Word of the Week: Orange

I love the color orange! One of my all-time favorite colors.

And what better time of year to celebrate the color orange than Autumn?

The color of energy, warmth, creativity...when I'm wearing orange, it always makes me feel more upbeat and happy too.

I've been considering this jacket over at LL Bean in a beautiful deep orange, what do you think?

LL Bean Cordoroy Jacket

   

Here are some of my favorite photos, featuring the color orange:

These are all file photos because the colors here are still pretty bland. Mostly mossy greens and browns to look at. Definitely a late start this year, to all the beautiful fall colors.

Do you love orange too? Please share your reasons why.

             

And some interesting information about the color: orange, from the Color Wheel Pro site:

"Orange combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow. It is associated with joy, sunshine, and the tropics. Orange represents enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction, success, encouragement, and stimulation.

               

To the human eye, orange is a very hot color, so it gives the sensation of heat. Nevertheless, orange is not as aggressive as red. Orange increases oxygen supply to the brain, produces an invigorating effect, and stimulates mental activity. It is highly accepted among young people. As a citrus color, orange is associated with healthy food and stimulates appetite. Orange is the color of fall and harvest. In heraldry, orange is symbolic of strength and endurance.

                  

Orange has very high visibility, so you can use it to catch attention and highlight the most important elements of your design. Orange is very effective for promoting food products and toys."

More On the Power of Symbols in Our Lives

                                                     

This previous post: Finding Your Own Personal Power Symbol continues to be a popular post here at Happy Break. Hundreds of readers from all over the world have already stopped in to read this one. Obviously, a subject that a lot of people are interested in.  It has motivated me to look into this topic a bit more.

Heart: My Own Personal Favorite Power Symbol

                      

I recently finished reading the book: Feng Shui Home by Hale, Martin and De Winter. Feng Shui is another topic I've recently become interested in (fascinated really). There is quite a few references to symbolism in this book and I thought you might enjoy reading about just a few that piqued my interest.

• Water: The element/symbol of love and the emotions. Fluid and changeable, water is also very powerful. In time, it will carve it's way through the hardest of rock. It is also cleansing and soothing.

• Sun. The symbol of creative energy. Without the sun, there would be no life. The sun provides structure and a rhythm to our lives. It governs the seasons, the days. A powerful, positive symbol.

• Earth. The element of all physical and material things. A symbol that is grounding and nurturing. Growth, stability and standing firm.

• Green. Color symbolic of heart, emotions, love, nature and growth. Also money and prosperity (no wonder it's my favorite LOL)

• Violet. Color symbolic of the higher dimension. Wisdom, inspiration, spirituality. Transitions.

This book also discusses the value of having altars/shrines around our homes, to celebrate and focus on various events, hopes, dreams in our lives. Incorporating many symbolic colors and materials depending on a particular theme of the altar.

 For example: An Altar for Positive Outcomes may include: Orange candles for strength and power. Turquoise as a symbol of protection and success. Herbs and spices: bergamot and cinnamon to attract success and prosperity. A place to focus on the desires of your heart. Dwelling on empowerment and being centered on success and achievement.

I would like to pursue this idea of setting up a number of small altars with different themes, after we get moved. I think having symbols to focus on and taking the time to mediate on particular wishes and goals in a special place, is a very good suggestion.

Do you have any special places to meditate and to showcase symbols in your home/life? 

                                 

Heart photo courtesy of Flickr.
                

Happy Summer Solstice!