Individuals have many needs- both physical, emotional, and spiritual. The focus of this series has been taking a dive into the nine different emotional needs. When someone is suffering, we can often take a glance at their emotional needs, and work toward fulfilling those that might not be satisfied. Thankfully there is a way to examine the needs and see which ones may need nourishing, so that you can begin taking the steps toward more emotional contentment.
A quick review of the nine emotional needs: security, volition, attention, emotional connection, connection to the community, privacy, a sense of status, a sense of achievement, and meaning. A deeper look into the need for emotional connection and connection to the community.
Emotional Connection
Part of our wellbeing is assess how connected we feel toward others — experiencing friendship, love, and intimacy. Making friendships and connecting with people who we can relate to on an emotional level is valuable.
Ideas for how to meet the need for emotional connection
This often looks like finding a place where we can find people who have things in common with us, and being intentional about friendship. Friendship is difficult because it means that we are fostering a relationship with someone and it usually includes some vulnerability. If there is vulnerability there, and we are having trouble allowing ourselves to be open to connecting emotionally with someone, then therapy could help you overcome some of those fears as well as practice sharing hard things. This is more than “connecting” on social media… this is intentionally spending time with someone that knows more about you than what you post on your social media feed.
Connection to the Community
Have you ever heard someone say “there must be another purpose for me?” or “I miss being a part of something bigger”. We are social beings that are created for connection to something greater than ourselves.
Ideas for getting the need for connection to community met
This can seem close to impossible in our modern day society which includes busy schedules, commutes, and bigger houses than families in decades before us. It is easier to stay in our homes, in our bubbles, and not make time in the hustle to connect to our community. This might look like blocking out a couple hours a week and hosting a community coffee at your house for neighbors. It could look like befriending an elderly couple or individual at the grocery store and asking ways to help them. Possibly it is signing up to mentor those in need. Whatever it is, it typically takes rearranging our schedules and giving ourselves dedicated time to connect to helping and building community.
If thinking about meeting nine different emotional needs is overwhelming, it is important to note that many times one activity can meet multiple needs at the same time. For instance, befriending someone who you can serve on a regular basis also potentially means you are connecting with them emotionally while conversing when you gather.
If thinking about meeting nine different emotional needs is overwhelming, it is important to note that many times one activity can meet multiple needs at the same time. For instance, befriending someone who you can serve on a regular basis also potentially means you are connecting with them emotionally while conversing when you gather. If you are struggling and feel like counseling would benefit your life, please call Amy Wine Counseling Center at 832.421.8714.