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Color Wisdom :: Emotional and visceral meanings of
color
Color is simply energy—energy made visible. It's an energy which we, as
human beings, can actually see and respond to.
In the late 1950s, color researcher Robert Gerard noted that in human beings,
both psychological and physical activity appear to increase as the wavelength
of light increases. In other words, reds, oranges and yellows are naturally
more stimulating to us than greens, blues and purples.
Further tests show that blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rates tend to
increase most under yellow light, moderately under orange, and less under
red. They decrease most under black, moderately under blue, and minimally
under green.
Traditional
color wisdom—reaching as far back as ancient Egyptian
times—offers similar conclusions, based on a different approach. In
classical Indian philosophy, the seven colors of the rainbow are associated with
the seven chakras (or energy centers) of the body. Each chakra is related to
a specific body function and has specific effects.
Pure Colors :: bright or high chroma.
Muted Colors :: lower intensity than Pure colors due to the addition of gray.
Shaded Colors :: even lower color intensity than Muted Colors due to the addition of
black.
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Pure
Red is a statement color and highly individual—dramatic, vibrant and
stimulating. By contrast, the Muted and Shaded tones of red are soft, cozy,
personal and intimate, with just a hint of passion and romance.
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RED
Associated
with:
VITALITY, ENERGY, COURAGE
Physical
effects:
Stimulates brain activity, increases heart rate, respiration and blood
pressure, gives energy and self-confidence.
Governed
by:
The Muladhara or Root Chakra
Connection to all of life, foundation of emotional/mental health.
Sacred
truth:
“All is one.”
PINK
Associated
with:
LOVE, FEMININITY, GRATITUDE,
JOY
Physical
effects:
Tranquilizing and calming
effect within minutes of exposure.
Suppresses hostile, aggressive, and anxious behavior.
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Combining
the drama of red with the cheerfulness of yellow, Pure Orange is luminous,
bright, glowing and bold. The Muted and Shaded tones offer a bright but subtle
glow that’s restful, earthy, natural and soothing.
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ORANGE
Associated
with:
HAPPINESS, INDEPENDENCE,
CONFIDENCE
Physical
effects:
Energizes, stimulates the appetite and digestive system,
removes inhibitions, and fosters sociability.
Governed by:
The Swadisthana or Sacral
Chakra
Center of personal power,
creativity, finances, relationships.
Sacred
truth:
“Honor one another.”
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Closest to sunlight, Pure Yellow conveys hospitality and promotes deep
feelings of well-being. The Muted hues make quiet backgrounds for busy
lives, while the Shaded Yellows have a soft, glowing presence that speaks
of home, harvest
and abundance.
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YELLOW
Associated
with:
AWARENESS, WISDOM, CLARITY
Physical
effects:
Energizes, relieves depression, improves memory, increases
awareness, perception and understanding. Stimulates the appetite.
Governed
by:
The Manipura or Solar Plexus Chakra
Self esteem and personality, code of honor, relationship with self.
Sacred
truth:
“Honor oneself.”
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The most neutral color in the spectrum, Pure Green is strongly associated
with nature. Muted Greens are calm, restful and soothing, while the Shaded
variants project trust and order, encouraging contemplation, serenity and
repose.
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GREEN
Associated
with:
BALANCE, LOVE, PEACE
Physical
effects:
Soothing, relaxing mentally as well as physically, helps alleviate
depression, nervousness and anxiety, offers a sense of renewal,
self-control and harmony.
Governed
by:
The Anahata or Heart Chakra
Emotional energy of love, mediation between body and spirit.
Sacred
truth:
“Love is divine
power.”
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Evoking
the emotions of sky and sea, Pure Blue is calming, expansive and cool.
Appearing to recede, it raises ceilings and pushes back walls. The Muted
hues recall summer skies, azure mountain lakes and blue-green ocean depths,
while the dignified Shaded Blues exude comfort and ease.
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BLUE
Associated
with:
KNOWLEDGE, RELAXATION, HEALTH
Physical
effects:
Calming, lowers blood pressure and decreases respiration.
Ideal for sleep and over-active children. Enhances communication
and decision-making.
Governed
by:
The Vishuddhi or Throat Chakra
Guidance, faith in the divine.
Sacred
truth:
“Surrender personal will
to divine will.”
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Pure
Purple has the clarity of blue and the warmth of red. The deep colors
convey grandeur and luxury, while the lighter shades are elusive and
intriguing. Muted Purples are airy and peaceful, and the Shaded Purples are
soft, shadowy and undeniably romantic.
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INDIGO
Associated
with:
INTUITION, IMAGINATION, UNDERSTANDING
Physical
effects:
Strengthens intuition and imagination, increases dream activity.
Helps connect us to our unconscious mind.
Governed
by:
The Agya or Third Eye Chakra
Intuition, intellect, reasoning, mental abilities, psychological skill.
Sacred
truth:
“Seek only the
truth.”
VIOLET
Associated
with:
CREATIVITY, WISDOM, INSPIRATION
Physical
effects:
Suppresses appetite, provides a peaceful environment, relieves
tension, and is good for migraines. Promotes inner strength, wisdom,
kindness, artistic talent and creativity.
Governed
by:
The Sahasrara or Crown Chakra
Connection to our spiritual nature, integrating spirituality.
Sacred truth:
“Live in the present
moment.”
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Red-Toned Neutrals range from a
whisper of beige to deep, russet browns,
and are comfortable and traditional.
Yellow-Toned Neutrals extend from subtle creams to
deep golden browns,
and are fresh and quietly uplifting
Blue-Toned Neutrals offer a feeling of quiet,
understated elegance.
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Source: “The Secret Language of Color” by
Behr & “Chakra Model” by Caroline Myss. Muse :: inspired design ::
www.designbymuse.com
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