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| Birdhouse with Black Capped Chickadee © 2011 ~ acrylic by Carol E Fairbanks |
" Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul - and sings the tunes without the words - and never stops at all."
~ Emily Dickinson
"Wisdom Out of the Blue"
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| "Stellar Jay at Clear Lake" © 2013 ~ photo by Carol E Fairbanks |
Who could not notice the vibrant blue on a stellar jay or a blue bird? Color inspires very definite psychological effects and has been shown scientifically to affect both our physical health, as well as our emotional mood. The color blue is associated with peace and tranquility and is demonstrated to have just that same effect on people, as it calms the nervous system and promotes both physical and mental relaxation. In fact, blue has shown to even aid our digestion and metabolism. And further studies have shown that people are more productive when performing tasks in a blue room.
It seems that blue also affects some animals, as well as humans. Mosquitos are attracted to the color blue twice as much as to any other color. And the owl, an ancient symbol of wisdom, is the only bird that can see the color blue. So why does the color blue affect us so?
While there are many studies that have been done to explore the answer to this question, I believe that there is a logical and simpler explanation for its effect. The color of the water and sky, blue, is a constant in our lives. It's a phenomenon that we not only expect daily, but also we seek it out when we want to vacation and remove stress from our sometimes harried psyches. Just gazing at a placid lake or walking along the ocean shore, with its never ending, rolling waves, makes us feel better. Looking at a blue sky has found to produce endorphin chemicals that are calming to our bodily systems. Even a gazing at a photograph will do the trick! Since the sky and all bodies of water are always there, we have learned to place our assurance in those earthly elements, and with a deep, unshaken trust in those areas of natural blue beauty, we feel greater peace within.
And, as hope grows in our hearts, we experience an inner security and greater confidence in ourselves. We relax, as we learn to rely on the manifestations of blue to guide and support us through those difficult times. Because one can only have lasting hope in the presence of truth, seeking out those experiences which personify that truth are imperative. And where is such truth personified better than in that constant, natural beauty of water and sky? Places, like Crater Lake, give energy and form to our growing sense of hope. Why wouldn't we want to vacation in the midst of the beauty of blue?
The Native Americans, that lived near Crater Lake long ago, believed that this pristine site was sacred and that their gods lived there. In fact, in many cultures, blue has always been perceived as the color of the spirit, devotion and religious study. Research has shown that the color blue enhances contemplation and prayer. In India, paintings of the god, Krishna often depict him as having blue skin. In Iran, blue, blue-green and green are sacred colors, that symbolize paradise. Early Christians chose blue to symbolize God, the Father, and today, the church often uses light blue to symbolize the Virgin Mary. And Mary, often depicted wearing light blue, is the embodiment of love, patience and compassion. Considering that symbology, the benefits of blue seem to come from a wisdom of a higher level of intelligence and indicate a more spiritual perspective.
But blue is not just one expression of color ...it has many variations, all of them affecting us just a little differently. While lighter shades of blue seem to suggest unconditional love and compassion, darker shades of blue, especially indigo, convey a feeling of the night sky and darkness, which are metaphors for going inward to the subconscious to glean insights and understandings. And brilliant blues, rather than being calming, can be quite dynamic and dramatic, expressing exhilaration. And some dark shades, as well as an overuse of blue, can come across as cold and uncaring... maybe even creating a feeling of sadness and melancholia.
It is interesting that the true color of contentment and inspiration is azure. That's the color of the sky when it's at its very best! This also happens to be the color of the vortex of energy that is located in the throat center of the human body. This center, known as the throat chakra, involves the neck, throat, mouth and jaw areas of the body and primarily focuses on communication. This chakra radiates a turquoise blue color, that relates to one-to-one communication, and is especially concerned with using the voice to verbally express one's personal truth. The essence of the 5th chakra in the throat is the principle of connectivity. It likes to create strong, trusting relationships and can enhance our devotion to building and sustaining such bonds. This color blue is idealistic, and it enhances our self expression to communicate our needs and wants. Azure blue inspires us to higher ideals in our life, and my walk at Bandon beach, that glorious day five years ago, certainly did that for me. I had no trouble expressing my overflowing joy that day!
The darker blue of indigo is the color of the third eye chakra, located above the eyebrows in the center of the forehead. It is here that we take command of our lives through the images that we hold in mind. This center is about "seeing" and interpreting what we perceive. As we visualize our dreams, they manifest and become form. That occasional "storm" with its tumultuous waves, that has manifested, can be tamed in the mind. Our thoughts can visualize a calmer version of life. We can see our "troubles" as experiences and grow vigorous and happy, however adverse those experiences may seem.
Within the spectrum of all of the colors, blue is my helper, my rescuer and friend, when I am in need. Through the years, I have built a strong relationship with the color blue, as it nurtures and gives me hope, through both my successes and my challenges. So when I experience a discordant rhythm in my being, I go for a walk on the beach. I hike to a pristine mountain lake and sit for a time, until I feel more hopeful. I languish beside a nurturing waterfall to experience that flow of good within me, while I am rebirthing who I truly am. The gifts of blue seem endless, as they connect the core of my being to the very heartbeat of the universe. The color blue "washes" over me, and it takes away all that is not true.... especially those lies of separation and of not being loved. And then blue, with motherly compassion, enlightens me with the message of its reassuring vibration of oneness and love.
In a world of rainbows, where blue is one of many colors, I know my life requires balance in order to not overdo my experience with blue. Too much might render me rigid and aloof. But, in my heart, I know that my experiences with my wise friend, blue, are actually preparing me for my adventures with those other vibrant colors of the spectrum. It's the true gift of wisdom...out of the blue.
It seems that blue also affects some animals, as well as humans. Mosquitos are attracted to the color blue twice as much as to any other color. And the owl, an ancient symbol of wisdom, is the only bird that can see the color blue. So why does the color blue affect us so?
While there are many studies that have been done to explore the answer to this question, I believe that there is a logical and simpler explanation for its effect. The color of the water and sky, blue, is a constant in our lives. It's a phenomenon that we not only expect daily, but also we seek it out when we want to vacation and remove stress from our sometimes harried psyches. Just gazing at a placid lake or walking along the ocean shore, with its never ending, rolling waves, makes us feel better. Looking at a blue sky has found to produce endorphin chemicals that are calming to our bodily systems. Even a gazing at a photograph will do the trick! Since the sky and all bodies of water are always there, we have learned to place our assurance in those earthly elements, and with a deep, unshaken trust in those areas of natural blue beauty, we feel greater peace within.
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| Crater Lake, OR © 2009 ~ photo by Carol E Fairbanks |
And, as hope grows in our hearts, we experience an inner security and greater confidence in ourselves. We relax, as we learn to rely on the manifestations of blue to guide and support us through those difficult times. Because one can only have lasting hope in the presence of truth, seeking out those experiences which personify that truth are imperative. And where is such truth personified better than in that constant, natural beauty of water and sky? Places, like Crater Lake, give energy and form to our growing sense of hope. Why wouldn't we want to vacation in the midst of the beauty of blue?
The Native Americans, that lived near Crater Lake long ago, believed that this pristine site was sacred and that their gods lived there. In fact, in many cultures, blue has always been perceived as the color of the spirit, devotion and religious study. Research has shown that the color blue enhances contemplation and prayer. In India, paintings of the god, Krishna often depict him as having blue skin. In Iran, blue, blue-green and green are sacred colors, that symbolize paradise. Early Christians chose blue to symbolize God, the Father, and today, the church often uses light blue to symbolize the Virgin Mary. And Mary, often depicted wearing light blue, is the embodiment of love, patience and compassion. Considering that symbology, the benefits of blue seem to come from a wisdom of a higher level of intelligence and indicate a more spiritual perspective.
 |
| The Beach at Bandon © 2009 ~ by Carol E Fairbanks |
But blue is not just one expression of color ...it has many variations, all of them affecting us just a little differently. While lighter shades of blue seem to suggest unconditional love and compassion, darker shades of blue, especially indigo, convey a feeling of the night sky and darkness, which are metaphors for going inward to the subconscious to glean insights and understandings. And brilliant blues, rather than being calming, can be quite dynamic and dramatic, expressing exhilaration. And some dark shades, as well as an overuse of blue, can come across as cold and uncaring... maybe even creating a feeling of sadness and melancholia.
It is interesting that the true color of contentment and inspiration is azure. That's the color of the sky when it's at its very best! This also happens to be the color of the vortex of energy that is located in the throat center of the human body. This center, known as the throat chakra, involves the neck, throat, mouth and jaw areas of the body and primarily focuses on communication. This chakra radiates a turquoise blue color, that relates to one-to-one communication, and is especially concerned with using the voice to verbally express one's personal truth. The essence of the 5th chakra in the throat is the principle of connectivity. It likes to create strong, trusting relationships and can enhance our devotion to building and sustaining such bonds. This color blue is idealistic, and it enhances our self expression to communicate our needs and wants. Azure blue inspires us to higher ideals in our life, and my walk at Bandon beach, that glorious day five years ago, certainly did that for me. I had no trouble expressing my overflowing joy that day!
The darker blue of indigo is the color of the third eye chakra, located above the eyebrows in the center of the forehead. It is here that we take command of our lives through the images that we hold in mind. This center is about "seeing" and interpreting what we perceive. As we visualize our dreams, they manifest and become form. That occasional "storm" with its tumultuous waves, that has manifested, can be tamed in the mind. Our thoughts can visualize a calmer version of life. We can see our "troubles" as experiences and grow vigorous and happy, however adverse those experiences may seem.
 |
| "Wave at Devil's Churn" © 2012 ~ photo by Carol E Fairbanks |
Within the spectrum of all of the colors, blue is my helper, my rescuer and friend, when I am in need. Through the years, I have built a strong relationship with the color blue, as it nurtures and gives me hope, through both my successes and my challenges. So when I experience a discordant rhythm in my being, I go for a walk on the beach. I hike to a pristine mountain lake and sit for a time, until I feel more hopeful. I languish beside a nurturing waterfall to experience that flow of good within me, while I am rebirthing who I truly am. The gifts of blue seem endless, as they connect the core of my being to the very heartbeat of the universe. The color blue "washes" over me, and it takes away all that is not true.... especially those lies of separation and of not being loved. And then blue, with motherly compassion, enlightens me with the message of its reassuring vibration of oneness and love.
In a world of rainbows, where blue is one of many colors, I know my life requires balance in order to not overdo my experience with blue. Too much might render me rigid and aloof. But, in my heart, I know that my experiences with my wise friend, blue, are actually preparing me for my adventures with those other vibrant colors of the spectrum. It's the true gift of wisdom...out of the blue.
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