Climbing Maslow’s Pyramid: How Holistic Practices Like Art Therapy and Meditation Can Help You Thrive
I believe it’s fair to say that we would all like to live our best possible lives, right? But sometimes, life throws curveballs that leave us feeling stuck, stressed, or unsure of our future or the next steps. Enter Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs—a super helpful framework for understanding why we feel that way and how we can move forward. Abraham Maslow developed the Hierarchy of Needs to present a clearer image of human motivation. This pyramid presents human needs in a hierarchal format, starting with the basic needs at the pyramid’s foundation and moving upward to what he labels “self–actualization.” The idea is that humans are continuously working to meet, at the base, their physiological needs (ie. Food, water, and safety), then move on to fulfilling their need for safety, belonging, esteem, and finally, “being” or “self-actualization.”
Self-actualization, as defined by Maslow, is to-be; to exist as an ever-evolving individual within society in a way that is not governed by external needs, pressures, or perceptions (Poston, 2009)
So, how do we reach that coveted state of self-actualization? This is where holistic practices like meditation and creative art therapy come into play. These aren’t just trendy buzzwords—they’re powerful tools that help you navigate life’s challenges, learn from the past, and move forward with confidence and resilience.
Nourishing Your Roots: Building a Foundation with Meditation At the base of Maslow’s pyramid, we deal with our most basic needs. If you’re stressed about paying bills, where you’re getting your next meal, or feeling unsafe, it’s hard to focus on anything else. That’s where meditation comes in. Meditation helps calm your mind and body, creating a sense of peace and grounding. This calm state allows you to better assess stressful situations and develop clearer solutions.It’s important to remember that meditation isn’t a magic fix. Sitting quietly for five minutes won’t instantly solve everything. Think of meditation like the classic ‘turn it off and on again’ trick for life. Just like rebooting your phone when it’s acting up, meditation gives your mind a quick reset. It won’t magically solve everything, but it’ll help you clear the clutter so you can tackle life’s little glitches—whether it’s a stressful workday or figuring out the next move in a tricky relationship.
The Power of Connection: Finding Belonging through Art and Creativity
Once you’ve handled the basics—food, shelter, maybe figuring out what’s for dinner—you naturally start craving connection and belonging. Enter creative arts. Whether it’s doodling, painting, or just scribbling in a journal, these little acts of creativity are like sending yourself a love note. It’s less about creating a masterpiece and more about letting your emotions spill onto the page (or canvas, or clay). Art therapy helps us tap into emotions for which we might not have the words. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush or molding clay, creating allows you to process emotions, heal, and even build stronger relationships.
In my holistic art therapy classes, I’ve witnessed some truly magical moments—tears of relief, sudden ‘aha’ breakthroughs, and people rediscovering joy they didn’t even know they’d lost. For them, It’s never about the end product; it’s about the journey and giving themselves the space to express and connect. And here’s the thing—those magical moments of self-expression don’t happen in isolation. I have seen the way people find solace and comfort in each other, as if their
shared vulnerability weaves an invisible thread of connection. There is something about creating alongside others in a space that feels safe and open and a space that breaks down barriers. You realize you’re not alone in your struggles or your triumphs—there’s a community around you, feeling, creating, and healing right along with you. Art, mindful living, and self-expression open the door to belonging in the truest sense. It’s not just about what’s on the canvas or the page; it’s about the shared experience of being human—messy, emotional, and real. In those moments, participants find a kind of unspoken understanding, a bond that forms simply from the act of creating together. It’s where mindfulness meets community, where expression turns into connection, and where belonging is born.Building Confidence: From Self-Esteem to Self-Actualization
As you move up the pyramid, the next level is all about self-esteem—feeling confident and knowing you’ve got what it takes. This is where mindfulness and creative
expression overlap beautifully. Mindfulness helps you slow down and really notice the little things in life—the ones you might’ve overlooked before. It brings a sense of gratitude and reflection that boosts your appreciation for the everyday, and in turn, helps build your self-esteem. Then there’s creativity, which is like a gentle nudge outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s painting, journaling, or sculpting, art pushes you to explore new parts of yourself, even the unconscious ones, and gives you a fresh perspective. The more you create, the more you understand about yourself, the more you realize just how capable you are. And that little boost of confidence? It grows. Bit by bit, as you get more in tune with yourself, you naturally start feeling more confident in your everyday life. It’s a win-win for both your mind and soul!Reaching Self-Actualization: Your Holistic Journey
And finally, we reach self-actualization—that beautiful place where you’re fully aligned with who you are and what you’re capable of. It’s a powerful and transformative state of being.
However, it’s crucial to remember that self-actualization is a lifelong journey. One that may consist of trials and tribulations, big learning moments, continuous conscious reflection and applied effort, but practices like meditation, mindfulness, and creative art therapy help us get there, one easy step at a time. When you’re working on yourself from a holistic perspective—seeing yourself as a whole being rather than separate parts—you start living with more purpose and clarity. You’re no longer just getting by, but truly flourishing. You become more resilient in the face of challenges, better equipped to manage stress, and open to new possibilities for growth.
Why It Matters?
Holistic practices like meditation and art therapy aren’t just for the spiritually inclined or the artistically gifted—they’re for everyone. These simple yet powerful techniques help you balance the different aspects of your life and climb Maslow’s pyramid in a way that feels natural and sustainable. While Maslow’s pyramid may be seen as a clear, step-by-step path to self-actualization, life has a way of reminding us that the journey isn’t linear. One moment, you might feel like you’re thriving, close to the top, and the next, a sudden loss—a job, a relationship, or even a sense of security—can pull you back down to focus on your most basic needs. But here’s the truth: self-actualization isn’t a destination; it’s a constant force guiding you. It’s the inner spark that pushes you to reflect, adapt, and grow, no matter where you find yourself on the pyramid. The beauty of this process is that every setback, every challenge, isn’t a failure—it’s part of the ebb and flow of life. And through
it all, self-actualization is what motivates you to keep moving forward, to rise again, and to create a life that reflects who you truly are.
So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, unsure, or just need a creative outlet, remember that you’ve got the tools within you to not only grow, but thrive.Reference: Poston, B. (2009). 308: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
https://www.ast.org/pdf/308.pdf. https://www.ast.org/pdf/308.pdf
