It is not a coincidence that we predominantly wear green, and not red, and that at the office we chose a chair upholstered in grey fabric, although there was a navy blue chair next to it, and that for our home we prefer to buy a sofa in ecru colour instead of a willow-green one. Our colour preferences provide an insight into our personality, predispositions, and inclinations, because each colour produces a specific energy and meaning. This is why we like some colours very much and are not particularly fond of others. Below we present a detailed explanation of the meaning of each colour and describe its impact on our psyche and well-being. By reading these descriptions carefully, we may learn something new about ourselves and may expand our awareness of the impact of colours on our choices and decisions, which are usually made subconsciously. After reading this text, we may at last understand that our boss dislikes us and we are never entrusted with important tasks, because we always come to work wearing navy blue clothes, and this colour is producing a threatening effect on our boss, who himself wears grey, and making him fear that we may prove to be better than him (advice: start wearing green more often). Perhaps we will also discover that a person sitting at an adjacent desk irritates us so much, because she often wears red clothes. Having been tired and stressed recently, we may simply feel overwhelmed by this colour (advice: we may increase our energy by wearing yellow or orange). The meaning of colours: White inspires tranquillity and well-being. It calms emotions, alleviates stress, and creates a feeling of freedom. However, too much of white - for example when all walls are painted white - may produce a feeling of loneliness and sadness. It is indicated for people who want to gain control over their lives, who need to think clearly and open up for new ideas and plans. It is not conducive to taking decisions. White is not recommended for individuals who feel lonely or who have to act with more effectiveness. White occupies a special place in the colour palette, because itcontains all other colours of the spectrum and as such, it represents multidimensionality and incorporates the attributes of all colours. It is usually associated with purity and innocence. It is like a clean board, which encourages you to act and write new stories on it. It is also a space in which you can breathe easily and feel free. White clothes are often worn by people who dislike restrictions and limitations and strive to be independent at all costs. On the positive side, white expresses the wish to emphasize one’s individuality, maturity, and independence. However, it may also be a favourite colour of people who feel restricted, even if only temporarily, since by wearing white they manifest their need to break free from restrictive bonds. Most spiritual masters wear white robes and recommend this colour for work on spiritual development. The basic message of white is: make room for me, let me begin to act, so that I can show my enormous potential and perfection, create a space for me, let me be free to experience as many new and interesting things as possible. Yellow strengthens the nervous system, liver, and pancreas. It stimulates the brain, helps to think clearly, and improves memory. Joyful and invigorating, it is the colour of warmth and life. Being lighter than other colours, it is less frequently used as a signal colour. Yellow is associated with the summer, the sun and sandy beaches. As it is a reassuring colour, it should be worn by individuals who need a boost of confidence or who are afraid of taking decisions. It helps to overcome conflicts. Yellow is not indicated for people, who are sensitive to criticism, feel insecure or who concentrate too much on material goods, because it may cause irritation and dampen their mood. Yellow is a favourite colour of Buddhist lamas. It evokes the image of yellowed pages of wise books. It is associated with knowledge, intellectual brilliance, and enlightenment. Yellow represents brightness, joy, and optimism. It also expresses the need to share this joy with others, to be with other people, to pass on information and acquired knowledge. It also has some negative connotations, for example, individuals who like wearing this colour may find it difficult to communicate with other people and to talk openly about their problems. They often have a lot to say about everything except themselves. In addition, even when they do manage to communicate clearly, what is bothering them, they feel misunderstood by others. On the other hand, wearing something yellow may be especially helpful when we have to reach an important agreement with someone. Its vibrating energy will make our interlocutor unable to escape from talking about the most fundamental issues. The energy of yellow will help to give lectures, pass oral exams, or conduct all types of business negotiations. The basic meaning of yellow is: listen to me, talk to me, try to understand me, I have so much to tell you, I don’t want to be alone, I need you, I need to talk to you and to share my impressions. Orange soothes overstrained nerves, stimulates sexual organs, and has a positive effect on the digestive system. It increases natural resilience of the body and prevents fluid retention. It brings back the desire to live. Orange is indicated for individuals suffering from depression, neck and shoulder pains, or arthritis. It arouses cheerfulness, strengthens motivation to act, and raises self-esteem. It is contraindicated for people who feel ill or lost or who suffer from claustrophobia. Orange is a warm and energizing colour. It is associated with food, fruit, colourful exotic flowers, birds, and butterflies. A nice and visually pleasing colour stands for spontaneity, liveliness, and amicability. This colour may suggest a little hedonistic attitude to life and may be associated with those who appreciate good food and are determined to enjoy as many pleasures of life as possible. People who like wearing orange are often good cooks. By using this colour, we may regain optimism and rediscover an aim in life. We will have a clear sense of greater potential and will become more resolute when taking decisions. The message of orange is: I succeed in life; I have enough energy to achieve everything that I want to achieve, and I have specific and clear-cut goals. Pink strengthens the feeling of safety, helps to win affection, relieves muscular tension, and gently stimulates the body. It is indicated for people who are looking for love, interest, and compassion. It helps to derive more pleasure from sex, to have fun and encourages taking risks. Pink is contraindicated for people who are emotionally immature, because they may find it overwhelming. It is a warm and nice colour associated with little girls and childlike fragility. Most men avoid wearing pink, as if they subconsciously knew that it is reserved for little girls. A delicate colour that reminds us of a charming young girl and makes us think of tenderness, consolation and everything is associated with childhood. It is like a child looking impatiently at a garden gate, eager to explore the world behind it. Combining the attributes of white and red, pink is the colour which expresses the need of space to act and prove one’s potential. Pink is often a favourite colour of people whose childhood was too short and too sad, deprived of warmth or tenderness, which they now subconsciously demand from those near them. They are also childish in expressing their emotions and may react in a way, which is quite at variance with our notion of ‘maturity’. Pink conveys the following meaning: look after me, love me with motherly tenderness and affection, caress me gently, let me be a child, let me concentrate only on my needs and myself. Red stimulates the function of the heart, improves blood circulation, increases stamina and physical endurance and produces and invigorating effect. It strengthens muscles, helps to overcome bad thoughts, but it can also intensify anger. It is a symbol of fire and warmth. It is indicated for people who are overtired, sluggish and deprived of the will to fight or for those who crave for success and sensual pleasures. Red is contraindicated for individuals with chronic tiredness syndrome and blood hypertension. It should also be avoided by people who are prone to outbursts of temper or who are under serious stress. Red is the colour of blood, so it is associated with life, energy, spontaneity, aggression, action, and movement. It is directly connected with all dynamic aspects of existence, including aggression. The description of red would not be complete without mentioning the erotic connotations of this colour. Women have painted their lips and nails red for centuries, and with a good reason. Even when they are not familiar with the symbolic representations of colours, they subconsciously feel that a red blouse or skirt will make the strongest impression on their loved one. Red may be worn sporadically to raise one’s energy levels and attractiveness, but it is not a particularly beneficial colour for everyday wear. The message of red is: I am bursting with energy, I want to act, I want to love, notice me and share my passion, appreciate my potential and let me fulfil myself as a human being, after all I’m the best. Violet has a positive effect on the brain and nervous system. It has a purifying and antiseptic action. It suppresses hunger, stabilizes metabolism and helps to overcome fears and obsessions. Violet is indicated for those who are looking for harmony and love, peace and quiet. It makes it easier to understand one’s own needs and feelings. Violet should be avoided by individuals who are oversensitive or have a low self-esteem or who long for acceptance and friendship. Violet is a favourite colour of esoteric philosophers and priests, who are looking for answers to the most unusual questions concerning the meaning of life and death. It is the soothing and tranquilizing violet that inspires us to break from the humdrum of daily life and look for something more, something that cannot be measured, weighed or bought in a shop. This colour is worn by people who work on their own development, who are interested in psychology and more mysterious aspects of existence. It is also extremely popular with individuals who find the sense of life in faith and whose life’s aim is to achieve salvation. The main meaning of violet is: I am looking for answers to the most fundamental questions, I am sensitive and full of deep feelings, I have unusual interests and my deep faith sets me apart me from other men in the street. Green is the colour of the heart. It regulates blood circulation and facilitates deep breathing. Having a strong affinity with nature, it produces a relaxing effect. Natural shades of green evoke a feeling of serenity and safety. Pure, unadulterated green is considered a neutral colour. Being neither too warm, nor too cold, it creates a harmonizing effect. Psychologists claim that standard shades of green do not make anybody excessively passive or active. Therefore, it is beneficial for individuals who are overactive, indecisive or who find it difficult to form a clear opinion. Green boosts optimism and confidence in oneself and others. It should be avoided by individuals who lack energy to act, as it is conducive to boredom, slowness, and passivity. By wearing green-coloured clothing, one can create a sense of harmony, tranquillity, and relaxation. Green helps to alleviate exhaustion and burnout and to overcome feelings of chaos. Green-coloured clothes are frequently worn by people who have a strong need to sort out their emotions, to rest mentally and find their own way in life. This is why they subconsciously seek natural colours, which may aid them in looking for answers to baffling questions. Green conveys the following message: I have problems with emotions, there is too much tension and stress in my life, I want to quiet my mind and concentrate on myself to regain emotional balance, and I long for harmony and order. Blue lowers blood pressure, aids sleep, relieves pain, and has anti-inflammatory effects. It stimulates the mind to work harder. Too much of blue may cause depression. Blue usually looks cold and is associated with water and the sea. Blue light creates an impression of lightness whereas dark blue is peaceful and relaxing. Dark blue reminds us of icy winter weather and fresh air. It is a remedy for mental exhaustion and is recommended for those who need peace and rest. Blue strengthens independence and intuition and makes it easier to take decisions. It is contraindicated for nervous and depressed people who should wear orange instead. Blue is the colour of creative people who like to shape their own space and plan their lives. Usually these people aspire to leave a legacy for future generations and want to be remembered as social activists, healers, artists, or writers. In its most negative connotation, it may relate to people who want to be original at all costs, who crave for appreciation and approval, and who constantly have to reassure themselves of their own value by exciting admiration in others. The basic meaning of blue is: I want to be extraordinary, unique, I want to win good fame and leave a monument to mark my achievements, and I want to be wise, intelligent, and creative. Navy blue is the colour, which is widely used in uniforms. It is also associated with ink, offices, work, and management. It represents structure, public institutions, rules, and discipline. This is why it is a suitable colour for those who aspire to lead others and who are successful in the role of a boss, director, or commander. People who like wearing this colour attach great importance to tidiness, order, discipline, and obedience, although they do not always mention it aloud. They feel best when they have everything under control. They also have a strong sense of responsibility, which is not limited to their own decisions. People who frequently wear this colour want to be responsible for everything and everybody. In the worst cases, they try to take decisions for other people and are always bossy and interfering. The general meaning of navy blue is: I want to control my surroundings, I am responsible, and I know best what to do and how to do it, trust me and let me be your leader. Brown creates an aura of safety and warmth. It helps to hide feelings. Too much of brown may be depressing. It is a natural colour that accompanies our daily life, producing a feeling of peace and harmony. Brown is indicated for individuals who crave for stability and safety in life. It is not a beneficial colour for reserved people with low self-esteem, who tend to conceal their emotions. It helps to isolate oneself from the world. Brown represents everything that is connected with the element of the Earth: factual reality, practicality, hard work, and consciousness. People who choose this colour need everything that it signifies. They lack self-confidence, peace, and stability and think of future as something unknown, uncertain and frightening. They would like to find solid support under their feet that would allow them to go through life with more confidence. Those who like brown shades have no trust in their own strength. They fear that they are not precise and conscientious enough; therefore, they put a lot of effort to achieve perfection in their work. Their uncertainly often stems from problems in private relationships, in which they feel inadequate as partners, and consequently escape into other areas of life, where they have a greater chance to succeed. Unsatisfied with personal relations, they concentrate instead on their professional life, devoting a lot of time and energy to their job. Due to the above, people who like wearing this colour are often perceived as responsible and trustworthy workers who can be always relied on. The general meaning of brown is: I’m afraid, I have no self-confidence, I don’t think there is a bright future for me, I have no faith in my possibilities but I am a great worker and people can always count on me. Grey is associated with fog and growing twilight. This is why it emphasises the need to keep a secret and to hide one’s affairs from the world. It may express the wish to keep to oneself both good and a little more difficult things. By wearing grey-coloured clothing, an individual shows that he or she will perfectly cope with everything and does not need good advice or help from other people. He or she wants to remain hidden. It is the colour of all shy people, who do not want to draw attention to them. Grey has some attributes of green and, similarly to green, it is a favourite colour of people who are looking for balance and harmony with the world, and who need to regain emotional stability. After all, when we hide something it probably means that not everything is, as we would like it to be. Grey conveys the following message: let me keep my problems in secret, leave me alone, I need silence, balance and harmony, I want to cope with my problems. Black colour strengthens and protects. It counteracts unwanted changes. It is indicated for independent and self-possessed individuals or those who fulfil executive functions. It helps to stick to one’s opinions and not to succumb to pressure. It is contraindicated for people who lack self-confidence or are depressed or in despair. In our culture, black is also the colour of bereavement and symbolizes our longing for someone who has gone forever or for a stage of our lives that has ended irrevocably. Black is worn not only by people who mourn someone’s death. It may be an expression of internal grief after the loss of a love relationship, wasting a chance, or parting with a partner who has left to live with somebody else. Black signifies the insatiable need to fill internal emptiness and overcome despair. It is most often associated with feelings and unsuccessful relationships. This is why it is so often worn by young people who have just started looking for their better half. They split with successive partners and go through a pattern of short-lived relationships, because they have not yet learnt to communicate their requirements and expectations. In addition, black signifies an attempt to cut off from the world, a symbolic expression of being “offended” with the world. Black may be chosen to convey the following message: I constantly fail but I will sort out my emotions, I will finally cope with everything and return to my normal activeness. The general meaning of black is as follows: I long for love, let me cope with my sadness and longing, I must find in myself the energy to act and I want to do it on my own, let me solve my problems myself. Colours in business Colours play a significant role during business meetings, too. Let us find out what message we convey to our interlocutors by wearing a business outfit or clothing accessories in a specific colour. White - fabrics that shine with whiteness represent true elegance and good style. White symbolizes purity, lightness, order, and excellence.
Green - emphasizes a natural and a little less formal look. A green outfit will make you look young, casual, or independent, depending on the shade of green. Green evokes a feeling of friendliness and warmth. It stands for relaxation, balance, hope, and perseverance. It calms emotions during business negotiations.
Blue - this colour symbolizes peace, satisfaction, solemnity, and trust. It is frequently worn by uniformed bank clerks. It is also often used to build the image of newscasters. Dark blue shades generate a sense of authority and elegance and produce a tranquilizing effect (just like blue backgrounds in photographs). A little lighter shade is suitable for outfits that are more casual.
Red - is guaranteed to attract attention, therefore it should be used in small amounts. Tasteful clothing accessories (e.g. a tie) in this colour will be more effective than a larger garment. Red symbolizes temperament and creates a sense of self-confidence. However, it may also generate a feeling of aggression and domination. Darker shades are more classic, while lighter shades express dynamic and modern elegance. Brown - it is a natural and elegant colour, which produces a feeling of calmness and safety. Darker shades may be a good alternative for black. It effectively emphasizes a classical type of beauty.
Grey - is a timeless colour, which can be used instead of black to create a discreetly casual style. It is worn at business meetings to suggest distance and diplomacy and express a wish to remain uncommitted and uninvolved.
Black - creates an impression of elegance and festivity. It enhances the sense of authority. However, it should be avoided by individuals representing the company outside the workplace, who will be better off wearing alternatives of black, such as brown, navy blue or grey.
The colours of our mood Every day our mood is different. The colour that comes to our mind when we close our eyes and concentrate for a moment will reflect our present mood quite accurately. Sometimes it will be white, on other occasions we will think of yellow or green.
It is worth starting each day at the office with such a test - it will provide an insight into our feelings and will give us a chance to calm down before beginning work. The colour of our mood will enable us to recognize our strengths. It will also tell us what we should be cautious about in order to avoid, for example, conflicts with colleagues at work.
This is what colours say about our mood: White Clarity of the mind, purity of thoughts, excellence - such words can be used to describe our mood today. We are in a perfect mental condition and a good mood. We are not torn by extreme emotions, having achieved a balanced state of mind. Our thoughts are clear and we find it easy to concentrate and take decisions, even when they require a careful consideration of all relevant factors. Light yellow We feel excellent and our head is full of fresh ideas. We should take advantage of this positive attitude to life and put a few of these ideas into practice. It will certainly give us a lot of joy and satisfaction. Let us concentrate on positive qualities of the world around us, disregarding everything that is bad, dirty, or malfunctioning. Saturated yellow We have a positive attitude to life; we are full of energy and joy. We feel capable of using our intellect even in 110%. It is a good moment to take up new challenges, because we feel very confident about our possibilities. Let us not hesitate too long, we must simply just act, and we will quickly achieve positive results. Light orange We are aware of our value, we tend to show off how wise and clever we are, but we will do it in an extremely tactful way. We will show class. Whoever turns to us for help may be sure that he has asked the best person under the sun. Anyone who abuses our trust may be certain that he will be treated with dignity - but in a way that will leave him in no doubt as to his immense stupidity. Dark orange Our mood is dominated by energy and happiness, stimulating us to act. We feel so happy that we do everything with joy and full commitment. It is a very positive mood, full of enthusiasm and fascination. Today our potential will enable us to work, to create and find solutions for difficult problems. At the same time, we are ready to show a lot of warmth and affection even to people whom we do not know very well. Very pale green Today we may lack courage and may tend to be jealous and indecisive. We feel uncertain and it may have an impact on our actions in the nearest future. For this reason, we should exercise common sense and take caution not to take decisions under the influence of intense emotions. On such a day, we should control our jealousy and be more courageous in taking decisions. Light green Our mood is dominated by a sense of safety and freshness. We are full of harmony and have a strong need for development. It is a good moment to learn something new - perhaps enrol on a course. We are full of inner peace and it is a good time to strengthen our relationships with people in our lives. Let us finish all needless conflicts and avoid confrontations, because it should be remembered that even a seemingly trifling detail may disturb our balance today. Dark green In such a mood, we are unlikely to initiate new conflicts. It is a good idea to take advantage of this amicable attitude and end long-lasting arguments, which are not worth wasting our strength and energy. Today we may carry out successful mediations between conflicting parties. Therefore, we should not refuse when somebody asks us for help in resolving a conflict. Very dark green Ambition, envy and shame - these are the emotions that we may feel particularly strongly today. Nothing good will come out of it, unless we manage to overcome our weaknesses. Sometimes it is simply better to appreciate achievements of others, instead of being overambitious and trying to prove at all costs that we are just as good. It should be remembered that a wise man can turn his weaknesses into his assets. On such a day, we should look for support of the loved ones. Olive-green Today we are cautious in our actions and decisions. Yet we should not approach life with such mistrust, suspecting deceit in everything. Let us treat other people with more openness. Instead of allowing ourselves to be overcome with envy, we should be more trustful, sharing in the happiness of others. Light blue Our mood is bright and cheerful. We do not feel overburdened with any serious problems and we are on our best way to achieving spiritual harmony. We feel like rising in the air and flying over the world, we want to feel as light as a feather. It is a good moment to cope with problems that have been long put aside. Dark blue Our mood today is conducive to taking important decisions. We are full of internal calmness, detached from extreme emotions. Stabilisation – this is a good term to describe our present state of mind. Our feelings are clear, precise, definite, and strong today. This clarity of mind will enable us to make sensible decisions. They will be accurate, clear-cut, and definite. Navy blue Today we will succeed in situations, which require leadership capabilities. Our spiritual strength and the ability to draw conclusions from life experiences will allow us to demonstrate how wise we are. Strong will and consistency in striving to achieve our goals will help us cope with problems that require resilience to stress and decisiveness. Light red We are bursting with energy and are torn by intense emotions. We are full of strength and determination. Today we may act impulsively, without thinking things over. It depends only on us how we use this energy. We should not let it turn against us though. Dark red Our mood is not conducive to romantic dinners. We have a lot of strength, determination, or even rage. We may take advantage of our mood to cope with particularly troublesome problems that have been put off for a long time. We may even discover leadership qualities in ourselves and it is a good moment to demonstrate these qualities and show everybody that we can take things into our own hands. However, our rage or maliciousness may hamper the pursuit of our goals, so we should control our emotions, just like all strong people. Salmon pink Our mood is conducive to expressing tenderness, love, and passion. Allow yourself to be liked, loved, and admired today. We should use this opportunity to “recharge our batteries” and show a more positive attitude to the person whom we love. Light pink Today we are prone to nostalgia and are easily moved by romantic emotions. At the same time, we have a lot of willingness to act. We should be careful though, because someone may take unfair advantage of our flirtatious mood today. It is not a good moment to look for solutions to serious problems. We lack strength and determination to overcome life difficulties. Dark pink Today we are full of strength and may be a little prone to extravagance, so it is better to watch how much we spend. In our present mood, we may find it difficult to subordinate to anyone’s instructions. We are independent and creative and we do not feel like being in the shadow of others. Violet We are not in the best of moods today. We may feel sad and frustrated. However, we should not succumb to negative feelings. Let’s spend this day doing something that has a positive effect on our well-being, for example, we may arrange a meeting with friends, go for a walk or do anything that will help us overcome frustration and concentrate on something positive. Light brown Today we may appear mistrustful. Our excessive energy can make us anxious, so it is a good idea to look for an absorbing activity and engage in it with full determination. We will feel better immediately.
Dark brown Our mood today is dominated by warmth and peace. However, we should take caution not to become too melancholic, as we are prone to melancholy today. We should avoid haste, because we need peace and quiet today. It is a good moment to think over important things and calmly reflect on the direction of our lives in future. Black Our present mood is characterized by strength and mysteriousness; therefore, we will find it easier to cope with difficult situations. No matter what situation we will find ourselves in or whom we meet, we will find it easier today to behave with elegance and class. We have to be careful, however, because we are more likely to fall into a rotten mood. Let us be rational about it and try to fight with gloomy thoughts. The healing power of colours Colours can change moods, stimulate, or calm our mind. Colours can heal through their energies. Let us try to use this knowledge both at work and at home, surrounding ourselves with proper colours. White - stimulates our bodies to fight with diseases. Yellow - boosts metabolism, strengthens the digestive system (especially the liver and pancreas), heals ailments of the upper airways, and facilitates cell respiration. Orange - restores emotional balance, safety, calms nerves, and stabilizes breathing. Regulates the digestive system. It helps to suppress excessive appetite and facilitates work on one’s self-esteem. Red - boosts metabolism, speeds up blood circulation, raises body temperature, and stimulates mental activity. Green - positioned between warm and cold colours, it is a neutral colour with the greatest healing power. It soothes nerves, restores harmony, sedates, and has a stabilizing effect on the body. Blue - supports mental clarity. It heals inflammatory conditions in the body, reduces fever, and increases the production of white blood cells, making the body less susceptible to infections. It produces a sedating effect and helps to cope with fear and anxiety. It protects the throat. Violet - relieves insomnia and tension and is an effective remedy for stress and excessive nervousness. It stabilizes hormonal activity and speeds up the healing of scars. Black - this colour has therapeutic properties only when it is used in combination with other colours: it has a slightly tranquilizing effect when used with pink. A combination of black and yellow will produce a stimulating effect.
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