Traditionally Speaking…by Pat Larsen - The color GREEN

Close your eyes and imagine a green landscape with me.

The color green can be refreshing, calming and lively all at the same time…There can be a decidedly soothing and earthy expression that comes to mind as well.

Green can represent life, again. Especially now as we can feel the presence of Spring returning. We begin to feel the subtleties of enthusiasm within as a sunny day highlights the daffodills growth, blades of grass beginning to peek through and the confidence of familiar weeds reappearing as well. 

The color green reminds us, especially after the winter we’ve had this year, that we can start over. We focus on the potential of a spring day and the flourishing and thriving of every green leaf that begins to peek their head out of a tree branch.

The color green is often referred to in regard to our health and the balance in our lives. Not a day goes by that we aren’t reminded to ‘eat our greens” and like it or not, we know it’s important. 

Ok, I’ve never liked Kayle but I have opted for other green options that have served to replace that category.

Think about the color green and its rightful place in health facilities. It’s used to calm and rest the eyes. Maybe that’s a bit of stretch but smart people who study these color impacts have determined this is the direction to take even when suggesting a theme for a  yoga studio. 

For many of us, and especially as we get older, the color green becomes much more meaningful. We definitely take more notice of trees and the canopy that shelters us from too much sunlight or spring showers. Gardens matter so much more as well. Walks are enhanced on those paths that are edged by green growth reminding us that life is still unfolding and renewing itself with a lot less rushing.

In the end, not that I’m suggesting that we’re at that place in our lives, green may be the most honest color of all in the palate that makes up our world.

Yes, it does, promise growth to some degree but not overnight.

It requires patience, sunlight and the occasional trimming. 

Kind of like us.

Pat Larsen is a syndicated columnist who lives, works, plays and prays in Greene County, NY with her husband, Christian.

Have a comment or story you’d like to share? Contact Pat at 518-275-8686