In Sydney it’s springtime and we’ve had interesting weather to say the least – from 35 degrees for a few days, then back down to 22 degrees. Crazy weather and so completely different from when I was growing up. Remembering school holidays at Christmas time, it was six weeks of hot weather, and that was that!
Getting back on track. A few weeks ago I was in the city, although it didn’t really feel like spring, it was 18 degrees and raining – where did spring go? I’m grateful for the rain as it’s been a dry winter and my flowers are loving the water. Walking through the city, it’s a sea of black overcoats and black umbrellas adding to the darkness of the overcast sky. I’m the one who will always take a coloured umbrella with me to break the monotony of black.
Always interesting to hear people’s attitudes about overcast, rainy days. Most people seem down, lacking energy and wish for the sunshine to reappear. I don’t recall ever hearing anyone saying they loved rainy days. Perhaps it’s just city dwellers as farmers love the rain.
So why does everyone wish for the sun?
Too much black and grey can cause us to feel separate, lonely and lacking in energy. Think about working in an office with different tones of greys for the walls, desks and carpets – this was me, and I have to say it was never an inspiring place to work. On the other hand yellow, being the colour of the sun, brings optimism, happiness, warmth and enthusiasm. People also associate the sun with relaxation – think holidays on the beach.
Here’s an experiment. Next time you’re feeling less than enthusiastic on a rainy day add a touch of yellow somewhere you can see it – a bunch of flowers, a scarf or an umbrella. Settle in a focus on the the yellow for a while and then check in with yourself – how do you feel? Then look out at the overcast sky again without seeing the yellow and compare how you feel. Do you feel a difference?
Being in touch with how colours have an impact on our moods takes practice to tune in, worth the effort to use the amazing colours of nature.
Brighten up your grey day with a splash of colour to lift your spirits and give you more energy.