The colour “Blue”

Covid has changed the world in many ways. In fact, these days, people talk about pre-covid and post covid era like they talk about pre-war and post-war eras. Well, Covid was nothing less than a war the whole world was fighting against, albeit at different levels. And it changed not only the daily lifestyles of people but also changed their thinking and their priorities. Pre-covid, you speak of “blue” and pop comes the image of the light-blue sky or the dark-blue ocean into our minds. Post- covid, the same word “blue” reminds you of the light-blue masks or the turquoise blue sanitizer liquid. But even though the words we relate to “blue” may have changed, the colour in itself exhibits an inner security and confidence always. Interestingly, from a colour psychology perspective, blue stands for being reliable and responsible. It is the colour that seeks peace and tranquillity above everything else, promoting both physical and mental relaxation. In this fast-paced life, even with all help that modern medicine can offer, it cannot reduce the stress that a human goes through every day, thereby affecting his longevity. Dan Buettner, one of New York Times-bestselling authors, in his book “The Blue Zones” defines the term “Blue Zones” to classify areas where people are living the longest and healthiest lives on this planet. An interesting fact that I noted about the five Blue Zones in his book is that four of them are either islands or located close to the sea. Coming to think of it, I believe like the colour “blue”, “water” in itself has the soothing effect on both our mind and body. It is as if, the colour blue and water are intertwined in promoting tranquillity. Spend a day at a river-front property or a beach facing villa and you’ll relate to what I am speaking of. We may call it the “Blue Zone effect” probably! The gentle breeze flowing over the calm and serene waters act as an elixir to revive and renew your spirits. It helps you pause your ‘fast-moving’ life for a minute and rethink over the priorities of your life, helping you find your Ikigai and motivating you to strive towards it. ‘Ikigai’ is a concept that has been rooted in the cultural fabric of Japan for centuries and simply means, “reason to live.” You may read the book “Ikigai” by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles for more details on how to find your Ikigai (if not yet found). What do you guys feel? Have you experienced the “blue zone effect” that I am writing of? Did it help you rejuvenate your soul and find your Ikigai?