly crucial because it helps us to make better educational choices, career decisions, handling inter-personal gender relationships a.k.a choosing our mate etc. And, who give us these important morale boosters? Usually, it comes from teachers, mentors, friends, neighbors etc. See, am carefully avoiding the word "parents" here. Let's be honest. Any member of the general public or even someone living in remote hills of Tibuktu can say anything about us and we'd believe them in all honesty. But, one word of criticism from our parents. "Noooooo", we'd scream, rave and pant. Their comments would always land pit bottom on the totem pole. So, you can guess that this clearly this has to be the Teen/Young Adulthood stage.
Lastly, would be the Self-Actualization needs. This would be the culmination of all the other needs, and if you and me are still kicking and alive, would reach this top without any glitches or bruises. You're supposed to peak at this point, maximize your potential, unleash all hidden talents, go out there and be your best etc. Basically, attain nirvana, peace and go into a meditative mode. Ha, kidding of course. There should also be a halo around your head. If you want to know who helps you at this stage, the answer would be - sadly, no one. You're supposed to be on your own by now and take care of your big self. I know, very unfair, isn't it? Well, the only consolation is that a lot of your friends and family are in the same boat, so we can collectively grumble and share our woes. Sigh.
Let's start from the bottom of Maslow's pyramid, which is Physiological & Safety needs. These are our basic survival ones like eating, breathing, clothing and, living under a decent roof. The human mind will come to grinding stop if these are not met, and you'll be unable to even think about the next level of needs. Don't believe me? Try dieting/fasting for a day, and you'll be amazed how your fat brain (please, it's a compliment) which used to process complicated thoughts like the greenhouse effect, looming elections, world economy etc. till the day before, can obsessively think of only one thing and nothing else now, which would be the magical, four-letter manna - FOOD. Anyways, these needs would probably come from the closest relationship of all, i.e. parents or caregivers. And, from an evolution point of view, would be our Infant/Childhood stage.
Next, is the Love/Belonging needs, which deals with our sense of being liked, supported and cared for. It's an extremely important need and if not adequately met, can have life-long implications of trauma, stress and countless hours of psychotherapy later on. On the other hand, cohesive family units and healthy friendships can create a wonderful security blanket, helping us to emotionally bloom and soar our wings. Parents, extended family, close friends are the relationships that feature a lot in this time span. This would be our Childhood/Teen Stage.
Moving to Esteem needs, which is simply, having good self-worth and self-confidence. To know yourself more and more, also being aware of your strengths and weaknesses. This is fairly crucial because it helps us to make better educational choices, career decisions, handling inter-personal gender relationships a.k.a choosing our mate etc. And, who give us these important morale boosters? Usually, it comes from teachers, mentors, friends, neighbors etc. See, am carefully avoiding the word "parents" here. Let's be honest. Any member of the general public or even someone living in remote hills of Tibuktu can say anything about us and we'd believe them in all honesty. But, one word of criticism from our parents. "Noooooo", we'd scream, rave and pant. Their comments would always land pit bottom on the totem pole. So, you can guess that this clearly this has to be the Teen/Young Adulthood stage.
Lastly, would be the Self-Actualization needs. This would be the culmination of all the other needs, and if you and me are still kicking and alive, would reach this top without any glitches or bruises. You're supposed to peak at this point, maximize your potential, unleash all hidden talents, go out there and be your best etc. Basically, attain nirvana, peace and go into a meditative mode. Ha, kidding of course. There should also be a halo around your head. If you want to know who helps you at this stage, the answer would be - sadly, no one. You're supposed to be on your own by now and take care of your big self. I know, very unfair, isn't it? Well, the only consolation is that a lot of your friends and family are in the same boat, so we can collectively grumble and share our woes. Sigh.