We were talking recently about the idea of “healing colours,” and it struck me how often that phrase conjures up images of soft blues, gentle greens, calming lavenders. Colours typically associated with peace, rest, and a sense of soothing. And while I understand the appeal, I realised my own healing journey took a decidedly different, much brighter route.
Challenging the Traditional Palette
When I was facing the depths of my health issues, those traditional “healing” colours just didn’t resonate. In fact, if I’m being completely honest, they felt a little… boring. And definitely not entirely me. I remember feeling incredibly frustrated with the glacial pace of healing, the constant fatigue that clung to me like a shadow. I was desperate for something to shake me out of that sluggishness.
The Instinctive Pull Towards Brightness
That’s when the instinctive pull towards bright and neon palettes hit me. It was like my inner self was screaming for a jolt of energy, a visual pick-me-up. You know that song, “Paint it Black”? Well, my soul was yelling, “Paint it BRIGHT!” It felt far more impactful, more aligned with the internal battle I felt I should be fighting, even if my body didn’t always have the energy to back it up.
A Resurgence of Energy
Looking back, the idea of a “resurgence of energy” wasn’t something I consciously thought about at the time. But there was definitely a desire to fight, a refusal to simply succumb to the illness, even when I felt utterly drained. And somehow, those bright colours became a symbol of that defiance.
The Psychology of Vibrant Hues
Bright colours, as we know, are often linked to energy, joy, enthusiasm, and yes, even a healthy dose of defiance. Those associations definitely resonated with me. The boldness of neon felt like a way to reclaim some of the energy that had been stolen from me, to assert myself in a situation where I often felt powerless over my own body.
Defining My Own Healing
For me, healing wasn’t just about physical recovery; it encompassed my emotional and mental well-being too. The last few years had been a whirlwind – losing my dad, navigating a painful separation, and then getting hit with these health issues. I was in a dark place, all over. And I think, on an unconscious level, those bright colours became my defiant act, my stubborn refusal to give in, even when a part of me felt ready to surrender to the darkness.
An Outward Expression of Inner Vitality
So yes, my bright colour choices absolutely reflected an inner battle, a determined fight to regain strength and vitality. They were an outward expression of that deep, inner desire for life and energy, even when my physical reality felt so different. It was a way to visually manifest the vibrancy I was desperately striving for.
Breaking Free from the Norm
Choosing such unconventional “healing” colours felt surprisingly liberating. It was like breaking free from the expected norms, from what I thought healing should look like, and defining my own path.
The Evolution of My Palette
Interestingly, as my healing journey has progressed, my colour preferences have also subtly shifted. While I still adore bright colours, I find myself delving more into softer hues now, more ethereal and mystical tones. They’re still bright, but with a more magical, almost otherworldly feeling to them. Perhaps that reflects a different stage of healing, a move towards a gentler, more integrated sense of well-being.
A Message for Fellow Travellers
Ultimately, my journey with colour has taught me that healing looks different for everyone. What brings one person comfort and solace might feel stagnant or uninspiring to another. And that’s okay. The most important thing is to embrace what truly resonates with you, what sparks a flicker of hope, what makes you feel a little more alive, even in the midst of challenging times. So, if soft blues don’t do it for you, maybe it’s time to explore the healing power of a little neon. You might just surprise yourself.
To your journey
Maryke