As I was making my bed this morning, I was grateful for my red comforter, my red blankets, and my red throw pillows propped on a nearby chair. “Color therapy,” I thought to myself, not expressly aware that color therapy is a real thing. In fact, it is. And in that moment, all I knew was that I was grateful for the color red. I was grateful for feeling embraced by it. I was grateful for my visceral response to it, which is consistently, reliably, and overwhelmingly positive.
I have always gone for red nails, red heels, and even the occasional red accent wall when I have had complete freedom in my decorating schemes.
I have a linen closet filled with red towels, shelves stacked with red boxes holding my children’s precious treasures, and in my living room are two oversized and well-worn red chairs.
While scientists (and romance novelists?) assure us that red revs up excitement, sexual and otherwise, I have always found it to be a comfort color. Although I also love most shades of blue, a color known for evoking emotional responses that tend to soothe, I have routinely opted for the pleasure and power of red — so much so that as I was basking in my ruby hues at 7 a.m., an odd thought flashed through my mind. It was this: If I ever lost my sight, I would hope to cling to the color red.
Then, a realization: A few nights ago I was immediately drawn to an array of vibrant colors. I stood in front of it and soaked it in, feeling better after what had been a terrible day. A number of terrible days, really.
Where was I? An upscale supermarket.
A neighbor had popped in, said she was headed out to pick up a few things and did I want to go along. I did. What I really needed was a little human company to offset the inhuman nature of recent events in the news. But I didn’t realize that I would benefit enormously from the sensory impacts of our shopping. Specifically, what I seemed to need were the energizing effects of color.
Not only was color abundant in the supermarket’s produce section, as one might expect, but it was especially glorious in one particular aisle. It was a rainbow of sweets. A delicious display for the eye. The candy bar.
That is where I stopped, utterly dazzled. I felt my breathing slow. I allowed my eyes to feast, luxuriating, moving across the jellybeans and hard candies in all their happy hues, aware that I was physically unknotting for the first time in a painfully long week.
Color therapy indeed.
Curious to explore the extent to which my response to color is common — my mood was immediately boosted — I spent some time poking around online. In search of information on color therapy, at first, I came across coloring therapy — no doubt comforting in its own way, but not the same phenomenon. Then I found what I was seeking — color therapy, which can address a range of mental health and related issues.
As the article I bumped into tells us:
Color therapy and healing (also known as chromotherapy or light therapy) is a type of holistic healing that uses the visible spectrum of light and color to affect a person’s mood and physical or mental health.
The article goes on to explain the belief that
… certain colors entering the body can activate hormones causing chemical reactions within the body, then influencing emotion and enabling the body to heal.
I have known about the broader realm of art therapy for a number of years and specifically its utility with Alzheimer’s patients. (Note that the same site that speaks to color therapy also contains articles on art therapy, along with color meaning and other interesting information.)
More color therapy examples?
Naturally, festive footwear fits the bill for me. At least, it has for many years, though admittedly, less so as life takes me on a somewhat less socializing path. Nevertheless, the very thought of a hot heel like this Jimmy Choo Tegan pump lifts my spirits immediately. And a little let-the-fingers-do-the-window-shopping entertainment can be excellent for the… “sole.” Partly, I am drawn to fine footwear for the beautiful design. I have always been one of those women who feels just a scoche sexier in pretty pumps or bodacious booties.
And feeling sexy is always a mood-enhancer, isn’t it?
Then there is the color… Look at that gorgeous shade! How can a red shoe not bring a smile to your face and a tiny try-it-on twinge to your tootsies?
I confess: To soothe my spirits I often search online for red shoes, and occasionally, for other high-octane options like cobalt and fuschia.
Incidentally, all sales, pre-sales, and Black Friday sales aside, a Jimmy Choo isn’t exactly in my budgetary “indulgence” range, though the enticements of the candy bar just may be, and I’m considering a return visit. I’m also looking foreword to the rainbow of reds that will deck my halls when December rolls in — poinsettias, please!
Now about those shoes… Who knows? Someday, perhaps I’ll have my way with a Choo or two. But for now, in addition to being grateful for my red comforter, my red blankets, my red throw pillows and all the other swaths of fiery hues in my immediate environment, I will also try to breathe in the seasonal colors when I set foot outside before they yield to the wintry weather about to settle in. On a related note, I recognize how fortunate I am to have a new neighbor who stops by, and may I add… she has a shiny red car!
Besides, it’s a good tme of year to be grateful for anything we can, don’t you think? What are you grateful for, even if you’re experiencing trying times yourself or struggling with the state of the world?
Click here to see the Jimmy Choo Tegan pump at Nordstrom.
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I suspect many of us are more affected by our surroundings than we realize. I’ve spent much of the past year out of town helping my mother with end of life medical issues. Even though it is the town I was raised in, living out of a suitcase I’ve found it extremely grounding, almost necessary to find things that comfort in a familiar way.
Little things go a long way. Eating familiar foods, in familiar places, preferably with familiar people. Allowing yourself little comforts where you can. Even traveling the same roads provides a sense of sameness.
I agree that red is a mood booster. There is a, perhaps, audacity which isn’t present in most other colors, with the possible exception of yellow. I’ll admit to having had a couple of red vehicles when the other colors in the lineup didn’t excite, although I find the fire engine shades to be too much.
And: “Choo or two” – I saw what you did there (grin)! I have to admit those are pretty hot…
Robert, I cannot imagine what you may be feeling or going through with your mother through this year.
I’m hoping that offering you a virtual hug ? and thoughts of shared imaginary blue jello might lighten the weight or perhaps further ground your comforts.
TD
You’re making me laugh!! I love the offer of the virtual hug and blue jello, and that you remember it and where it is served. Yes, that is still one of my comfort places. Thank you for indeed brightening my day and I offer a virtual hug in return!
Absolutely and thanks back!
My red front door welcomes all to my home and is an introduction to what lies within. I decorate with touches of red, fill my closet with red items and in my garage, a red SUV. I’ve always been attracted to a deep, rich red vehicle. Be still my heart! It’s certainly a happy colour and a confidence booster. It does feel sexy to look at those pretty red toes or shoes on your feet.
Relaxing, soothing, not sure about that description but then we all react differently to colour. A good friend loves yellow and you’ll find it throughout her garden. But, never in mine.
I know you are deeply affected by what is happening in your country & around the world, so I would suggest you turn off the news. Relax your mind a bit. Find your equilibrium.
I’m grateful for having a home and my two paw-mates by my side. As I looked around my home the only red are paw-mates t-shirt, jacket and black and red plaid button down flannel!
I painted my bedroom with white trim and cobalt blue walls. In addition, I placed LED blue lightbulbs in my both my bedside lamps to enhance my sleep. It’s absolutely lovely for calming down relaxation color therapy! The main living area is white trim and aqua blue walls and the 2nd living room is a watercolor blue with a pink boarder embezzled with seashells and sand dollars hot glued. All are color therapy of the sea and coastal setting where I live. I’m grateful to have a home! And I enjoy the vision of love in your new place called home. Very nice to hear that you are getting out and around with a new neighbor!