Do we have an ability to think about our children's needs and wants as a parent without even seeing Maslow's Theory? I just wonder if the parents of our parents, or the parents of our grandparents gave the concept any thought in a structured way. Where on this pyramid does the parent responsibility stop and the child take over? Or do we find the railing on the way because of our upbringing or memories from our childhood that make us move toward the light without even knowing way we do it. Does it matter if we know?
We can be certain the need for an occupation was taught, or expected. For a few, like Olaf A Anderson, he may have had a vision to become a minister. Or, as it is said, "Had the calling". Our grand parents may never have heard: "This is your destiny". My dad became a carpenter because he was taught how; he became a contractor because he had inner vision to put it on paper for someone else to see. When he was less than ten and herding cows for money one can be assured he was not thinking about this as a life project, (although he had a beautiful herd of Hereford's much later).
Did our ancestors teach us that life is precious, that there is joy to be experienced in life. Did you hear this at home? Or did you hear it in church?
Did you feel you were accepted for what you where? Was this vocalized or did you just know it because you didn't get in trouble? Were you ever praised? By whom and what for? If not at home, then where?
Do you think your ancestors thought about watching your inner nature and nurturing you to see and follow your birth gifts while helping you develop other parts of yourself which would be needed skills? Did they know the difference? Was there enough variation in your parents to make this work? If you, right now, had a list of skills and gifts which humans may develop though out their lives, what areas are weak? Is it that you just don't think you will need them? Or is the goal not something you care to reach at this time?
We know that grandparents and their grandparents provided snared rabbits and a sod house for food and shelter. Have you heard country songs which state "we were poor but their was a lot of love?"
Have you ever said, "Oh that is beautiful about a sunrise, a sunset, or a flower?" Is that taught or do you just know it because you were born with inner joy which is protected?
While your parent's were teaching you that discipline is necessary, did you understand that meant the same whether you were swinging at a baseball, doing homework, or being yourself?
Where you taught to be a good chooser? How did you come to the best decisions? Is it all gut? Do you play left brain and right brain with yourself? Are you around a lot of left brain people? Shocking as it may sound, isn't the idea to try to develop the other side and do your own Q and A? If your mate is left and you are right, does it harmonize? Or do you feel you are being pulled over the line?
It is not the wish for me to resurrect a personality for Grandma. I do know this: While sitting in her lap she would hum as she rocked her chair. It was a safe place and her inner contentment corded to me. I heard her laugh. Daddy said she was kind. He said she was good. He was right.
Maslow was born in 1908, his paper on Hierarchy of Needs was published in 1943. Old Trunks learned of it in a trade school class in the eighties and again while taking college credits several years ago. The idea was to get to the top and stay there while maintaining the base.
Think about it
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