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posted on May 15, 2013 by
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Where Do You Rank on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?

Maslow's Hierarchy of NeedsIn all my years of education in the field of psychology, I always resonated with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. It just made sense to me. Does it to you as well?

Take a look at the hierarchy if you haven’t seen it for awhile. Check out each layer and ask yourself where you are in your life currently?

The bottom two needs are what we all know we need to survive and feel safe. These needs are essential to our existence.

But, look what comes next. Right after these very basic needs of survival we have the need for love and belonging.

To me, this emphasizes the importance that human beings were not created to live alone, disassociate from others, and be able to handle all of life’s happenings without the support from people around them. Furthermore, it states “belonging” – to affiliate with others. This to me is community. This is about connection.

With Maslow’s Hierarchy, he intended for people to move up the scale of needs. As needs were met at each level the person could then go on to the next level and actualize that part of themselves.

I think love and belonging is often overlooked as we logically know we need good self-esteem and we all desire self-fulfillment at the highest level – so we try to jump there as quickly as possible. Skipping over the critical importance of having a tribe, feeling connected to those around us, and feeling that we belong.

But, without feeling a deep connection and sense of belonging with other human beings– can we really make it to self-actualization?

 

 

 

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posted on May 8, 2013 by
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The Battle of Technology vs. Connectedness

There are so many ways in which we can feel connected. Yet, how many of us have battled with feeling alone, disconnected, and disengaged from the rest of life?

In our recent times, we are charged with understanding how connection works with technology. In this time of transition, we are exploring what works and what doesn’t in how we interact online and maintain a sense of true connectedness. Even when we are in person with those we love, they may be distracted by the lens of technology.

Technology and Human ConnectionIt may leave you wondering in that moment, “HEY, are you on Facebook or are you with ME!?” 

It leads me to ask the question, is technology really bringing us closer or is it slowly tearing us apart?

I came across a  study that showed in 1994 each American said they had 3 people to confide in, ten years later in 2004 people reported only having 1 person to confide in. The big gap? Because 25% of people said they had absolutely ZERO people like that in their life. 

What’s happening here? How can we live in a time when we have instant access to the anyone anywhere in the world and still feel ALONE?

It’s an epidemic.

As human beings we need social connectedness. We need to be a part of our communities and interact with people on a regular basis.

This weekend, I had some ladies over for a baby shower. A few of us got into a discussion about Facebook and we talked about how terrible it is that Facebook has now become the primary tool for connecting with people. One friend complained, “I found out the sex of my best friend’s baby through a Facebook post! I called her up, I couldn’t believe she posted it there without telling me first.”

And, I agree. That’s near insanity.

Facebook and other social media shouldn’t be used as the ONLY tool for connecting with people. Human interaction and true connectedness cannot come through a computer screen. In fact, I truly believe that the more we rely on technology to connect us, the more we will feel separate.

When we are sucked into the throes of Facebook, social media and other technology are we really cultivating a sense of true connectedness?  We may be “in the know” about other people’s lives, but do you really feel more connected to them?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on technology and connection. Leave a comment below to join the discussion. 

 

 

 

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posted on April 23, 2013 by
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CommUnity Talk TV: Episode 5

CommTalkTV3This week’s episode is a Movers, Shakers & Difference Makers spotlight featuring Charlotte Otto from Ten Thousand Villages.

How much do you know about fair trade? Where are your products coming from? These are the questions Charlotte wants us to ask and think about as we shop.

Check out this week’s episode here:

Having trouble seeing the video? First try hitting refresh, then click here.

So, what are your thoughts on fair trade?

  • Do you know where your products are coming from?
  • Do you seek out products that are certified as fair trade?
  • What else are you doing or can we do to ensure fair trade practices?

Leave your comments below.

And if you’d like this video, be sure to subscribe on YouTube, hit like and share it with your friends.

Filed Under: Blog, CommUnity Talk TV, Contribution, Making a Difference Tagged With: , , ,
posted on April 22, 2013 by
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Earth Day: Stop and Feel the Connection

Earth Day is here!

I thought I’d start with a few fun facts that I found online.

  1. Earth Day first originated on April 22, 1970
  2. By 1990, Earth Day was celebrated across the globe by 10 times as many people — 200 million.
  3. In 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 to be International Mother Earth Day.
  4. More than 94 million people have pledged “Acts of Green“ through the Earth Day Network, sharing how they plan to make a difference for the environment.

    Earth Day Facts Source.

What will you do this Earth Day?

Seljalandsfoss by Henrik Spranz (c)

Seljalandsfoss by Henrik Spranz (c), Check out some amazing Earth Day photos in this gallery.

Today is day when people take action, advocate for environment causes, and do their part in being green and eco-friendly. Is this how you’ll participate?

For me, Earth Day is about stopping to feel the connection to Mother Nature and the magnificence of our planet.

All of nature is life itself. Can we stop today and take the time to feel the connection the grass that’s growing beneath our feet, the flowers that are emerging from the soil to bloom, and the leaves that are bursting with vigor to bless us for summertime shade?

Nature is a powerful force, one that offers us so many lessons and teachable moments. The biggest of all, the connection and harmony that happens all the time in areas where we aren’t coming in and trying to change things, but letting “nature take its course.”

For me, when I feel connected to nature, I feel invigorated. I feel alive. I feel full of life. The beauty of Mother Earth is simply stunning, offering us so many resources to feed and nourish ourselves, that isn’t it time we stop and feel the connection to this great gift we get every single day of our lives?

How will you spend your Earth Day? 

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posted on April 16, 2013 by
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Despite What the Media Tells You.. Most People are Good People

After hearing about what happened in Boston and seeing many responses such as “What’s wrong with people!?” or “What’s wrong with this world?” or “What’s this world coming to?”

I couldn’t help but post:

Remember, most people in the world are good people. Don’t let a few bad ones ruin your views on humanity.

It is so easy to buy into the belief that there are MANY bad people in the world because of the portrayal of that view from the media. Bad news is the best news in the media’s eyes. They don’t focus on people out there who are doing good and doing right, instead they emphasis and blow up the bad.

Yes, I did see a good post or two as well, such as this one:

Reports of Marathon Runners that crossed finish line and continued to run to Mass General Hospital to give blood to victims #PrayforBoston, via NBC Sports Network.Goodimate

 

If you can’t read this it says: When I was a boy and would see scary things on the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” – Fred Rogers

I loved seeing both of those posts.

It’s so easy to buy into what the media is feeding and take that as the truth and what accurately represents this country and the world, but don’t.

Most people really are good people.

And what’s even more humbling, just look at how united we feel as human beings, as Americans, as people, during times like these. Let’s always look after our brothers and sisters of humanity with the same love and affection.

 

Filed Under: Blog, Compassion, Connection, Contribution Tagged With: , , , ,
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