The Spheres of The EleSense: How We Strategize to Meet Our Needs

Humans are extraordinarily complex beings, full of contradictions, creativity, and choice. We think and act in ways that often defy prediction, and that is what makes us fascinating. In earlier chapters of The EleSense, we explored the “why” behind Soft Needs, uncovering the elemental forces that motivate our emotions and behaviors. Now, we turn our attention to how those needs are fulfilled through strategies, priorities, and patterns that shape the way we move through the world.

At its core, The EleSense seeks to deepen our understanding of human behavior by blending nature, psychology, and motivation. When we look at Spheres in The EleSense, we are examining the strategies individuals use to meet their needs, what we call Priorities.

A “need” is more than a desire or preference; it is a psychological feature that gives purpose and direction to our actions. Yet, how we meet our needs varies widely depending on experience, environment, and relationships. Think of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs not as a ladder, but as a flexible ecosystem. Human motivation is dynamic, shifting constantly in response to change.

In The EleSense, Spheres represent these evolving strategies. They show how comfortable we are communicating or acting on our needs, and how our priorities take shape under pressure.

Why “Spheres”?

The word Sphere was chosen for both its symbolism and its science.

A sphere is three-dimensional, reflecting the depth and nuance of human motivation. There is a profound difference between existing on the surface, where movement is easy and adaptable, and being at the core, where pressure builds and transformation happens.

It also echoes the phrase “sphere of influence.” Each of us exerts energy toward what we value most, investing attention, time, and emotion into certain areas of life. That focus, our gravitational pull, defines how we interact with others.

And finally, like the sun, moon, and planets, Spheres are naturally shaped by the pull of gravity. In The EleSense, priorities act like gravity, drawing us toward the center of what matters most.

The Three Spheres: Center, Inter, and Outer

To make the Spheres more tangible, imagine the Earth itself. Though geologically complex, it can be understood in three key layers: the Core, the Mantle, and the Crust.

The Center Sphere (The Core)

The Center Sphere sits at the heart of The EleSense, quiet, powerful, and deeply relational. Like the Earth’s core, it provides warmth and structure. Its Emblems include Lake, Forest, Campfire, and Breeze, representing connection, care, and emotional nourishment.

The Inter Sphere (The Mantle)

The Inter Sphere mirrors the mantle, alive with movement and change. Its Emblems (Jet Stream, Comet, Mountain, and River) embody growth, evolution, and the pursuit of understanding.

The Outer Sphere (The Crust)

The Outer Sphere forms the structured layer that protects and projects. Its Emblems (Diamond, Ocean, Atmosphere, and Sun) symbolize strength, action, and the capacity to sustain pressure.

Together, the three Spheres describe how we adapt, connect, and express our needs, ranging from the intimate to the expansive.

How We Evaluate Spheres

To better understand each Sphere’s strategies, The EleSense uses four evaluative methods, each revealing a different dimension of motivation.

1. The Perception–Preference Method

This qualitative approach explores how each Sphere prefers to contribute to others’ success. To visualize it, imagine a tree:

• Heartwood (Center Sphere): Provides structure and nourishment, prioritizing emotional well-being and connection.

• Growth Rings (Inter Sphere): Represent development and progress, emphasizing intellectual expansion and critical thought.

• Bark (Outer Sphere): Acts as the protector, setting boundaries and ensuring stability through resilience.

2. The Resolute–Boundary Scale

This measures how likely someone is to maintain their boundaries under pressure.

• Outer Spheres score highest; they set and hold boundaries with conviction.

• Inter Spheres follow closely, balancing conviction with flexibility.

• Center Spheres score lowest, often prioritizing harmony over firmness.

3. The Social–Compromise Scale

This scale reveals how willing someone is to adapt their preferences for others.

• Center Spheres score highest, seeing compromise as a pathway to connection.

• Inter Spheres balance compromise with self-development.

• Outer Spheres score lowest, valuing clarity and consistency over adjustment.

4. The Independence Scale

This assesses preference for self-reliance versus group reliance.

• Inter Spheres value independence and autonomy most strongly.

• Outer Spheres appreciate self-sufficiency but enjoy shared achievement.

• Center Spheres thrive in interdependence and collaborative fulfillment.

It is important to note that higher or lower scores are not “better.” These scales describe tendencies, not value judgments. Each reflects a unique strategy for meeting needs under stress or change.

Closing Reflection

The Spheres of The EleSense offer a framework for understanding not only how we meet our needs but how we navigate the tension between self and others. Like planets orbiting in harmony, our priorities, pressures, and patterns shape the gravitational field of our lives.

The more we understand our Sphere and the strategies it holds, the more gracefully we can move through challenge, connection, and change.