The obvious observation may be that our eyes are the primary sense organs that allow for natural light to enter our bodies. There are however two more doorways that allow for light to make its way into our minds and bodies: Our skin and the air we breathe.

The environment we surround ourselves with and the clothes that we wrap our bodies in, naturally influence our behaviors and wellbeing. Take a moment to look around, pause to think about what makes you happy or sad, hopeful or desperate, energized or at a standstill. Light, which is color, plays a tremendous role in the way we see our situation, feel about the day and even influences our productivity in the places we work, live, and play.

Our eyes are the camera lens on the world. Bending light and focusing on the retina. Stimulating cells and the pigments, much like a roll of film,  light, and color activate our senses influencing how we navigate life,  our ability to interact and communicate with others, and allowing creativity to flow through our mind and body.

Cones and rods – the two types of cells located in the retina – have two different functions. Rods are the highly sensitive ones that allow us to see in dim light with shades of gray. Cones are less numerous and are the ones where color is perceived as red-orange, green, and blue-violet. The green is located in the center of the retina and is the most relaxing for the eyes and mind. Body functions can be stimulated or retarded by the type of light that we are exposed to. Different colors evoke specific effects in the brain and on the nervous and energy systems. Something to consider and most times neglected are the subconscious stimulation of body functions linked to color and light.

Color sensitivity, natural and most time subconscious cannot be denied their ability to enhance, inhibit, and ignite emotional responses to our environment. Color energy is behind the reason we find some clothes worn uncomfortable, not because of the texture but rather how our bodies react to the energy of color penetrating the skin.  The example of blind people being able to differentiate colors by running their fingers over an object and feeling hot, cool, or cold is a testament to the power of color. Often times people lacking sight may describe color by their texture and feel.

Opening our eyes and feeling the sunlight on our skin can be the exhilarating spark needed to initiate creative possibilities and overall positive outlooks.