Everything is alive with energy. It therefore makes sense that every color is alive with energy and that there are differences in the energies of different colors. What I have learned is that I can strategically choose colors to wear on my person that empower me in whatever way I am wanting at a particular time. To be able to do this you first must know some basics about the energy of colors.

Red

• Is associated with the fire element
• Is the highest energy color, the energy associated with passion, intensity, excitement
• Is best used as an accent color when a pop of energy is needed
• Is associated with passion and intensity
• Must be used carefully because its heat can cause feelings of irritability, anger or aggression when used in abundance
• Can be used as an empowering color when worn in difficult situations
• Orange, pink, peach, and salmon are shades of red with yellow or white added. The bolder the shade, the more hotter the energy.

Green

• Is associated with the wood element
• Has an active energy of growth and expansion
• Is a great color to wear when you want to be productive
• Is an appealing color because it brings the feeling of the outdoors inside
• Makes red shades have even more energy

Blue

• Is associated with the wood element
• Has the energy of growth and expansion
• Has a cooling, calming, peaceful energy

Yellow

• Is associated with the earth element
• Has the energy of positive activity, optimism and joy
• Can feel hot in shades other than a buttery yellow

White

• Is associated with the metal element
• Has no active energy and can be associated with inflexibility
• Fire melts metal, so wearing a touch of red with white will balance the inflexibility of metal

Black

• Is associated with the water element
• Has no active energy
• Too much black can lead to being wishy washy
• Is best used as an accent, not the main course
• Cools off hot colors like shades of red (water douses fire)

Given those color basics, you can intentionally make color choices in your dress to create the kind of energy you want to have. Here are some suggestions.

1. Wear red when you want to be on fire, inspired to take positive action.
2. Wear red when you are going to face challenging people or situations.
3. Wear green when you want to be productive.
4. Wear blue when you want to keep a cool head or you want to have a calming influence on others.
5. Wear yellow when you want to have a positive influence on others or brighten up a grim situation.
6. Wear white when you want to be taken seriously in a formal situation.
7. Wear black when you want to wear red for protection or passion, but want to be able to stay balanced emotionally.

Feng shui teaches that everything is connected. The colors you wear affect you and those around you. Choose your colors carefully to feel fully empowered every day!

Spring is associated with spring fever, spring cleaning, rebirth, new life. We suddenly find ourselves emerging from the funks of winter with new energy, new ideas, new commitments to change and growth. Why this resurgence of good feelings and energy?

Most of us know that there is more light. Thank goodness for lengthening hours of sunlight! But, as I walk my dogs each day, I’ve been noticing changes in the landscape as trees, shrubs and plants flower and as green leaves emerge. I can feel my spirits lift and soar in response not only to the new life returning to the landscape, but to the COLOR! The yellows, the many shades of purples and pinks and the emerging greens sing in a background of dull browns, grays and tans. That color feeds me with optimism, hope and energy. We’ve been starved for color, especially since the bright reds and greens of Christmas decorations were stored away in early January. Color’s return is a cause for celebration! We all benefit from it whether conscious of its significance or not!

The color of spring is a gift of nature! Shake off the dust and doldrums of winter and allow the color of the landscape to feed you with its energy. Take time each day to drink in its vibrance, its beauty and its wonder.

Want to love the feel of every room of your house? Start by painting color on those white and beige walls. White and antique white once were the way to go, but times have changed. White is best used as an accent color, not the main course.

Why? Color doesn’t show up against a white wall. Color nurtures our psyche. If we aren’t able to benefit from the color of our wall hangings, we don’t feel as comfortable in our homes or offices. Check it out. Put a colorful print against a white wall. Then put it against a colored wall. Notice how much more vibrant the colors are against a colored wall.

What does this have to do with organizing? We work best when we are most comfortable.

Think of it this way. White walls resemble the grayish-white skies of winter. What happens to many of us during those cold months? We get SADD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. Simply stated, we get depressed! White walls have been associated with anxiety and depression. If you’re depressed you’ll be less productive. You just won’t care as much to put effort into anything, much less organizing!

Besides that, white walls look dirty faster than any other color.

Here are some guidelines for adding color:

* For walls in a home I recommend using mostly warm earthtones, tans, taupes, shades of brown and yellow.Those colors are the most relaxing and make a home feel cozy.
* For offices I recommend shades of sage green for men and buttery yellow for women. Those colors have positive, active energies, the kind you need in a work setting.
* Reds, like white, should mostly be used as an accent color. Red is associated with the fire element. If you don’t get the shade just right a red room can feel hot and people can feel hot tempered.
* Avoid pastels because they communicate as white.
* Be looking for rooms where you love the color and feel utterly comfortable. When you find one, ask the owner of the space for the name and brand of the paint color.

Brighten your life and increase your productivity with color on your walls!

© 2012 Clutter Clearing Community | Debbie Bowie

“Author, Organizing Expert and Feng Shui Practitioner, Debbie Bowie, is a leading authority on clutter clearing to attract more of what you want in life. If you’re ready to clear clutter and move your life forward, get your FREE TIP SHEET, “Feng Shui Tips for Instant Success” at http://www.clutterclearingcommunity.com.

Whenever I do a Feng Shui consultation or a speech about Feng Shui, I wear red. Red is associated with the fire element. Feng Shui is a passion of mine. When I do anything related to it, I want to be on fire. When I’m on fire, it’s easier to access my wisdom and creativity and be inspired and inspiring.

What is your passion? Is it easy to access your wisdom and creativity regarding your passion? If not, add fire. If you feel hesitation about doing this, look for red in the clothes of political leaders. Many, both men and women, have already figured out that adding fire to their wardrobe gives them the extra energy they need to put their best foot forward in a challenging situation.

Go for it! Add fire and light your way to success!

When I do feng shui consultations I often recommend that clients add “touches” of color to a space to create balance and visual interest. Many times I get blank stares from them. I’ve learned that they have no idea what a “touch of color” is. 

Driving around this week drinking up the colors of spring bursting forth, I was reminded about my challenge to communicate what a touch of color is. There actually are touches of color everywhere all the time. For example, a red stop sign is a touch of color, a brilliant red against a background of gray or green. 

Spring, however, offers us so many more examples of beautiful touches of color. All you have to do is scan the landscape for a brilliant burst of purple, red, yellow or pink set in a landscape of green. Perhaps I am more conscious of them because they are such a welcome relief from the gray skies and landscape of winter.

As you watch spring unfold this year, practice looking for “touches of color”, that brilliant purple redbud tree, the luscious pink of a dogwood, the brilliant yellows of daffodils, and the vibrant bold red of tulips. Our landscape has much to teach us about how to add color, energy and visual interest to our homes and offices. 

Wonderful things can happen on the way to the dump! Feeling tired and somewhat stressed from a week of caregiving to my mom and step-father, I looked up from the road to see a swath of brilliant green set against a blue background. I was looking at a field of winter wheat on a sunny day. What a blessing! My spirits immediately lifted and soared. 

The combination of bright light, the intense green of new growth of the wheat and a blue sky had more effect on my energy and my spirits than any drug. We really don’t have to look far to feel a rush, especially during the spring.