Color comes out to play all summer long in what we wear and what we see. I get a deep sense of ease when I gaze across a green field or up into the light blue sky with puffy white clouds. Summer colors cool the fire, I invite you to drink deeply and enjoy the benefits they bring. It is August and quite hot: don’t allow the heat of pitta season burn too bright. Colors are a fun option to cool the fire of late summer.
The Gift Of Sight
Everything we see has a vibration and absorbs and reflects light energy. We detect this light with our eyes. Our brain translates the wavelengths from the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum, and we perceive them as the colors of the rainbow. As a kid, I learned the acronym ROY G BIV (Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet), to remember the primary colors and the order. Red has a lower frequency (vibrations/sec), and longer wavelength and violet has a shorter wavelength. White is a complete reflection of light and black is all absorption.
Most of us get to see these fabulous colors, and it is a privilege and a delight. Energy underpins everything we see and shapes our life. What we pay attention to informs our brain, emotions, and actions. For more information on chromotherapy, check this article. I have learned the hard way to appreciate and enjoy my vision take care of this vital sense, and make it a point to get out into the colors of summer.
Ayurveda and Vision
Ayurveda teaches eyes are the organ of sight, and the form is the object. The fire element drives our ability to see, and Alochaka pitta is the primary dosha of vision. Pitta season adds to the burden of heat as the eyes process long days of bright light and too much computer time. Overuse, underuse, or misuse of the eyes can promote heat build-up. Alochakha pitta transforms light to the color, and Sadhaka (brain) pitta brings personal meaning to form. The colors of nature in this season help balance the combined effects of light and heat.
In our current culture, overuse and misuse of our eyes are endemic. We all stare at screens for many hours each day. This short focus activity needs to be broken up with some long easeful gazes outdoors. Too much screen time, video games, violence misuses the eyes and fills the mind with rajasic (turbulent) and tamasic (stagnant) energy. The eyes need a variety of focal length response speed and color. Rest your eyes by gazing into nature at the sky, plants, and flowers.
Choose Carefully What you Look At Colors Allay The Fire
Do you ever notice that you pick specific clothing colors based on your mood? I know if I am in the black and grey part of my closet, I need to check in on how I am feeling. Once I understand what is going on, I head for the colors. Even if it is a scarf, a touch of color has an impact. In Ayurveda, you look at and wear different colors to create effects or help bring balance to excess Dosha (force that acts in the body).
I love that the colors of summer, the bright blue sky, and green leaves are balancing to pitta. The sky’s shades of blue and the green of plants so prevalent during the summer season cool and quench the fire of pitta. Teachings in Ayurveda often orient with seasonal rhythms, and I love that symmetry.
Aligned eye use is self-care and protects you from wear, fatigue, and disease. Misuse of the senses is Roga Nidana (cause of disease). Give your eyes a break. Limit screen time. Get outdoors and drink in the colors of nature.
Ease In Summer Colors Cool The Fire
Take some time this summer to enjoy and play with the colors of the season. Notice how gazing into the hues of a greenfield or blue sky makes you feel. Go out and enjoy the colors of the season well before the heat of the day. Early morning nature time is a beautiful way to cultivate ease and offset the warmth of each Pitta season. Find where the colors of nature are on display, go there and drink in the beauty.
Ayurselfcare’s purpose is to educate on the benefits of Ayurveda. This article is not a substitute for professional medical care, treatment, or advice. All the material here is for learning purposes only. Always share strategy and work with your health care team.
