Other than a choice point in life, however, what exactly is color?  A free online dictionary tells us that color is ‘the appearance of objects (or light sources) described in terms of a person’s perception of their hue and lightness (or brightness) and saturation of objects.’  That is a bit of a mouthful.  More simply put, color is the way our brain interprets the frequency of light.

The way color is perceived and experienced is largely based on our cultural background.  Colors give off vibrations and different people react differently to those vibrations.  They can either give us a boost or drag us down. 

From a feng shui perspective, colors used in our living space affect us physically, emotionally and psychologically.  Feng shui is about how a person interacts with his or her environment.  It teaches us to tune in and learn how to sense the energy of a space.

The balance of yin and yang, which is the concept of interconnected opposites that complement and complete one another, is an important aspect of feng shui.  There are cool colors that represent yin energy (heaven/female/passive) and warm colors that represent yang energy (earth/male/active).  Thru the analysis and use of color, we can achieve the feng shui goal of yin/yang balance in our homes.

Studies indicate that, generally speaking, certain colors bring out particular emotions that affect our bodies, moods and energy levels.  The following information outlines generalized psychological effects and offers suggestions on how to use color.

Red – Yang

Attracts attention and invites action; too much can agitate or anger.  If you need inspiration, bring in some fiery red to get things going.  To spark romance, add touches to a master bedroom.  Be careful not to overdo it, though, since the bedroom is a place for yin energy as we rest and rejuvenate.   Red is very active yang and too much can easily burn out a relationship or cause anxiety.  By choosing subdued shades such as pink, rose, peach or taupe, you will effectively bring in softer, yet romantic energies.

Yellow – Yang

Cheerful and optimistic; imbalanced it can make one feel anxious or tired.  The color of sunlight, it evokes feelings of joy and warmth.  Reportedly, the effect of yellow on the brain results in the release of more serotonin, the feel good hormone.  A soft shade in the kitchen will start the day off with cheerfulness.  Yellow, a milder yang than red, brings in mental energy and clarity.  It represents health and vitality and is effective in a family/living room to stimulate conversation.

White – Yang

Signifies cleanliness and order; however, can be straining on the eye or unfriendly.  Like yellow, white yang energy is good for kitchens where it serves as a perfect pallet to enhance the appeal of food.   Because it represents cleanliness, it works well in bathrooms.  Use in areas where focus and creativity is needed.

Brown/Beige – Yang

Suggests stability; excess can result in resistance to change.  Balanced browns make us feel rooted and grounded.  Taupe, beige or tan shades in main living spaces bring in feelings of safety and security and will encourage family interaction.

Blue – Yin

Stimulates self-exploration and serenity.  Decreases appetite, slows the heartbeat and lowers blood pressure.  Too much blue can be depressing or cause apathy.  An excellent color for a foyer or meditation room.  Due to its tendency to inspire contemplation, it is not recommended for a master bedroom where it might cause alienation in partnerships.  Excellent for kitchen accents when dieting.  Good choice for bathrooms.

Green – Yin

New beginnings; stimulates learning.  Disproportion can lead to distraction.  Green is the ideal way to bring nature into our homes and connect to the outside world.  Representing growth, it is suggested for a home office or child’s bedroom to help with studying.  Like blue, consider green for bathrooms.

Black – Yin

Inspires intrigue; the extreme yin of black adds mystery to a space.  It should be used sparingly, as it can slow down activity or be draining.  A great choice for accent pieces.

Purple – Yin

Spirituality and creativity.  Has a strong vibration and works best in moderation as it can result in pretentiousness or fatigue.  Use in conjunction with red to symbolize wealth.

Personal Choices

The psychological effects noted above may not apply to everyone.  Our response to color is very personal and, therefore, subjective.  It is important that you reflect on your individual responses.  Embrace the power of feng shui and become more aware of your surroundings.  Choose color schemes that support your individual energy and goals, and create a nourishing space that feels balanced, inviting and safe.

All winter long I look forward to being outside where I can connect with nature, eavesdrop on conversations that the birds are having, and absorb the warmth of the sun on my skin as I maintain my garden.  The aromatic fragrances that the peonies, honeysuckle and magnolias have to offer only add to my rejuvenation process.  I am truly in a sensorial heaven.

Our Connection with Nature
The system of living in harmony with the natural elements and forces of earth is referred to as feng shui.  This ancient Chinese philosophy examines how human beings respond and react to their environments. 

One of the most important principals of feng shui is “The Tao” connection.  The Tao Te Ching, which was written by Lao Tzu roughly 2,500 years ago, teaches us that the Tao (pronounced ‘dow’) is the way we are linked to all things.  Other common translations of Tao include the path, the way, or the road.  Tao is often described as a force that flows through all life. It also means recognizing our interconnections to the natural world, our families, friends, communities, the universe and higher power.

Surprisingly, according to the American Lung Association, the average person spends approximately 90% of their time indoors in a sealed environment.  Yet, Pulitzer Prize winner Edward O. Wilson, who coined the term biophilia (love of living things), believes that we have “an innate affiliation with or an attraction to other forms of life.”   Engaging in outdoor activities during the long days of summer not only strengthens the Tao connection by allowing us to interact with our loved ones and communities, it can also lower blood pressures, boost the immune system and reduce stress.   Studies indicate that what we see accounts for 70% of what we process mentally.  The sun is perceived as yellow, a color that communicates brightness and equates to optimism.  As a result, the sun naturally produces a feel good hormone.

Fire:  The Element of Summer
In addition to the Tao, another integral component of feng shui is the five-element theory or understanding that the world is defined by the following elements of nature:  Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.  Each element has its own specific characteristics, and can be described in terms of season, direction, color and shape.

While the element for spring is wood, representing growth and new beginnings, the element that corresponds with the ensuing summer season is fire.  The buds that formed in spring are now nourished by the summer sun as they continue to blossom and flourish.  Fire is radiant, warm and expansive. It is a very powerful element and, like the sun, is considered masculine.  Fire is a symbol of passion, and of all the five elements has the most yang (active) energy.

The direction that corresponds to fire is south and, as can be expected, the colors that are associated with it are reds, reddish purples and magenta.  The color red is considered a call to action.  In keeping with the laws of nature, birds have a good sense of color and bright red flowers get their attention for pollination.

Fire, whose shape is triangular or pointed, is all about transformation, motivation and inspiration.  It represents the opposite of lethargy or depression and reduces sadness.   In conjunction with the Tao connection and the elemental characteristics of fire, summer is the time when we get together with family and friends for outdoor barbeques, pool parties, graduations or other celebrations.  Spend one day on a public beach or boardwalk on a hot summer’s day and you will witness ongoing movement and feel the constant buzz of activity and interaction.  In the summer season, yang energy abounds.  We have a tendency to stay up later and wake up earlier.  The days of summer last longer and give us the most warmth.  In our body, this equates to the ability to establish relationships, feel passion, playfulness, and relaxation.

A Holistic View
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a holistic healthcare system used in China for more than 2,000 years that aims to treat the whole person rather than just the disease, the acupuncture meridians related to the fire element are the heart (yin) and small intestines (yang).  TCM practitioners convey that summer is the time to nourish and balance the energies of these organs.  When there is a balance, the heart properly circulates blood, creating a healthy breakdown of food in the small intestines. An imbalance could result in insomnia, low energy, digestive problems or cardiac disease.

According to TCM, it is important that we align our diets with the different seasons.  Summer is the season to eat foods that benefit the heart and to introduce cooling foods.  Certain fruits and vegetables will help you adjust your body temperature.  Examples include:  asparagus, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, corn, celery, cucumbers, oranges, peaches, pears, potatoes, raspberries, strawberries, snow peas, tomatoes, watermelon and zucchini.

Balance is Key
Feng shui teaches us that it is important to balance each of the five elements.  Too much of the fire element in an environment can over-stimulate chi (life force or energy) which can cause burnout, impatience or anger.   An imbalance of the fire element can also injure the heart which can lead to fevers, heat stroke and other heat related ailments.  When the heart is in balance, the blood will flow easily.

The human body is more than two-thirds water.  Loss of water can lead to dehydration.  While sweating has a cleansing effect and rids the body of accumulated toxins, be careful not to get overheated and sweat too much as this could lead to fatigue and exhaustion.  To increase your mental and physical performance, it is essential to keep cool and hydrated by drinking plenty of water.  It is also important to restore your body with adequate sleep.  Preventative treatment in the summer months can protect you from getting colds or flu during the winter.

Joy is the emotion of the fire element.   Take advantage of the extra energy that summer has to offer by getting out and doing something that you love.  Let the active power of fire energy warm your heart, nourish your spirit and fill you with laughter, vitality, and inspiration.