Inventory of Feelings and Needs
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is more than a method of communication—it is a transformative practice that fosters connection, empathy, and understanding. Central to NVC is the ability to identify and express feelings and needs, both within ourselves and in others. This awareness forms the basis of compassionate interactions, enabling us to move beyond blame or judgment toward mutually satisfying solutions.
To support NVC practitioners, educators, and facilitators, I present a meticulously curated inventory of needs and feelings, grounded in the principles of NVC. Organized by the framework of Manfred Max-Neef's nine fundamental human needs, this table serves as a valuable resource for identifying the universal needs and feelings that emerge when those needs are met or unmet.
| Max-Neef's Needs | Universal Needs | When Met: Feelings | Body Sensations | When Unmet: Feelings | Body Sensations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subsistence | Food | Energized | Warm, Strong, Full | Depleted | Weak, Empty, Heavy |
| Nutrition | Invigorated | Light, Buoyant, Tingling | Exhausted | Sluggish, Numb | |
| Nourishment | Refreshed | Cool, Balanced, Grounded | Fatigued | Heavy, Hollow | |
| Rest | Rested | Relaxed, Soft, Open | Sleepy | Droopy, Lethargic | |
| Sleep | Restored | Smooth, Radiant | Worn Out | Sluggish, Achy | |
| Shelter | Comfortable | Cozy, Relaxed | Uncomfortable | Tight, Cramped | |
| Vitality | Alive | Tingling, Buzzing, Expansive | Drained | Flat, Stiff | |
| Energy | Relaxed | Light, Balanced | Restless | Twitchy, Jittery | |
| Aliveness | Lighthearted | Floating, Flowing | Agitated | Tense, Jumpy | |
| Protection | Safety | Secure | Steady, Anchored | Anxious | Trembling, Tight |
| Security | Reassured | Stable, Strong | Apprehensive | Uneven, Jittery | |
| Emotional Safety | Grounded | Calm, Centered | Nervous | Uneasy, Tense | |
| Comfort | Trusting | Fluid, Warm | Vulnerable | Cold, Shaky | |
| Stability | Steady | Balanced, Solid | Unstable | Wobbly, Dizzy | |
| Predictability | Reassured | Even, Balanced | Confused | Fuzzy, Lightheaded | |
| Order | Balanced | Strong, Grounded | Disoriented | Wobbly, Scattered | |
| Structure | Anchored | Solid, Rooted | Overwhelmed | Heavy, Constricted | |
| Affection | Love | Warm | Glowing, Tingling | Lonely | Cold, Hollow |
| Caring | Affectionate | Open, Radiant | Disconnected | Numb, Heavy | |
| Compassion | Tender | Warm, Soft | Withdrawn | Hollow, Empty | |
| Intimacy | Close | Fuzzy, Light | Heartbroken | Heavy, Sharp | |
| Connection | Fulfilled | Expansive, Strong | Hurt | Tight, Achy | |
| Touch | Reassured | Warm, Tingling | Isolated | Numb, Closed | |
| Respect | Valued | Grounded, Strong | Disrespected | Constricted, Prickly | |
| Honoring | Appreciated | Light, Glowing | Ignored | Flat, Hollow | |
| Understanding | Clarity | Clear | Light, Bright | Confused | Foggy, Jumbled |
| Awareness | Curious | Open, Expansive | Baffled | Tight, Closed | |
| Knowledge | Informed | Grounded, Focused | Distracted | Dizzy, Unstable | |
| Learning | Engaged | Alert, Buoyant | Hesitant | Slow, Heavy | |
| Presence | Attentive | Centered, Smooth | Lost | Scattered, Wobbly | |
| Communication | Connected | Radiating, Light | Misunderstood | Disconnected, Stiff | |
| Participation | Belonging | Included | Warm, Grounded | Alienated | Empty, Hollow |
| Inclusion | Valued | Light, Expansive | Ignored | Small, Shrinking | |
| Mutuality | Supported | Firm, Balanced | Excluded | Tight, Constricted | |
| Community | Welcomed | Relaxed, Radiant | Overlooked | Heavy, Flat | |
| Partnership | Collaborative | Flowing, Energized | Withdrawn | Cold, Tight | |
| Relationship | Engaged | Tingling, Buoyant | Distant | Stiff, Numb | |
| Idleness | Relaxation | Calm | Soft, Warm | Overwhelmed | Tense, Pressured |
| Play | Playful | Bouncy, Light | Stressed | Tight, Pressured | |
| Fun | Joyful | Buoyant, Expansive | Irritated | Constricted, Prickly | |
| Beauty | Inspired | Radiating, Smooth | Disconnected | Dull, Heavy | |
| Wonder | Awed | Light, Expansive | Indifferent | Flat, Numb | |
| Ease | Tranquil | Flowing, Open | Tense | Constricted, Jumpy | |
| Rejuvenation | Revived | Cool, Refreshed | Fatigued | Heavy, Drained | |
| Creation | Freedom | Empowered | Radiant, Open | Restricted | Bound, Constrained |
| Autonomy | Liberated | Expansive, Buoyant | Stifled | Closed, Heavy | |
| Authenticity | Honest | Grounded, Smooth | Constrained | Uneasy, Tight | |
| Creativity | Inspired | Flowing, Tingling | Suppressed | Stiff, Blocked | |
| Dignity | Respected | Steady, Strong | Undervalued | Small, Pressured | |
| Congruence | Aligned | Grounded, Balanced | Inauthentic | Uneven, Scattered | |
| Identity | Self-Esteem | Proud | Strong, Expansive | Ashamed | Hollow, Heavy |
| Recognition | Acknowledged | Warm, Buoyant | Embarrassed | Hot, Tight | |
| Integrity | Congruent | Balanced, Smooth | Guilty | Heavy, Uneven | |
| Authenticity | Aligned | Grounded, Clear | Self-Conscious | Cold, Fragile | |
| Respect | Appreciated | Radiating, Open | Judged | Tight, Stiff | |
| Valuing | Validated | Light, Expansive | Undervalued | Dull, Heavy | |
| Freedom | Autonomy | Independent | Radiating, Open | Restricted | Constricted, Blocked |
| Independence | Decisive | Strong, Grounded | Powerless | Weak, Heavy | |
| Choice | Liberated | Flowing, Balanced | Obligated | Tight, Heavy | |
| Liberation | Free | Expansive, Open | Bound | Trapped, Heavy | |
| Self-Determination | Empowered | Light, Tingling | Paralyzed | Frozen, Stiff |