Our Universal Needs
No matter where you come from or how old you are, everybody has the same needs! They are called our “Universal Needs.”
Learning about your universal needs can help you solve problems more creatively when you're in a conflict. As a Cadet, add your needs is the third step of Inner and Outer Space.
When you have a feeling, it's because one of your needs is or isn't being met.
Your feelings are connected to your needs. After you place your feelings, it's time to add your needs.
I'm tired because I need sleep.
I'm energetic because I need to play.
I'm scared because I need safety.
Our basic needs are big ideas. They aren’t specific things. For example:
"I don't need a sandwich, but I do need food! (Food is a universal need!)"
Once we know our basic need, then we can choose a specific way or thing to meet that need.
So learn about your universal needs below! You might know each of your universal needs by another word.
Food and water
Nourishment • Energy
Shelter
Home • Housing
Health
Wellbeing • Exercise • Movement • Cleanliness
Rest
Sleep • Relaxation
Movement
Exercise • Health
Safety
Protection • Stability • Security
Nature
Environment • Air
Connection
Belonging • Community • Inclusion • Compassion • Relationship • Interaction
Friendship
Connection • Relationship
Love
Connection • Acceptance • Relationship
Respect
Consideration • Understanding • Appreciation
Appreciation
Gratitude • Acknowlegment
Community
Belonging • Participation • Contribution • Interdependence • Support
Support
Cooperation • Help • Learning
Understanding
To be heard • Learning • Empathy • Acceptance • Appreciation • Consideration • Knowledge
Honesty
Trust • Understanding • Expression • Integrity
Play
Fun • Joy • Laughter • Creativity
Freedom
Choice • Autonomy • Independence
Meaning
Purpose • Learning • Hope • Stimulation • To Matter • Growth
Peace
Harmony • Order • Beauty • Equality • Ease