Relationality

Something very basic about human beings is that we are needy.

“Our whole being by its very nature if one vast need.” C.S. Lewis in The Four Loves.
I think he was on the right track. Life is a bundle of needs to be fulfilled from the moment we are born. It is clear that for a life of well being our needs must be met. Theorists from Abraham Maslow to the Circle of Courage have recognized this and tried to make sense of it.

Maslow placed “self-actualizing needs” at the top on his hierarchy. He placed belonging needs mid-way. I think he was wrong! He was far too influenced by western ideas of individuality. Our greatest and highest need is that of relationship. Aristotle had said human beings are social animals. We are made for relationships with others: humans, non-humans, all that is and with the divine.

+Ab. Andy