Color Me With Courage

Why courage is represented by the color red

By: Dolores Chandler

The color red may be the supreme influential color on the spectrum!  Red is infused into the most primitive emotions and instincts of humans and in nature.  The intensity of red represents love and passion, excitement and energy. The opposite side of that passion can be seen or expressed as anger, danger, stress, malice, and wrath.  Studies show that the color red can elevate blood pressure, increase confidence and enthusiasm. Most recently I learned that it is used by restaurants to increase hunger, so it is a good thing that it increases metabolism!!

Take a moment – look around your environment. What colors do you surround yourself with, how many red cars do you see or emergency vehicles painted red?  Without a doubt, the color red is with intention. Red roses for love, fire trucks for danger, even a red dress or lipstick for sex appeal! Likewise, pay attention to how red shows up in your feelings or emotions – warm feelings of love or with red-hot feelings of anger (look closely to see what’s in between). These are opposite ends of the scale yet equally incite strong thoughts, feelings and sometimes illogical actions (mind, body & soul). It makes sense that red represents power and courage!

Color is powerful in and of itself!. Color is used to set the mood, to attract, repel, create a feeling of happiness or even send us spiraling into depression. Color affects us in every quadrant of our well-being: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. The interpretation of color varies according to circumstance, culture, and beliefs. It is important to understand color, how it affects us personally and even in business. Color is an expression of non-verbal communication, and we all react differently due to our perceptions, experiences and even abilities – consider the blind or color blind. Helen Keller is an extraordinary example of the power of the use of senses to understand the involvement of color with touch. Color undeniably taps into our thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

It is with an intention that the star in A Rising Courage is red. The foundation and purpose of our ride are to elicit courage and empowerment in ourselves and others.  As red represents desire and passion, the journey is envisioned to awaken these feelings and emotions. Yes, there is a good chance that anger or frustration will surface among other intense feelings – love, joy, total bliss. These feelings are important and need to be acknowledged. As we own the red within, we can begin to diffuse destructive behavior, judgments, beliefs, blame or perhaps be open to love, kindness, and trust. This process clears out the clutter, opening the space for us to become vulnerable, to fully understanding how to give and receive and discovering yourself. It takes daring … courage. It’s just a matter of beginning to see and feel in color!!

While courage and the color red are the highlights of this blog article, it is essential to understand a secondary color – teal. Conversely, the teal color (a blend of blue and green), is less bold however remains unconventionally devoted to the uniqueness of character and value. It’s a color that encourages objectivity and reflection with calm, consistency and rational thinking.  Learning to manage intense emotions with an open mind, peaceful consideration and creative approaches are essential. Teal integrates the qualities needed to harness the richness of the experience! I’m feeling red with excitement!!

With purpose, we have paired red with teal. A Rising Courage is a call to live with flying colors!

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched…they must be felt with the heart.”  ~Helen Keller

• How does red show up in your life?

• What does the color red mean to you?

•  Do you believe that you are courageous?

•  Do the colors you wear change with your mood or change your attitude?

•  How can you live with flying colors?!!