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The '''Seven Essential Needs''' are the seven needs the physical body and mind (i.e. [[Physical Unit]]) is required to meet in order to grow up healthy, whole, and [[Full Realization|Fully Realized]].<Ref>Sosteric and Ratkovic. “Seven Essential Needs,” 2018. https://www.academia.edu/38114100/The_Seven_Essential_Needs.</ref> <ref>Also see Ratkovic, Gina and Sosteric, MIke. “It Takes a Village: Advancing Attachment Theory and Recovering the Roots of Human Health with the Seven Essential Needs.” ''Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work'', 2022. https://www.academia.edu/61410417</ref><ref>Sosteric, Mike & Ratkovic, Gina. Eupsychian Theory: Reclaiming Maslow and Rejecting The Pyramid The Seven Essential Needs.” ''PsyArXiv Preprints'', 2020. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/fswk9</nowiki></ref>  The Seven Essential Needs are broken down into '''two''' general categories, '''Outer Needs''' and '''Inner Needs'''. The outer needs include the physiological, cognitive, environmental, emotional, and psychological needs of the body. The inner needs include the need for [[Alignment]] and the need for [[Connection]]. Failure to meet the seven essential needs leads to the [[5Ds of Toxic Existence]].
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[[File:LP Seven Essential Needs circle1.png|400px|center|Seven Essential Needs]]

==Concept Map==

===Key Terms=== 

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===Syncretic Terms===

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===Related LP Terms===

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===Non-LP Related Terms===

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===List of Essential Needs Categories===

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==Notes==

The Seven Essential Needs are the foundations of human health and full [[Human Development]]. Failure to sufficiently meet essential needs leads to atrophy and eventual degradation of bodily systems.  

Maslow "warned that the systematic frustration of basic needs for survival and higher needs for meaning and purpose would result in personal and collective neurosis" <ref>Briskin, Alan. “Eupsychian Management: Spirit of the Good in Humanity and Society.” ''Journal of Humanistic Psychology'' 63, no. 4 (July 1, 2023): 495–501. p. 448. doi:10.1177/00221678211002757.</ref>

Meeting essential needs puts an individual body into [[Growth Mode]]. Failure to sufficiently satisfy essential needs leads the [[Physical Unit]] (the body and mind) to redirect bodily energy towards the satisfaction of unmet needs. A body whose energy is being redirected towards the satisfaction of unmet needs is a body operating in [[Deficit Mode]] (see also [[Growth Mode]]). Chronic neglect of essential needs leads to dysfunction, disease, and disconnection (the [[3Ds of Toxic Existence]]).  

The Seven Essential Needs are broken down into '''two''' general categories, '''basic needs''' and '''inner needs'''. Each of these categories includes several related needs. 

'''Basic needs''' are foundational needs. In order for an individual to grow healthy and connected, these needs must be sufficiently met else the body and mind atrophy. Basic needs include physiological needs (food, water), emotional needs (love and belonging, attachment, inclusion), cognitive needs (truth and understanding), psychological needs (positive self-regard, positive-esteem), and environmental (safe, aesthetically pleasing home environments. stable finances, etc.).  

'''Inner needs''' are "spiritual" needs for [[Alignment]] and [[Connection]].  

==='''The Basic Needs'''===
====Physiological Needs====
'''Physiological needs include the need for healthy food, water, vitamins, and air, the need for physical exercise, the need for clothing, the need for sleep, and so on. Physiological needs also include the absence of physical pain.''' 

Satisfaction of physiological needs has profound benefits for our physiological, emotional, cognitive, egoic, and spiritual well-being.

# '''Physiological Outcomes''': Fulfilling physiological needs leads to overall improved health and vitality. Good nutrition promotes immune system function,<ref>Field, Catherine, Glen P. Johnson, and Patricia D. Schley. “Nutrients and Their Role in Host Resistance to Infection.” ''Journal of Leukocyte Biology'', 2002. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1189/jlb.71.1.16</nowiki>.</ref> while regular physical activity can reduce the risk of various diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.<ref>Steven N. Blair, "Physical inactivity: the biggest public health problem of the 21st century," ''British Journal of Sports Medicine'' 43, no. 1 (2009): 1-2. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2006.030486</nowiki></ref> Adequate sleep is associated with enhanced immune function, improved metabolic health, and lower risk of chronic diseases.<ref>Kristen L. Knutson, "Sleep duration and cardiometabolic risk: A review of the epidemiologic evidence," ''Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism'' 24, no. 5 (2010): 731-743. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beem.2010.07.001</nowiki></ref> Proper clothing protects the body from environmental hazards, while the absence of physical pain improves quality of life.<ref>Paul J. Goadsby, "Recent advances in understanding migraine mechanisms, molecules and therapeutics," ''Trends in Molecular Medicine'' 13, no. 1 (2007): 39-44. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2006.11.005</nowiki></ref>
#'''Egoic Outcomes''': 
# '''Emotional Outcomes''': With physiological needs met, individuals are less likely to experience stress, anxiety, and depression related to survival worries. Moreover, regular physical exercise can lead to improved mood and reduced anxiety.<ref>Michael W. Otto, Jasper A. J. Smits, "Exercise for mood and anxiety: Proven strategies for overcoming depression and enhancing well-being," (New York: Oxford University Press, 2011). </ref>
# '''Cognitive Outcomes''': Adequate nutrition, particularly intake of essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins, supports brain development and can enhance cognitive function and slow cognitive decline.<ref>Barbara Shukitt-Hale, Marshall G. Miller, Nopporn Thangthaeng, Amanda N. Poulose, "Berry Fruit Enhances Beneficial Signaling in the Brain," ''Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry'' 65, no. 5 (2017): 820-827. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1021/jf2036033</nowiki></ref> Regular physical exercise and good sleep quality are also associated with better cognitive performance and reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases.<ref>Laura D. Baker, Laura L. Frank, Karen Foster-Schubert, Pattie S. Green, Charles W. Wilkinson, Anne McTiernan, "Aerobic Exercise Improves Cognition for Older Adults with Glucose Intolerance, A Risk Factor for Alzheimer's Disease," ''Journal of Alzheimer's Disease'' 22, no. 2 (2010): 569-579. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-2010-100768</nowiki></ref>
#'''Spiritual Outcomes''': Meeting physiological needs can free up mental and emotional resources and put the [[Bodily Ego]] into [[Growth Mode]], allowing individuals to pursue [[Alignment]] and engage in [[Connection Practice]]. 
A failure to meet physiological needs leads to a host of sequelae, including

# '''Physiological Impairments''': Long-term deprivation of physiological needs can lead to various health issues. Lack of proper nutrition can cause malnutrition which in turn leads to structural changes and reduced brain volume,<ref>Isaacson, R. L. (1974). The effect of malnutrition on the developing brain. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 27(6), 667–676</ref> a weakened immune system, and increased susceptibility to diseases.<ref>Ann M. Prendergast, and Eleanor M. Riley, "Immune Mechanisms in Malaria: New Insights in Vaccine Development," ''Nature Medicine'' 19, no. 2 (2013): 168.10.1038/nm.3083</ref> Sleep deprivation can increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic health problems.<ref>Kristen L. Knutson, and Eve Van Cauter, "Associations Between Sleep Loss and Increased Risk of Obesity and Diabetes," ''Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences'' 1129, no. 1 (2008): 287-304. 10.1196/annals.1417.033</ref> The absence of physical exercise can lead to obesity, heart diseases, and a decreased life expectancy.<ref>Steven N. Blair, and William L. Haskell, "Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Mortality in Older Adults," ''JAMA'' 296, no. 2 (2006): 216-218. 10.1249/MSS.0b013e31828b076a</ref> Constant physical pain can deteriorate overall health and quality of life.<ref>Abraham H. Maslow, "A Theory of Human Motivation," ''Psychological Review'' 50, no. 4 (1943): 370.</ref> Note that physiological deprivations experienced by the mother have negative consequences for the fetus. 
#'''Egoic Impairments:''' 
#'''Emotional Impairments''': Long-term deprivation of physiological needs can lead to emotional stress, anxiety, and depression, primarily due to feelings of vulnerability and an incessant state of fear and anxiety over meeting basic needs.<ref>Mary C. Sutter, "Fear, Anxiety and Worry," ''Psychiatry'' 3, no. 2 (2004): 45-48.</ref> Chronic stress and anxiety can in turn lead to additional mental health impairments.<ref>Mark L. Hatzenbuehler, "How Does Sexual Minority Stigma "Get Under the Skin"? A Psychological Mediation Framework," ''Psychological Bulletin'' 135, no. 5 (2009): 707. 10.1037/a0016441</ref>
# '''Cognitive Impairments''': Chronic malnutrition, particularly during the "brain growth spurt,"  can impact cognitive development and function, causing deficits in memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility.<ref>Lynne Georgiadis, Alan Jackson, and Lucy Eaton, "Undernutrition and Cognitive Function in School-Aged Children: A Systematic Review," ''BMJ Open'' 10, no. 5 (2020): e035378. 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035378</ref> Lack of sleep can significantly affect cognitive functions such as attention, memory, decision-making and problem-solving abilities.<ref>Hans P.A. Van Dongen, Greg Maislin, Janet M. Mullington, and David F. Dinges, "The Cumulative Cost of Additional Wakefulness: Dose-Response Effects on Neurobehavioral Functions and Sleep Physiology From Chronic Sleep Restriction and Total Sleep Deprivation," ''Sleep'' 26, no. 2 (2003): 117-26. </ref> Finally, the constant worry about meeting basic needs can put an individual into [[Deficit Mode]]. In this mode, the individual's cognitive development, processing, and learning capacity are undermined<ref>Rachel T. Kimbro, Jeanne Brooks-Gunn, and Sara McLanahan, "Young Children in Urban Areas: Links Among Neighborhood Characteristics, Weight Status, Outdoor Play, and Television-Watching," ''Social Science & Medicine'' 72, no. 5 (2011): 668-76.</ref> as cognitive energies are diverted away from growth tasks ([[Growth Mode]]) and towards meeting unmet basic needs ([[Deficit Mode]]). 
#'''Spiritual Impairments''':

Adam Smith said an interesting thing about the deprivation of physiological needs, particularly in relation to poverty.<ref>"But poverty, though it does not prevent the generation, is extremely unfavourable to the rearing of children. The tender plant is produced, but in so cold a soil and so severe a climate, soon withers and dies. "  
Smith, Adam. The Wealth of Nations - An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. Bantam Classics, 2003.</ref>

====Emotional Needs====

See [[Emotional Needs]]



====Cognitive Needs==== 

See [[Cognitive Needs]]

====Psychological Needs====

'''In addition to physiological, environmental, and emotional needs, we also have basic psychological needs. Our psychological needs include our need for positive self-esteem and sense of self, our need to feel powerful and competent,<ref name=":0">Ryan, R. M., and E. L. Deci. “Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being.” American Psychologist, 2000.</ref> our need to feel good about and to have faith in ourselves,<ref>Akhilananda, Swami. ''Hindu Psychology: Its Meaning in the West''. Routledge, 1948. p. 80</ref>  and our need for autonomy and freedom,<ref>Edward L Deci and Richard M Ryan, ''Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behaviour'' (New York: Springer Science, 1985).</ref>  We need to feel we are a good person that is worthy of love and acceptance. We also need to feel competent and powerful, like we can accomplish the things we want to accomplish in life.<ref>A Bandura, “Human Agency in Social-Cognition Theory,” ''American Psychologist'' 44 (1989): 1175–84</ref><ref>A. H. Maslow, ''Towards a Psychology of Being (2nd Edition)'' (New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1968)</ref><ref>Carl Rogers, ''Freedom to Learn'' (Columbus, Ohio: Merrill, 1969)</ref><ref>C. Rogers, ''A Way of Being.'' (Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1980); R White, ''Ego and Reality in Psychoanalytic Theory'', vol. Psychological Issues Series, Monograph No. 11. (New York: International Universities Press, 1963).</ref>'''

Satisfaction of these needs has been linked to well-being,<ref>Sheldon, K. M., Ryan, R., & Reis, H. T. (1996, January 1). What Makes for a Good Day? Competence and Autonomy in the Day and in the Person. ''PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN'', ''22''(12), 1270–1279. British Library Document Supply Centre Inside Serials & Conference Proceedings</ref> competence, vitality,<ref>Sheldon, K. M., Ryan, R., & Reis, H. T. (1996, January 1). What Makes for a Good Day? Competence and Autonomy in the Day and in the Person. ''PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN'', ''22''(12), 1270–1279. British Library Document Supply Centre Inside Serials & Conference Proceedings</ref> and enhanced creativity. Satisfaction of these leads also support [[Alignment]] and [[Connection]], which together allow for the full expression of the [[Spiritual Ego]].

Sufficiently meeting psychological needs has been shown to promote well-being and overall life satisfaction across several dimensions:

# '''Physiological Outcomes''': When psychological needs are met, it can lead to improved physiological health. Studies have shown that positive self-esteem and autonomy are associated with better physical health, likely due to healthier lifestyle choices and improved stress management. Enhanced well-being can also lead to improved immune function and slower aging<ref>Ryff, Carol D., and Burton H. Singer. "Know Thyself and Become What You Are: A Eudaimonic Approach to Psychological Well-being." ''Journal of Happiness Studies'' 9, no. 1 (2008): 13–39.</ref>).
# '''Egoic Outcomes''': 
# '''Emotional Outcomes''': Meeting psychological needs contributes significantly to emotional well-being. A positive self-concept, feelings of competence, and autonomy are all associated with lower levels of negative emotions and higher levels of positive emotions. People with high self-esteem and feelings of competence tend to be more resilient and better able to handle emotional setbacks.<ref>Deci, Edward L., and Richard M. Ryan, "The "What" and "Why" of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-determination of Behavior," ''Psychological Inquiry'', 2000, Vol. 11, No. 4</ref>
# '''Cognitive Outcomes''': Satisfying psychological needs like autonomy and competence has been linked to enhanced cognitive performance, including improved problem-solving skills, creativity, and learning outcomes. It also encourages a growth mindset, promoting continuous learning and intellectual development<ref>Niemiec, Christopher P., and Richard M. Ryan. "Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness in the Classroom: Applying Self-determination Theory to Educational Practice." Theory and Research in Education 7, no. 2 (2009): 133–144.</ref>.
# '''Spiritual Outcomes''': A positive sense of self and feelings of competence can contribute to spiritual growth by fostering a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Individuals who have their psychological needs met may be better able to engage in self-reflection and spiritual exploration<ref>Emmons, Robert A. "Is Spirituality an Intelligence? Motivation, Cognition, and the Psychology of Ultimate Concern." The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion 10, no. 1 (2000): 3–26.</ref> 

Chronic failure to meet psychological needs such as a positive sense of self, autonomy, competence, and feeling good about oneself can have severe consequences:

# '''Physiological Impairments''': Chronic psychological distress can have significant impacts on physiological health. Prolonged experiences of low self-esteem, feelings of incompetence, and lack of autonomy can lead to stress, which in turn can affect the immune system, cardiovascular health, and sleep patterns.<ref>Kiecolt-Glaser, Janice K., and Ronald Glaser, "Psychoneuroimmunology and Health Consequences: Data and Shared Mechanisms," ''Psychosomatic Medicine'', 1995, Vol. 57, No. 3</ref> Chronic stress has also been linked to accelerated cellular aging<ref>Epel, Elissa S., et al. "Cell Aging in Relation to Stress Arousal and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors." ''Psychoneuroendocrinology'' 31, no. 3 (2006): 277–287.</ref> 
# '''Egoic/Personality Impairments'''.
## Personality Disorders: Particularly, narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) may arise from an inflated sense of self-worth and a desperate need for validation, while borderline personality disorder (BPD) might occur when an individual feels chronically invalidated and struggles with self-image and fear of abandonment.<ref>Elsa Ronningstam, "Narcissistic Personality Disorder: A Clinical Perspective," ''Journal of Psychiatric Practice'' 17, no. 2 (2011): 89-99. 10.1097/01.pra.0000396066.52803.aa</ref><ref>Marsha M. Linehan, ''Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder'' (New York: Guilford Press, 1993).</ref>
##Eating Disorders: Unmet needs for self-esteem and competence can contribute to the development of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. These disorders often stem from a distorted body image and an extreme desire for control.<ref>Christopher G. Fairburn, Zafra Cooper, and Roz Shafran, "Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Eating Disorders: A 'Transdiagnostic' Theory and Treatment," ''Behaviour Research and Therapy'' 41, no. 5 (2003): 509-528. 10.1016/s0005-7967(02)00088</ref>
##Substance Use Disorders: These disorders may occur when individuals use substances as a coping mechanism to deal with feelings of low self-esteem, powerlessness, or lack of freedom. Substance use disorders are closely linked to poor mental health and unmet psychological needs.<ref>Edward J. Khantzian, "The Self-Medication Hypothesis of Substance Use Disorders: A Reconsideration and Recent Applications," Harvard Review of Psychiatry 4, no. 5 (1997): 231-244. 10.3109/10673229709030550</ref>
# '''Emotional Impairments''': A lack of fulfillment in psychological needs can lead to various emotional disorders, including depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Poor self-esteem and feelings of incompetence can lead to heightened sensitivity to negative feedback and rejection, increasing vulnerability to depressive symptoms.<ref>Orth, Ulrich, et al., "Low Self-esteem Is a Risk Factor for Depressive Symptoms from Young Adulthood to Old Age," ''Journal of Abnormal Psychology'', 2008, Vol. 117, No. 3.</ref><ref>Baumeister, Roy F., "Self-Esteem, Self-Concept, and Self-Worth," ''In Handbook of Self and Identit''y, Second Edition, 2012</ref>
# '''Cognitive Impairments''': Unmet psychological needs can negatively impact cognitive functioning. A lack of autonomy and feelings of incompetence can impair problem-solving abilities and diminish creativity. It can also result in a fixed mindset, impeding learning and intellectual growth.<ref>Dweck, Carol S., "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success," Ballantine Books, 2006</ref> It can undermine motivation for learning and intellectual development.<ref>Ryan, Richard M., and Edward L. Deci, "Self-determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, ''Social Development, and Well-being''," American Psychologist, 2000, Vol. 55, No. 1.</ref>
# '''Spiritual Impairments''': Chronic failure to meet psychological needs can also hinder spiritual growth. Low self-esteem, lack of autonomy, and feelings of incompetence can impede a person's search for meaning and purpose in life, potentially leading to existential crises and a lack of spiritual fulfillment.<ref>Frankl, Viktor E., "Man's Search for Meaning," Beacon Press, 2006</ref>

====Environmental Needs====

See [[Environmental Needs]]

==='''Inner Needs'''===

Inner needs include our important and closely associated needs for [[Alignment]] and [[Connection]]

===== Alignment =====

express and unfold <ref name=":0" />

We all have a need to express<ref>Expression is identified as an emotional need in Akhilananda, Swami. ''Hindu Psychology: Its Meaning in the West''. Routledge, 1948.</ref> and unfold. Aristotle, Carl Rogers, and others capture these needs with the concept [[Eudaimonia]] which is the expression of human excellence and virtue (read [[Alignment]]),the doing of what is worth doing.<ref>Ryan, Richard M, and Edward L Deci. Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness. New York: The Guilford Press, 2017</ref> 

Moving to the inner needs now, our alignment need is essentially our need to be “synced-up” with our spiritual ego, to be in alignment with our spiritual ego,. To express and actualize who we truly are deep inside. It can be a little challenging to wrap your head around this, and we talk about it in much greater detail later. For now, just imagine your Spiritual Ego for what it is, a very bright, powerful, kind, compassionate, loving, and aware spiritual being. To be in alignment means that your bodily ego thinks, acts, and feels with the same power, kindness, compassion, love, and awareness that characterizes your spiritual ego. If you are not acting like that, you are not acting in alignment with your spiritual ego.

If you want to know what alignment looks like, think Jesus Christ, the Buddha, and, for all his patriarchal and elitist imperfections, Ghandi or Mother Theresa. Though they may not have been perfect, these individuals strove to meet their need for alignment between the spiritual ego and bodily ego by expressing power, kindness, compassion, love, and awareness.

For your information, Maslow has some thoughts on this inner need for alignment in his article “How we Diminish Ourselves," and how this need to align with our "deepest nature" finds a way to push through even when we actively resist. <nowiki><ref>Abraham H. Maslow, “How We Diminish Ourselves,” </nowiki>''The Journal of Humanistic Education and Development'' 29, no. 3 (March 1, 1991): 117–20.<nowiki></ref></nowiki>

Alignment needs are your needs to be in alignment/agreement with your own ethics, values, and purpose.  In LP terms, this means being in alignment with your [[Spiritual Ego]]. 

in Humanistic psychology, self-actualization.<ref>The term self-actualization, originally coined by Kurt Goldstein, was picked up by Abraham Maslow. For Maslow, the need for self-actualization is the need to be creative, to express one’s essence and desire, and to do what one is “fitted for.” As he says, “A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately happy. What a man [sic] can be, he must be. This need we may call self-actualization” (Maslow, 1943, pp. 382). This is all true, but in LP psychology we would understand self-actualization as actualization/expression of [[Self]], with a capital "S".</ref> Presuming the existence of a “soul,” or a spark of Consciousness that exists independent of the physical body, we need to align our bodily ego, our body’s self or [[Bodily Ego]], with this higher level our Self, our [[Spiritual Ego]]. 

===== Connection =====
'''Connection needs are your needs to be connected, to your family, to your friends, to your work place, to your own [[Spiritual Ego]], and even to God.''' 
#Our biological programmed '''Need for [[Connection]] with family, Spirit, Highest Self''', place (land), the ancestors,<ref>Lucana, Sonia, and John Elfers. “Sacred Medicine: Indigenous Healing and Mental Health.” ''The Qualitative Report'' 25, no. 12 (December 1, 2020): 4482</ref> [[Pachamama]],<ref>Lucana, Sonia, and John Elfers. “Sacred Medicine: Indigenous Healing and Mental Health.” ''The Qualitative Report'' 25, no. 12 (December 1, 2020): 4482.</ref>and God. 
#*It is not enough to actualize our highest self, we need to go beyond and actually make a strong connection with this inner Self.
#*This is a common desideratum of human spiritual systems. In Transpersonal Psychology, transcendence; in Christianity, Islamic, salvation; in Buddhism, enlightenment; etc.) In Transpersonal Psychology, this is known as transcendence; in Christianity and Islamic traditions, this is known as salvation, “Entering the Kingdom,” etc. in Buddhism and Easter traditions, enlightenment). In Sociology, this notion is expressed in a Christian form in Troelstech’s conception of mysticism as the “perfection of the spiritual life” and “unity with the divine” (Steeman, 1975). Evelyn Underhill points directly to this need when she says that we have an “innate tendency...towards complete harmony with the transcendental order, whatever the theological formula under which that order is understood” (Underhill, 2002). Jung referred to this as the experience of the numinosum (Jung, 1938, p. 6).
#*The [[Catechism of the Catholic Church]] speaks of an "intimate and vital bond of man [sic] to God" and says that the "desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for."<ref>Vatican. ''The Catechism of the Catholic Church''. Vatican City: Vatican, 1992.https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P9.HTM</ref> "''Man is made to live in communion with God in whom he finds happiness: When I am completely united to you, there will be no more sorrow or trials; entirely full of you, my life will be complete.''"<ref>Vatican. ''The Catechism of the Catholic Church''. Vatican City: Vatican, 1992.https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__PD.HTM</ref>
In Vedanta, this is the highest need, the most " outstanding urge in people is the search after the abiding spirit or God. There is an inherent desire in every man to experience the abiding spirit, and until he reaches that goal there is no hope for real peace of mind."<ref>Akhilananda, Swami. ''Hindu Psychology: Its Meaning in the West''. Routledge, 1948. p. 51-2.</ref>
Satisfaction of one's essential needs leads to wellbeing, physical, mental, and emotional health, creativity, and [[Eudaimonia]].<ref>Ryan, Richard M., and Edward L. Deci. “The Darker and Brighter Sides of Human Existence: Basic Psychological Needs as a Unifying Concept.” ''Psychological Inquiry'' 11, no. 4 (October 1, 2000): 319–38. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_03</nowiki></ref>

[[Ibn Khaldun]] describes [[Asabiyya]] as group feeling, group cohesion (i.e., group connection).

As always, this essential need for connection is biologically programmed by evolutionary processes for several reasons, most important of which, as outlined in Lightning Rod on the Positive Outcomes of Connection, is that being connected makes you smarter, more capable, healthier, happier, and more adaptable than you would be without connection, thereby increasing your chances of surviving and living a happy and fulfilling life. Basically, the spiritual ego is a better, more powerful, more capable version of your body ego. If you want the most out of life, you definitely want to connect the two.

==== In the literature ====
George Simmel speaks of " religiousness as an inner state or need of man..."<ref>Simmel, George. Essays on Religion. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1997. p. 3.</ref>

Underhill says "Broadly speaking, I understand it to be the expression of the ''innate tendency'' of the human spirit towards complete harmony with the transcendental order; whatever be the theological formula under which that order is understood."<ref>Underhill, Evelyn. Mysticism: A Study in the Nature and Development of Spiritual Consciousness. New York: Dover Publications, 2002. https://amzn.to/2C91xNY.</ref>

Einstein says... "There is a mystical drive in man to learn about his own existence...the dignity of man depends not on his membership in a church, but on his scrutinizing mind, his confidence in his intellect, his figuring things out for himself, and above all his respect for the laws of creation" (Hermanns, 1983: np)

Grof says "spiritual search [i.e., search for connection] appears to be an understandable and legitimate human activity." <ref>Grof, Stanislav. Technologies of the Sacred Part Two.” ''The International Journal of Humanities and Peace'' 15, no. 1 (1999): 93–96. p. 93.</ref> Further, "The deepest motivating force in the human psyche on all the levels of our development is the craving to return to the experience of our divinity"<ref>Grof, S. (1999). Technologies of the Sacred—Part Two. ''The International Journal of Humanities and Peace'', ''15''(1), 93–96. p.96 <nowiki>https://www.lightningpath.org/readings/Technologies_of_the_sacred_II.pdf</nowiki></ref>

The satisfaction of the seventh essential need - connection. "Only the experience of one's divinity in a non-ordinary state of consciousness can ever fulfill our deepest needs"<ref>Laszlo, Ervin, Stanislav Grof, and Peter Russell. The Consciousness Revolution. Las Vegas: Elf Rock Productions, 1999. https://amzn.to/2TlOCmC. p. 67.</ref>

Grof also notes that "Full satisfaction comes ultimately from the experience of...our own divinity, not the pursuit of material goals of any scope or kind <ref>Laszlo, Ervin, Stanislav Grof, and Peter Russell. The Consciousness Revolution. Las Vegas: Elf Rock Productions, 1999. https://amzn.to/2TlOCmC. p. 8.</ref>.

"It is now becoming increasingly evident that a craving for transcendence and a need for inner development are basic and normal aspects of human nature." (alignment and connection) <ref>Grof, Christina, and Stanislav Grof. The Stormy Search for the Self: A Guide to Personal Growth Through Transformational Crises. Penguin, 1990. https://amzn.to/2UtkgP1. p. 31.</ref>

Huxley ([[PP]]) notes that Totalitarian regimes exploit humanity's need for "unity" (read Connection) by "by means of a philosophy of political monism, according to which the state is God on earth, unification under the heel of the divine state is salvation, and all means to such unification, however intrinsically wicked, are right and may be used without scruple."

St. Teresa of Avila notes speaks of a need for actualization and connection suggesting that is "quenches thirst." "Oh, my Lord, if only one could be plunged so deeply into this living water that one’s life would end! Can that be? Yes: 34 this love and desire for God35 can increase so much that human nature is unable to bear it, and so there have been persons who have died of it."<ref>St. Teresa of Avila. The Way of Perfection. New York: Dover Publications, 2012. https://amzn.to/2Id75es.</ref>

Sri Swami Sivananda notes that religion (I would say [[Authentic Religion]]) a "deep inward craving"  (i.e., a need for connection)<ref>Sivananda, Sri Swami. ''All About Hinduism''. Uttar Predesh, Humalayas, India: Divine Life Trust, 1999. <nowiki>https://www.academia.edu/32682910</nowiki></ref>

Swami Vivekananda speaks of the critical importance of meeting people's needs. Though he did not use that name, intimations of a hierarchy of needs was first proposed by Swami Vivekananda in "The Secret Work" in his book Karma Yoga. <ref>Vivekananda, Swami. "The Secret of Work." Collected Works of Swami Vivekananda. Vol. 5. 9 vols. Advaita Ashrama, 2016. https://www.holybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/SWAMI-VIVEKANANDA-COMPLETE-WORKS-Vol-1.pdf</ref>

Essential needs are equivalent to "basic needs" in that they represent "an energizing state that, if satisfied, conduces toward health and well-being but, if not satisfied, contributes to pathology and ill-being." <ref>Ryan, R. M., and E. L. Deci. “Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being.” American Psychologist, 2000. p. 74.</ref>

=== General Consequences ===
'''Easier to manipulate.''' Individuals with unmet needs may be easier to manipulate because of their lifelong craving and desperate seeking of satisfaction. <ref>Grof, Stanislav. ''When the Impossible Happens.'' Boulder, CO: Sounds True, 2006.</ref> This craving, which is often completely unconscious, can be exploited by disreputable or mentally ill actors. See for example Layton who cites Jim Jones attention and manipulative praise as psychological reasons for her toxic attachment to the Jonestown cult. <ref>Layton, Deborah. Seductive Poison. New York: Anchor Books, 2010. https://amzn.to/2wxOse4.</ref> Note, this applies to all needs. Insufficient satisfaction leads to "craving" which makes actors susceptible to manipulators who offers, or even just promise, the satisfaction of one or more of the seven essential needs.

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[[category:terms]]
[[category:lightningpath]]
[[Is a subcategory of::Human Development| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Active Need Fulfillment| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Attachment| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Communication Error| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Seven Components of Human Development| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Deficit Mode| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Defence Mode| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Deficiency Disease| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::D-Realm| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Ego Mode| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Essential Needs| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Five Key Areas of Human Development| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Good Specimen| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Growth Mode| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Healing| ]]

[[Is a related LP term::Healing Space| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::LP HEALING Framework| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::LP Connection Framework| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Lightning Path School of Human Devleopment| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Needs| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Normative Biology| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Physical Unit| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Repair Mode| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Toxic Socialization| ]]

[[Is a related LP term::School of Human Devleopment| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::3Ds of Toxic Existence| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::School of Human Development| ]]

[[Is a related LP term::Sufficient Satisfaction| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::The Work| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Polyvagal Theory| ]]