Basic vocabulary for the language of life
Two sets of feelings…
| … when needs are not met
‘Bad,’ hurt, guilt, shame, envy, regret Sad, lonely, sorrow, despair, discouraged Mad, angry, frustrated, resentful, irritated Fear, concern, worry, anxious, insecure Hate, dislike, disgust, contempt, hostile Tense, uptight, stressed, restless, nervous Confused, torn, puzzled, overwhelmed, lost Turned off, shut down, defended, guarded Disconnected, alienated, separate, numb |
… when needs are met‘Good,’ content, safe, satisfied, happy Glad, pleased, delighted, thrilled, joyful Relieved, reassured, encouraged, renewed Curious, wonder, enchanted, fascinated Grateful, appreciative, thankful, blessed Relaxed, comfortable, settled, at ease, calm Confident, optimistic, hopeful, empowered Inspired, enthusiastic, exhilarated, passionate Connected, warmed, moved, open, at peace |
Universal human needs…
|
… for physical well-being -nourishment, security, dignity, power -stimulation, movement, rest, sleep -comfort, ease, relaxation, warmth -attention, care, protection, pleasure -contact, touch, affection, play, fun -belonging, inclusion, mattering, aliveness |
… for mental well-being -expression, exploration, inspiration -freedom, contribution, participation -challenge, adventure, clarity, order -purposeful activity, vision, meaning -communication, dialogue, inquiry, truth -competence, confidence, creativity, learning |
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… for psychological well-being -self-care, self-worth, self-responsibility -autonomy, empathy, honesty, intimacy -understanding, transparency, closeness -kindness, consideration, trust, fairness -appreciation, acknowledgment, respect -community, authenticity, harmony, balance -celebration, mourning, support, connection |
… for spiritual well-being -being conscious, spacious, present -integrity, truthfulness, goodness, beauty -forgiveness, reconciliation, grace, joy -gratitude, surrender, faith, service, humility -communion, reverence for all life, compassion -transforming consciousness, awakening -experiencing the sacred, Truth, Love, Peace |
“Most of us grew up speaking a language that encourages us to label, compare, demand, and pronounce judgments – rather than to be aware of what we are feeling and needing.” Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, founder of Nonviolent Communication, NVC
Adapted from the work of Dr. Marshall B. Rosenberg and the Center for Nonviolent Communication www.cnvc.org