What Color are you Today?
Color has power – the power to affect us emotionally, mentally, energetically, and in our physical health. When I was working on my Master’s in Counseling, we learned what colors a counseling office should and should not include, and why hospitals are usually certain colors.
Color is a living part of our being, because the colors in our aura shift from minute to minute, as we go through our day. (Obviously, some of the colors of our aura remain more constant, due to our personality, spiritual practices, and other factors.)
Our choice of car color, the color of our clothes, and what colors we use to decorate our homes and offices can have a major effect on our physical, emotional, and energetic health, though it may not be recognized on a conscious level.
However, it seems that American society has lost sight of the importance of color, what colors mean, and how we can express ourselves through color.
It was back in 2000 when Mel Gibson declared in the movie What Women Want that “gray is the new black.” Since then, it seems that society and the media are obsessed with gray and silver. Almost every ad for new cars feature gray or silver vehicles, and gray clothing seems to be the norm for men, women, and children, even though the color may not be flattering to them. (Whatever happened to color analysis for clothing and women’s makeup?). A former neighbor of mine literally would: get out of his gray car, wearing gray clothes; and go into his condo, which was decorated mainly in gray!
What effect do gray and silver have on us psychologically and energetically?
Gray can be associated with the practical, timeless things in life. However, gray is also associated with: depression, old age, death, taxes, or a lost sense of direction. Professional career counselors say that wearing gray to a job interview subconsciously communicates that you are a “team player,” who is not looking to stand out or “rock the boat.” The color also implies submission to another. While silver can also mean “spiritual energy” or “spiritual knowledge,” but also implies “high-tech” and a disconnection with the earth and nature, emphasizing an urban environment.
It seems that black, white, silver and gray are the most popular colors for everything (with many other shades being related to them). This implies a lack of color, and a lack of expression. Also, over-emphasis on any one color (silver is an off-shoot of gray) can be detrimental, taking us off-balance psychologically and energetically. And, over-emphasis on gray can be just plain depressing!
Our environment should have a variety of colors, including some bright, uplifting ones. Different colors affect us in various ways. (The other point to consider with all this is how easily so many people jump on the bandwagon to be like everyone else!)
Here are the meanings and effects of the major colors, according to color expert Kate Smith (http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/Color_Expert):
Blue is a popular choice for many as their "favorite color." Blue has connotations which include being trustworthy, dependable and committed. The color of sky and the ocean, blue is often in our lives and environment.
Blue can invoke rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming; however not all blues are serene and sedate. Some shades or the overuse of blue may come across as cold or uncaring.
How the color blue effects us physically and mentally:
* Calming and sedate
* Cooling
* Is the color that represents communication and teaching
Green is second only to blue as a favorite color. Green is the pervasive color in the natural world that is an ideal backdrop in interior design because we are so used to seeing it everywhere.
The natural greens, from forest to lime, are seen as tranquil and refreshing, with a natural balance of cool and warm (blue and yellow) undertones. Green is considered the color of peace and ecology.
How the color green effects us physically and mentally:
* Nurturing
* Helps alleviate depression, nervousness and anxiety
* Offers a sense of renewal, self-control and harmony with the environment and earth
Yellow shines with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness. Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a positive future. Yellow instills optimism and energy, as well as spark creative thoughts.
How the color yellow effects us mentally and physically:
* Mentally stimulating
* Stimulates the nervous system
* Activates memory
Fun and flamboyant orange radiates warmth and energy. Some of the tones of orange such as terra cotta, peach or rust have very broad appeal.
How the color orange effects us mentally and physically:
* Stimulates activity
* Stimulates appetite
* Encourages socialization
Red has more personal associations than any other color. Recognized as a stimulant, red is inherently exciting. The amount of red is directly related to the level of energy perceived. Red draws attention, and a keen use of red as an accent can immediately focus attention on a particular element.
How the color red effects us mentally and physically:
* Increases enthusiasm
* Stimulates energy
* Encourages action and confidence
* A sense of protection from fears and anxiety
Purple embodies the balance of red’s stimulation and blue calm. A sense of mystic and royal qualities, purple is a color often well liked by very creative people.
How the color purple effects us mentally and physically:
* Uplifting
* Calming to mind and nerves
* Connotes a sense of spirituality
* Encourages creativity
Brown says stability, reliability, and approachability. It is the color of our earth and is associated with all things natural or organic.
How the color brown effects us physically and mentally:
* Feeling of wholesomeness
* Stability
* Connection with the earth
* Offers a sense orderliness
White projects purity, cleanliness, and neutrality. Doctors don white coats, brides traditionally were white gowns, and a white picket fence surrounds a safe and happy home.
How the color white effects us mentally and physically:
* aids mental clarity
* encourages us to clear clutter or obstacles
* evokes purification of thoughts or actions
* enables fresh beginnings
Black is authoritative and powerful. Because black can evoke strong emotions, too much can be overwhelming. A classic color for clothing possibly because it makes the wearer appear thinner and more sophisticated.
How the color black effects us physically and mentally
* feeling inconspicuous
* a restful emptiness
* mysterious evoking a sense of potential and possibility.
The colors we surround ourselves with in our homes, workplaces, cars, and the color of the clothes we wear directly affects us and those around us. This happens on many levels: psychologically, emotionally, energetically, and even directly by biochemical responses.
Listen to your inner being as you choose your clothes each day: what color(s) do you really want to wear? Express what you want to express each day, and choose colors that will be healing and beneficial to your well-being.
Contact me for intuitive coaching and Reiki treatments, which can change your mood and the colors in your aura!
posted by Gary Chatham @ 12:40 PM
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