Applying Colors in Our Daily Lives
There are two steps to working with colors to improve our daily lives. The first step, understanding the individual properties of colors, was addressed in our last article. The second step is learning and applying certain techniques enabling us to project and absorb colors. So, how do we do this? In working with colors, we can do so physically, using color swatches or crystals and gemstones, or we can do so mentally, using visualization and breathing.
The physical application is easy. You can acquire swatches of tactile-rich fabric in a myriad of colors to enhance your color therapy. Think about using plush purple velvet, crisp green damask, shiny red satin and ethereal white silk when engaging in color therapy. Simply lay the fabric swatch on the area of the body that it coordinates with, such as green damask over the heart or red satin over the lower pelvic region. Likewise, you can use crystals such as purple amethyst, red calcite, black obsidian and green aventurine.
Each stone has its own healing properties, in addition to the healing properties of the color associated with it. Amethyst, for example, is associated with overall protection and physical, emotional and mental balance. Red calcite calms physical energy and helps ground you. Black obsidian is good for protection and creativity, while green aventurine promotes creativity and stimulates motivation, in addition to being calming.
Using Visualization Techniques
But how do you use the more ethereal technique of visualization? Some of us do not “see” things readily in our mind’s eye, but no need to despair. Imagining the color is just as good as seeing it, and with practice, you will become more proficient at visualizing the color. For those with yoga and other breath-centered practices, try breathing a color.
Sit comfortably, spine erect, feet firmly on the floor. Now place the tip of your tongue at the roof of your mouth just behind your front teeth. Inhale slowly through the nose for a count of three making sure to expand your diaphragm. Now hold your breath for a count of three. Then slowly exhale through your mouth, again for a count of three. Do this a few times to set a rhythm. When you have established a rhythm, on the next inhale see and feel the air you are inhaling as a specific color. (Again, for the visualization challenged, as am I at times, imagine the color you want to see even if you don’t actually see it in your mind’s eye.)
As you inhale (and you can do it for a longer count than three) see and feel the color you have chosen flooding your entire body, from the tip of the crown chakra all the way through the body, diverting it into the extremities, all the way to the tips of your toes. Hold and then slowly exhale. On the next inhale, see and feel the color growing stronger within you. Associating the color with the condition you are seeking to relieve, imagine the color balancing and healing the condition you wish to correct. Continue this exercise for five or ten minutes, focusing on one color and one condition. Then, slowly return to consciousness.
When practicing the breathing color exercise, think about red to energize and warm you. Focus on the color orange if you are experiencing some muscular condition or to awaken creativity. If studying for a test or trying to learn something new, breathe in yellow. Breathe in green to promote peace when you are feeling anxious or nervous. If you or your child is having difficulty breathing from the effects of asthma or a cold, breathe in the color blue to calm and soothe you and your child. If you are feeling the need to detoxify or if you are struggling with an obsession, breathe in a combination of purple and white.
Colors can be a remarkable and simple way to enhance your daily life. Next time you aren’t feeling quite right, sit with yourself and focus on a color. Better yet, sit in the warm golden sun light to get a double benefit!
Suggested Reading:
Andrews, Ted. The Healer’s Manual: A Beginner’s Guide to Energy Healing for Yourself and Others, Llewelln Publications 1993 and 2006.
Chromotherapy: What is Color Therapy? About.com Holistic Healing.
Permutt, Philip. The Crystal Healers, Cisco Books 2007.