Energy Of Colours

Mind & Spirit: NST Life & Times: 18/01/2011

http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Mind_Spirit_Energyofcolours/Article

BY CHIM LI YEN

DO you feel different when you wear clothes of different colours? Some people feel more energised and alert when wearing bright colours as compared to black or earth tones. Understanding colour is to understand the essence of energy.

We live in an ocean of energy comprised of vibrations of different frequencies and varying degrees of intensity. Light and colour are vibrations in this spectrum of energy. Cool colours such as green, blue and purple vibrate quickly on the electromagnetic scale while warm colours such as red, orange and yellow vibrate at a slower rate.

In 1666, Sir Isaac Newton produced a spectrum using a prism breaking down sunlight into its seven component colours of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.

The entire human body is constantly vibrating in fields of energy, some subtle and some manifest. We are constantly involved in movement and motion. Our body’s energy fields are affected by the constantly changing environment, the energy fields of other people, the energies of the food we eat and of course, the energies of colours.

We acknowledge the power of colour in our lives unconsciously by using it in expressions like “I am feeling blue today”, “She went green with envy when her colleague was promoted yesterday” and “Amy looks at life through rose-coloured glasses”.

Colour was considered one of the most vital symbols in the world throughout history and the profound meaning of each colour was an integral part of many ancient civilisations. Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese, Tibetans, Native Americans and medieval Europeans harnessed the power of colour.

According to the Hermetic tradition, ancient Egyptians and Greeks used colour for therapeutic benefits. They used coloured minerals, stones, crystals and dyes as remedies. Avicenna stated in his Canon of Medicine the importance of colour in both diagnosis and treatment.

He noted that colour was an observable symptom of disease and developed a chart relating colour to temperament and the physical condition of the body. He included colour in his treatment by prescribing potions of red flowers to cure blood disorders and morning sunlight to cure jaundice.

It is interesting to observe the different phases in history reflected in the colours worn generally at those times. The code of dress was dominated by black and grey during difficult times. The Victorians mainly wore black due to influence by the Queen’s long mourning period.

Every colour has its positive and negative aspects. Black gives the space we need for reflection and introspection. It also indicates inner strength and possibility for transformation.

It was noted that a lot of red was being worn before the last war. On a positive note, red is the colour for courage, action and pioneering spirit, which are qualities needed by those on the battlefield. In its negative aspect, red is also the colour of anger, violence and brutality. Pale blue became a popular colour as the war came to an end — bringing about healing to everyone and an omen of peace.

Now we use colour constructively in many different areas. Paint companies have introduced new colour cards with the therapeutic colours in mind. Business owners use colours to influence their client’s behaviour and buying patterns.

Marketing and advertising industries have recognised the impact colour can have on people and use them cleverly to persuade consumers to purchase a certain product.

The correct choice of colour in hospitals has a significant effect on a patient’s recovery time. Blue creates a sense of cleanliness and calms down patients in the emergency wards. Natural daylight is necessary for healing as it contains all the colours of the spectrum. It can be absorbed through our eyes and skin. The lush greens of nature also speeds up recovery as it bring us back to a state of balance.

Colours in our environment affect us tremendously. They act as conscious triggers that influence how we think, feel and react to the world around us.

Some colour combinations create a clash of sense while others create an atmosphere of harmony. Using the right choice of colours can create a sanctuary for relaxation or a productive workplace that stimulates the mind and boosts energy levels.

We need to expand our awareness of colour so that we can truly benefit from this wonderful gift we all are blessed with. Next week, we will discuss the properties of the various colours and how we can use them in our lives.

The writer is co-founder of The Violet Flame Holistic Shop and Therapy Centre, Bangsar. Check out the website at www.thevioletflame.com.my for details.