[Photo Credit: Flowery *L*u*z*a*]
I’ve been drawn to blue lately, more than usual—blue ‘anything.’
- Blue skies
- Blue photos
- Blue marbles
- Blue sketch pads
- Blue ocean
- Blue incense smoke (as pictured at the top of this post)
I am a scientist by training, but I’m also a certified HHP (holistic health practitioner/massage therapist) and have spent a substantial slice of my life trying to bridge the gap between hard-core science and practices such as Chakra balancing and energy work. I think there’s room for both as long as one is aware of the strengths, as well as the limitations, of each.
To my scientist mind, I think about blue and how my eye perceives blue. Only the cones (of the ‘rod and cones’ you once learned in school) detect color. And cones are densely packed in the fovea—a depression in the center retina. In fact, Dr. Jeremy Nathans (cone/color pioneer) calls the fovea, “the most valuable square millimeter of tissue in the body.” (So much for my gold tooth!) 
Light and color hit my eye, my eye tells my brain, “Lori, this is blue.” I find this absolutely amazing, every day.
But, there’s the flip side of me.
To my HHP mind, I consider blue as my fifth Chakra, the Vishuddha energy center. Centered in Eastern philosophy, it is thought that each person has seven Chakras, where each Chakra is associated with a color, a sound, a landmark or region of the body, and often an animal and an element. I’ve always been fascinated with the Chakra system—these seven spinning wheels of energy.
Based on the fifth Chakra, the fact that I’m craving blue and noticing it more says to me I’m seeking a creative identity and continued self-expression. The physical location of the fifth Chakra is the throat and is related to communication (blogging, anyone???).
The Chakra energy system definitely deserves more than a 500-word post, but I thought I’d at least introduce you to it for those of you don’t know a lot about it. If you’re a guru, thanks for reading this far into this post. 
Here’s a fairly basic and interesting site about the Chakras where you can learn a bit more about yourself by taking a brief quiz. The site doesn’t request your email address or other goofy opt-in requirements, so have fun with it.
Finally, I’d like to thank Tim for his post about Ken Nordine featuring a video about the color orange. Tim’s post got me thinking about how colors affect our lives, how we perceive color, and meanings associated with color.
Do you believe in a synergy between the sciences and Eastern philosophies? Have you ever studied the Chakras? If you took the test in the link I provided, what did you think about the results you received about yourself?
If you don’t want to comment here, please drop me an email. I’d love to read your thoughts about this.
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I took the test using the link in the post and found some of it to be right on, and some of it to be a bit off. Seems like the questions might be too generic to give a truly accurate reading. But it is free…
.-= Dian Reid´s last blog ..Best of 09 Blog: Best Tea =-.
Hi Dian,
Thanks for checking out the link to the Chakra site. I get your drift, and agree. The test kind of reminds me of a personality test, but a very cursory one at that. But, I thought the site was good for someone who wanted to get an introduction and broad overview of the Chakra energies.
I’ve been learning about the Chakra centers for many years, and still learn new things even now. The somewhat goofy test is just the tip of the iceberg – and I have a feeling you agree.
Thanks for taking the time to check it out and share your thoughts with me, Dian!
(P.S. I checked out your website and blog and love the intro video of you – well done!)
Based on the quiz, my fifth chakra (blue, throat) is by far the most open. I guess there’s no surprise there! : )
.-= Alison | Quest for Balance´s last blog ..Ten Useful Tips for Snow Noobs, Like Me =-.
Alison, that is awesome!
I knew it, I knew it, I knew you’d be dominant blue! Sing, talk, write away, chickadee! It’s you!
Thanks for taking the test and letting me know your results, Ali-Bee. But remember, the seven centers can flux and energies are fluid amongst the centers.
For you, right now I think you should focus on the opening the third Chakra (solar plexus/yellow/power) to balance the fifth (blue).
Hi Lori, thanks for the great post on blue! Funny, I bought a turquoise shirt a few weeks ago even though I never wear the color. I felt my wardrobe needed a little more expression. I really don’t buy clothes often, either. I’m honestly most comfortable in dark colors, or neutral earthy tones, (what does that mean, anyway?). Also, I never wear pink. Not a rule, just a preference. I tend to stay away from the “cheery” (brighter) colors but have, lately, wanted more of them in my life. My home is mostly all neutral earthy colors, too.
I took the chakra test, too. Awesome link. I’ve always been intrigued by chakras but never really knew much about them. I once got a reiki healing a long time ago but felt too uncomfortable (the person was a stranger). Years later my girlfriend studied it and did one and I actually felt heat and energy radiating from her hands, which was really cool.
At least for this week, according to the test, I’m mostly purple and green… an interesting mix (monster? certain dinosaur? lol!!) The test was right on as far as my underdeveloped aspects, too. Once, long, long ago, I got a channeled reading and it said my root chakra needed more developing. The person (being) also said I should wear some sort of “bloodstone” I think it was called. This reading also said that chakra was underdeveloped. Since that was like a lifetime ago, I guess I haven’t changed much??? Or, are we by nature more prone to having one certain chakra less developed throughout our lifetime? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Also, what can I do? Help, I want more root in my life! I need practical advice! I don’t know if touching my finger and thumb or wearing a stone will do it, but I’ll try anything.
I do believe strongly in the in the synergy of science and “mysticism”, east meets west, or whatever else we might call it. This post was really great. I can’t wait to read more about the insights you’ve gained with backgrounds in both “sides”, and more about colors, too!!
Cheers,
Miche
.-= Miche – Serenity Hacker´s last blog ..Is Passion Necessary for a Meaningful Life? =-.
Hi Miche,
That’s interesting you wear dark and more earthy tones. As a former corporate dweller, I used to wear those colors, too, at work. I don’t think there’s anything wrong or to be interpreted from your “work uniform” pertaining to your Chakra system.
To me, it’s more about your actions, how you feel, and what you perceive around you.
That’s great you’ve had experiences with Reiki – a good Reiki healer can provide a transformative experience (I can attest to that). I think it has a lot to do with your comfort level and, of course, the person providing the session.
Wow, Miche, purple and green is a beautiful combination! You know and can feel the ‘oneness’ with the world – that all of us humans are connected – no separation, and with that you have a green tendency – the heart chakra – a deep caring and compassion for others. Actually, therapists tend to have a wide-open green Chakra, too.
To be honest, I sometimes wear stones based on my Chakra beliefs, but only to remind me of what they represent. I don’t feel (this is my personal take on this philosophy) that a stone or a crystal can imbue us with traits or open/close Chakras. To me, wearing certain stones simply reminds me of the intention. You know?
You say you want more root in your life. The root (red) is grounding, stillness, and pure survival. What I’ve done in my life to connect to that sacred red is to spend time in nature. Go camping, push your body’s limits, and connect to the ‘primal Miche.’ Connect to the ground, the earth, and drop your need to excel (i.e., dream up plans for x, y, and z). Spend more time in the ‘body’ and less time in the ‘mind.’ This, to me, is a signal that you just need to BE. And who you are, Miche, is beautiful!
We can definitely talk more about this in email/phone if you want. I love all your questions, that you see a synergy between science and mysticism, and that you took the time to comment here, too.
Very interesting stuff, Lori! I love it when the hard-lined, logical thinking of science blends so well with the mushy nuances of mysticism. That’s one of the things that initially led me to paganism, and other alternate religions – that unification of scientific fact and mystic philosophies. I’m a rare bird, because to me, both things are equally important. Religion and science, working together to unravel the mysteries of the universe. So of course, I loved this post!
.-= Jay Schryer´s last blog ..Paying It Forward =-.
Hi Jay,
Wow, that’s such a great way to capture this post, “Religion and science, working together to unravel the mysteries of the universe.”
I’ve struggled with this earlier in my life, placing what I know scientifically into the world of mysticism and/or religion. There’s certain aspects where I don’t waiver – creationism, for example, is absolutely not in my lexicon. The evidence for evolution far outweighs the arguments.
However, there are certain aspects of mysticism that are impossible to accurately test with the tools we (scientists) have at hand, so I leave my mind open to them.
That’s my two cents…
Have a beautiful day, Jay!
Hi Lori:
I really enjoyed this post…thank you for digging a little deeper about the chakras and for providing the link to find more information. Blue has always been my favorite color so I’m glad you provided the explanation about it…I think I am, deep down, seeking self-expression too. Thanks also for mentioning my Ken Nordine post…that Colors CD is pretty cool.
In answer to your question, I feel a desire to study the chakras a little more. I’ll have to take the test and report back. And while I can’t explain it, I think there’s some sort of link between the sciences and the eastern philosophies. It is amazing how things in life are interconnected and I think this is the case with science and eastern philosophies.
Thanks again for the enlightenment!!
.-= Tim´s last blog ..Picking a Word for the Year =-.
Hi Tim,
Thanks for your comment here.
When I go to your blog, I see a lot of blue in your website – and to me that says a lot about you. I actually quite enjoy going to people’s blogs to see the colors they are using, if you pay attention to that, it will tell you a lot about the person – especially if the person created his or her blog without a webmaster or partner. Try it, see what I’m talking about.
Thanks, again, for your post about orange and Ken Nordine. I’ll have to get that CD; it sound like a cool thing to check out!
Lori, blue is absolutely my favorite color. LOVE. It speaks to me on so many levels!!
(And it probably comes as no surprise that I’ve always been very good at communication.)
I find the links between science and what transcends science pretty fascinating. I can’t think of any reason why it ‘works’ yet it absolutely seems to.
One of my favorite exercises is the color exercise. You take the time to think about your favorite color and express just exactly why you love that color. You’ll be surprised at what you’ve created when you’ve finished.
.-= Hayden Tompkins´s last blog ..Stop Apologizing and Start Rocking Your Self-Esteem! =-.
Hi Hayden,
I had a feeling your blue Chakra was a full-throttle open and flowing, Hayden. With your beautiful writing and rad illustration skills, it’s no surprise.
Thanks for your thoughts here, Hayden, and relaying your fascination with linking ‘East’ with ‘West.’ For a long time, I’ve wanted to go to theology school, to get another piece of the puzzle: (science+mysticism+theology = ??)
Also, thanks for the color exercise. I LOVE the idea!! LOVE IT!
Hayden = groovy
Feeling blue isn’t nearly as unworked up as everybody makes it
my mom is a yoga teacher and she incorporates a lot of colour in the relaxations and yoga nidra sessions at the end of her yoga classes and it really does have an effect.
I’ve actually noticed that even the colour of my tshirt has a significant impact on my mood.
funny enough, i’m wearing a blue one today.
…and feeling chipper
.-= alex – unleash reality´s last blog ..The Beyond Within: How to Expand Your Consciousness =-.
Alex,
It’s great to see you here, thanks for being here. Hey, did you notice your logo (UR) is orange? That doesn’t surprise me, it fits!
That’s cool your Mom is a yoga teacher and also incorporates color – do you attend her sessions? What an awesome Mom!
Stay your chipper self, Alex, you rub off on me – and I could use a little more ‘chipper’ in my life today.
P.S. Also, awesome post at your site, Alex. I love the way you write!
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Lori,
This is awesome. I had no idea about this side of you and I’m so excited to have learned it. I’ve not studied the Chakra but in a lot of the readings I do it is mentioned. When I meditate to manifest, I clear the channel from the root chakra to the third eye in order to help create.
I was completely honest when taking the test and was not too surprised by the answers – a little overactive on throat and underactive on all of the others (sometimes very underactive)
What fun. I’ll bookmark so I can go back to the Chakra page and learn more.
Cheers!
George
.-= George Angus´s last blog ..Writing Blog Owners, Do You Outsource? =-.
Hi George,
To be honest, I was a bit hesitant to post about this topic. My science side was giving my mystical side a beating. But, I DO integrate the two and quite enjoy discussing Chakras, color, mysticism, and the like. So, it means a lot to me to read you are happy to learn more about me.
And, it goes to show me that we should always go with our instincts. If I hadn’t posted about this topic today, I’d have never known that YOU meditate, too, George! And to hear you say you clear the channel from the root Chakra to the third eye – wow, nirvana, baby, nirvana!
Glad you could take the time to check out the test. It is fun; I don’t put too much emphasis on it, but it’s interesting to see the results.
Glad you enjoyed this post, George, and I’m excited to learn more about you, too!
I’m a little more rooted (red) and sacral (orange), so I’m gonna have to disagree with Dr. Jeremy Nathans on the location of “the most valuable square millimeter of tissue in the body.” For me, at least, it’s nowhere near my fovea.
.-= Lisis´s last blog ..Ten Useful Tips for Snow Noobs, Like Me =-.
Lisis, you crack me up! I swear, every single post of mine you leave some funny comment that pastes a smile on my face for the rest of the day!
Well, I have wide open second, sixth, and seventh Chakras. The second/orange I’m not surprised, and my blog background reflects my seventh chakra – isn’t that interesting?
But by far, like crazy far, my sixth (the third eye) is dominant (Clairvoyance, psychic abilities, imagination, dreaming).
That’s cool you’re rooted and sacral, Lisis. That’s why you remain so level-headed and can deal with so much in this world. Maybe because you have that strong red and orange tendency, you’ve been given more than the average ‘jane’ to deal with (e.g., me)?
Making you smile is what I live for!
Hi Lori,
I am a big believer in chakras. The first book I read on it was by Caroline Myss (“The Anatomy of the Spirit”) and it is my guide to whenever I feel something come up in my body.
In the book, there is a chart which lists various physical ailments and the corresponding chakra issue. In my experience, it has been 99.9% accurate in every ailment I have had. So I am so into this stuff. Ironically, my love for chakras started right at the time I got into Buddhism.
Eastern religions totally rock and in my mind are essential in having a comprehensive view of spirituality. I am often amazed when people have no idea about Hinduism, Buddhism and all the others. Western spirituality is very limited but that is just my opinion. I think all the traditions just make one perfectly formed circle. You need all to make a whole but that is just me.
.-= Nadia – Happy Lotus´s last blog ..How Much Money is Enough? =-.
Hi Nadia,
Thanks for adding you thoughts and insights. When I added the line thanking the gurus for reading this post – I was thinking about you – so thanks, Nadia!
I agree with you, Nadia, about Western spirituality being limited. I think that’s part of the reason I started my blog, to be honest, to put my science training to good use by trying to blend this “perfectly formed circle” via my writing.
Thanks for introducing me to the book you mentioned. Most of my books are in a different location right now, but I think I actually might have that book. If I don’t I’ll have to pick it up!
Great to see you Nadia! (P.S. Loved your last post! LOVED IT!)
As long as you’re not feeling blue! Green’s my color. Have to find out what that means. I like sunny yellow too and try not to wear black much anymore:)
Hey Annabel,
The green Chakra (4th) is classically thought to represent love for others and giving. A lot of health-care providers and therapists tend to have an open 4th Chakra.
I know you’re motivated to get you blog more prominent with more financial reward (trying to find the best way to say you want to make an income from your blog!), so it’s AWESOME that you mention yellow, because the 3rd Chakra (yellow) is all about finding your personal power! Yee haw! Good sign, Annabel!
Hi Lori! What a fun quiz – I’m about off the charts with my 5th and 6th. Thinking Monkey Mind took this quiz – haha! Seems I need some serious balance though! I printed out info from the site and will be working on this – thanks so much! Btw, I am gravitating to blues and purples myself. What means this????
.-= suzen´s last blog ..Letter to Santa – or – Venting is Therapy! =-.
Hi Suzen,
When I see you here, I literally feel my shoulders relax and a warmth and good vibe, so thanks for every time you take the time to read and comment. Thank you!
It seems we’re a lot alike, Suzen. The 5th is all about creative voice/creativity, the 6th (indigo, 3rd eye) means you’re a dreamer and some say psychically connected to the world, and purple (my blog background) is the 7th Chakra – a feeling of oneness with the world. Actually, the 7th Chakra is the only Chakra without a landmark in the body – it is considered to reside above the head. It transcends the human body. I just LOVE purple, too!!!
I could talk about this all day – but for now, I’ll stop. Email me if you want to continue the conversation. For now, the Chakra energy system would say you need to balance with firmer grounding (red) and to get in touch with your sacral (2nd) Chakra.
~xo