Every choice, a renunciation. Is that so?

Nonviolent Communication says that we, human beings, have the same needs.Yes, everyone needs the same things (which are not 'things'). Here isthe listof them, and I invite you to read (and tell me later if it makes sense to you).

So what makes us unique beings?

Thestrategieswe use to meet these needs.

Example: we want to meet our need for fun. Being aware of this, we can create several strategies:

• Watch a family movie

• Invite friends to come over

• Go to a party

• Travel to Disney

• etc

NVC says that needs are intrinsic, natural to human beings. And that they do not cease, just like hunger and sleep, they need to be met recurrently.

There is a very famous quote by Marshall Rosenberg that says:

“Violence is a tragic response to an unmet need”.

That being said,I don't believe we can choose or renounce a need. They are there and will remain.Renouncing a need is very violent for me, and this reverberates in my relationships and in the social sphere. We just have to look at poorer countries and the consequences of a population whose most basic needs are not met.

And money?

Here I am speaking to an audience that already starts with some privileges in this regard, and I come to bring what, for me, differentiates an abundance or scarcity mindset. And this has to do withchoosing or renouncing strategies, instead of needs.

When I am connected to my needs, the strategies I choose can cost more or less money. So it's not about not nurturing what's most important, but about understanding how the strategies I choose can impact my wallet.

I might want a bigger house to nurture the need for comfort. But would this extra cost be responsible for taking away other “comforts” from me? Would a more expensive rent prevent me from having a more comfortable means of transportation, or more comfortable vacations, for example? Or worse… a future without the minimum guaranteed comfort?

It's very sad to think about renouncing the basics. But knowing what's most important, we can innovate and create better strategies, for my present self and my future self.

I invite you to look at the list of needs, understand what is most latent out there, and create strategies (alone or with those you love) to meet them. Shall we?

Thank you very much and see you next week!