If you’ve ever walked into a space and felt instantly caressed by comfort, it’s likely your nervous system was in the presence of all five elements, enthusiastically absorbing their diaphanous energy.
An easy way to experiment with shui’s five elements and unleash their supportive energies is with color. Whether at home or somewhere in the daily details of life, an infusion of color paired with familiarity with each hue’s properties can be a reassuring experience.
Should you crave uncomplicated balance or desire accentuating a bold intention or two, here are some basic guideposts to get started with each element.
1. Water
Water knows how to traverse obstacles, relying on its mutable powers. Black and inky colors (think aubergine, hunter green, navy blue, charcoal) express this shape-shifting element. Its color spectrum can influence us to make decisions and release what no longer serves us — a suitable reminder to go with the flow instead of fatiguing over nonessential details. Its colors are also efficient movers and shakers in our professional endeavors. Try an aubergine-colored throw or a black journal.
2. Wood
Wood encourages us to pursue new ideas while remaining flexible. Greens and blues — the colors associated with wood — summon fresh starts. Green is synonymous with life’s riches and new beginnings, while blue soothes the soul and dissolves tension. Much like a tree growing both below (roots) and above (branches) ground, wood energy is symbolic of our own well-being network. Try green towels or a blue floor rug.
3. Fire
Fire awakens life force and inspires our better motivations. The color red (and its wheelhouse of oranges, pinks, magenta and maroon) represents fire. And just like fire, this palette captivates our attention and compels radiant confidence. So, if it’s time to rattle your cage or make a rapid-fire change, red sparks clarity and action. One word of caution about fiery colors they're stimulants. If overused, they will feed impulsivity and impatience. Try a bowl filled with oranges or red candles.
4. Earth
Earth is grounding and comforting, reminding us how incredibly tremendous we are meant to be. Earth suggests herself in the various tones of brown, yellow and muted neutrals. This color scheme has stabilizing qualities and slows energy down. When we want to develop mindfulness — staying both focused and conversational — earth colors are the cord that hold us in place. Try a maize tea set or a yellow set of mixing bowls.
5. Metal
Metal invites us to appreciate our mind fully, pulling together the dynamic energies of our imaginative spirit and deep intelligence. With a few brush strokes of white or light pastels, this palette promotes clear, concise communication and refuels our creative reservoir. Try a white headboard or a pastel watercolor print.
