Needs, Greeds, and the Radical Seeds of Being

March 15 2024, by Jose Leal

Hey there, fellow human-shaped life form!

Buckle up because we're diving headfirst into the wild world of Natural Needs, not to be confused with our relentless pursuit of the latest iPhone or that shiny new car that goes vroom-vroom. Yes, we're talking about those built-in biological functions that tirelessly work behind the scenes, making sure we play our part in the grand opera of humanity.

AI-generated image.

So, what are these backstage heroes, you ask? Imagine them as the Fantastic Four of human essence, but there's a twist – we've got a fifth member because, well, we're overachievers. These stars are Being, Meaning, Impacting, Belonging, Becoming, and – drumroll, please – our very own personalities. That's right, folks; these are the unsung forces shaping our "radical purpose." And by radical, we're not talking about surfing waves or skateboarding down a halfpipe. We're exploring the depths of what drives us, the currents beneath our actions that guide us toward our true callings.

For instance, if you find yourself drawn to painting murals on every available wall or crafting melodies that even the birds envy, chances are your 'Impacting' dial is cranked up to eleven, especially in the creativity department. Your being is like a magnet, repelled by the mundane and drawn to the colorful chaos of creation. On the flip side, if the thought of a predictable 9-to-5 job makes you feel like a robot in disguise, it's because your natural needs are screaming for something more, something that sparks joy and ignites your soul.

But let's not forget about our material needs, the divas of our daily drama. These are the ones that have us chasing after material possessions like there's no tomorrow. Houses, cars, clothes, gadgets – you name it, we "need" it. Or do we? While we're all busy accumulating stuff, our natural needs are patiently waiting in the wings, ready to show us the path to true fulfillment.

Here's the kicker: neuroscience has given us the inside scoop that it's actually our natural needs calling the shots on how we feel. That's right; feelings aren't just random emotional weather patterns — they're the direct result of our needs trying to find their balance, like tightrope walkers in the circus of life. They're constantly striving for that sweet spot of equilibrium within us and in our interactions with the world around us.

Imagine your feelings as emojis on your phone, popping up to give you a heads-up. When everything's peachy, you get a barrage of thumbs-ups and heart eyes. But when you're off-kilter, it's all facepalms and the side-eye emoji. These aren't just digital doodles; they're your natural needs' way of texting you, "Hey, need a little tweak here!"

It's not about mood swings; it's about getting a gentle nudge towards what truly matters. So next time your inner world sends you an emoji, pay attention. It might just be the hint you need to pivot back to your radical purpose.

So, next time someone talks about meeting needs, take a moment to ponder which ones they're referring to. Are we nurturing our whole selves, or are we just catering to the material side of the equation? Adopting a Radical lens means recognizing that we are life incarnate, and it's our biological functions that genuinely define our essence and how we experience the world.

Let's make a pact to serve the entirety of life, not just the glittery material facade. After all, in the grand scheme of things, understanding and nurturing our natural needs might be the key to unlocking our most authentic and radically purposeful selves. So, here's to being radically us, in all our natural, needy glory!

By: Jose Leal
Co-founder RADICAL World

Be a RADICAL

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Be a RADICAL

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