The Power of Color

Written By Brooke Mascari

Mascari, Brooke. August 19th, 2024.

There is no question that, as a human, you are a sensual being. You rely on your senses to help you both survive and thrive in life!

Ayurveda, the ancient mind-body holistic healing system developed in India, teaches that the body and mind constantly exchange energy and information with the environment. As a result, the five senses are considered gateways (Sanskrit for nadis, aka subtle energy channels) that can help balance, nourish, and heal you.


Given the importance of our senses, it’s valuable to become conscious of the sensory impressions you are exposed to daily, favoring impulses that promote harmony rather than discord.

An easy way to begin cultivating well-being through the senses is by starting with the sense of sight and the power of color.


COLOR PREFERENCES


As a child, one of the big questions was always, “What is your favorite color?” This question determined a small part of your identity, which crayon you would use the most, what shirts you liked, or what hair ties you wore. Something as simple as opening a fresh box of crayons and gazing upon the explosion of color evoked some emotion—usually pleasure and excitement! Color was an important part of the canvas of your early life. And if you think about it, it still is!


As you’ve grown older, your color preferences may have shifted to reflect more practical uses or maybe they became an important part of how you express yourself. Either way, color has remained in the background of your consciousness, offering subtle influences.

Take a moment to notice the colors that surround you. What feelings, if any, begin to arise? Do you notice a lack of color? Is there a dominant color? This is the first step toward bringing awareness to this area of your life and its effect on you through the gateway of sight. 


THE ENERGY OF COLOR


You can get technical and ponder the wavelengths and frequencies of the visible light spectrum (color). Each color produces a specific energy output that influences its surroundings differently. Recent research provides more insight into the effects of color, such as one study [1] that showed that red (compared to gray and blue) improved motor function.

Similarly, plants are also affected by the energy of various colors. For example, researchers found that red and white mulch (compared to black and blue) improved the yield of cucumbers. [2]



Just as plants have an innate response, so do you! You don’t grow in the same way, of course, but you respond physically, mentally, and emotionally even if you don’t notice it much. Remember, you are in constant dynamic exchange with your environment, and color is no exception.


MEANINGS OF COLORS


Have you ever noticed how people who wear the brightest colors are often colorful themselves in demeanor and personality? This is often a direct inner reflection of who they are; the colors they gravitate towards seem to reflect their personality.

Just being near a vibrant person like this and taking in the bright colors can often help boost your mood.


Sometimes, however, bright colors can trigger contrary emotions. Each individual is unique, and you have your own needs and predispositions to honor. Start to take notice of the effect colors have on you, and which colors attract or repel you.


Exploring the world of color means you will soon discover there are associated characteristics. You might be aware of them already—most of this is instinctual.

As you read through this list, take note of any colors you have been drawn to in recent times:

  • Red: Energy, courage, vitality, self-confidence 

  • Orange: Joy, wisdom, resourcefulness 

  • Yellow: Intellect, cheerfulness, clarity, innovation 

  • Green: Balance, harmony, nature, compassion 

  • Blue: Knowledge, health, decisiveness, calm, loyalty 

  • Purple: Serenity, faith, royalty, peace 

  • White: Purity, innocence, optimism, illumination 

  • Black: Silence, elegance, power, authority


You may have your interpretation that is not on this list. Always use what works best for you. A fun exercise is to notice the colors in your daily life and note the impressions they give you. It may change day-to-day because you are a changing and complex being.


LIVE A LIFE OF COLOR


If there is something in your life that you want more of, try incorporating the associated color into your life. For example, if you may want more creativity, orange is the color you would want to work with in whatever way suits you. It can be as small as using an orange cup for coffee, or as large as painting your entire room.

If you are unsure of the color you need, pick the first one that attracts you without thinking about it too much. Sometimes just having the intention of what you want it to mean will do the work for you.



You can use the wisdom of Ayurveda and the concept of doshas to help provide some guidance as well. Here are ways to integrate color to begin enhancing your life and well-being:


Food: Filling your plate with the colors of the rainbow promotes your health and well-being. Different colors have different phytonutrients; all of which bring nutrient-rich biodiversity to your gut microbiome and cells! Both add vitality, health, and balance to your entire being.

Clothing: Choose a color for the day for extra support—such as red for energy or blue for calm.

Outdoors: Take a walk in nature and notice all the colors from the vast sky down to the tiniest bud.

Home: Ask yourself what vibes you want to create in each room and decorate using colors that create those vibes!


These are just a few ideas to help you begin tapping into the healing power of your sense of sight. Channel your inner child and be in awe once again of the colorful world you live in.

There are so many ways to add a little extra love, healing, balance, and fun to our everyday lives.

Love and Blessings,

Havah Holistic Health


Brooke Mascari
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