A few days ago, I was doing my daily check-in on my Facebook groups, and in one of the groups I lead, someone had posted a video: ‘Color For the Colorblind’
I clicked through and watched, and what I saw brought me to tears: Colorblind people seeing the full spectrum of color for the first time.
I imagined what it must be like to look through someone else’s lens – to see the technicolor brilliance and beauty with which they see the world – only to then take the glasses off, and go back to your more dull way of seeing life.
I realized I didn’t have to stretch my imagination that far…in a way, I used to be colorblind.
I remember the first time I felt my calm heartbeat.
I was lying in savasana at the end of yoga class, mind quiet, soul fully inhabiting body. And all of the sudden, there she was: my heart. Between slow, calm breaths, I could feel her beating in my chest. I could feel the direction my blood was pumping from my heart, and then I could feel the flow of blood through my entire body. I felt tears welling up, but didn’t dare cry, because I didn’t want to lose the moment. So I softened, and listened…
I remember the first time I heard a bird in the middle of a busy city.
I was walking through downtown Vancouver, traffic noisily whizzing by in every direction around me. I could feel the buzz of the city; it was harsh and electric. I closed my eyes for a few moments and listened as fully as I could, taking in all the sound around me, and I heard a bird chirping. I opened my eyes and looked up to a tree near me, where a small bird sat, singing. I walked to the tree and took in the birdsong for a few minutes, grateful for this small moment…
I remember the first time I decided to NOT wear yoga clothes (or pajamas) while working.
I had been feeling so dull and uninspired in my work, and felt like I was in a bottomless rut with no escape in sight. I was struggling through everything – my to-do list, my exhaustion, my boredom, my lack of creativity. Nothing was flowing. I couldn’t think of anything to write about, I felt totally overwhelmed by my schedule, and I ended every day feeling exhausted and unaccomplished. Then, one day I decided to start things off differently. I got a good sleep, woke up early, and put on an outfit I’d wear on a date instead of to the laundromat. And BOOM – instant inspiration. I felt sexier, more creative, smarter, richer. Such a small act that made such a huge difference…
Before and in-between all of these moments, I’ve had moments of colorblindness – moments when life, through my eyes, looked a little dull, bleak, boring. And in those times of colorblindness, there was nothing I could do to make things “work”.
Creating a beautiful life and experiencing a sense of deep contentment felt like a daily struggle, because I wasn’t drinking the beauty and joy out of life’s little moments.
It’s easy to get caught up in all the myriad things we need to check off the list each day. Get dressed; get kids dressed; eat; run out the door; face an overwhelmingly long to-do list and an overwhelming avalanche of an inbox; feel guilty about all the things we know we “should” be doing, but can’t possibly get to because there’s so much we have to do; fall asleep staring at the phone or TV, already feeling anxious about tomorrow but swearing we’ll try a little harder and do a little better…
But really, feeling like life is beautiful is not about life being perfect. It’s about looking at life through a lens of beauty.
It’s about savoring life’s little things, and collecting those moments to weave a tapestry of inspiration.
Oh, and here’s that video (it’s an ad, but it’s still touching). Grab your tissue box…
Incredibly moving! What beauty we live in, with color as one more layer of experience in which we find soulfulness. Thank you for sharing this Nisha.
And so many beautiful colors to delight in and choose from 🙂 Thank you for being here Elle and appreciating this gift with us xo
WOW! I’m so grateful for seeing colour – and every time I see a beautiful sunset I will inhale the vibrancy and the energy.
I’m really happy and so excited that those affected by colour-blindness will have the opportunity to see the vibrancy that we get to experience. Thank you for sharing xx
That is a beautiful sentiment you reflect here Misty, to drink in the beauty that each sunset and each moment gives to us. And Yes! Excited to have learned that this amazing invention that will be a joy to so many 🙂 We are so grateful to have you here xo
This video was moving and painful at the same time. My father is colorblind, as is my son. Interestingly, my father spent his life as a printer. Thank you so much for sharing it!
Thank you for sharing this Ellen, and we are sending you father and your son so much love and appreciation for their ability to see the magic in the way they do xo
Nisha, your posts are always so rich and descriptive, and I have fallen in love with the way that you write. But this post was the biggest gift so far. I could completely relate to your examples of finding beauty in the seemingly “small” moments of life. The video also touched me deeply. It provides yet another reason for gratitude, the cornerstone of my life. Thank you for the important work that you do xx
Thank you for your beautiful words to Nisha Fiorella, and we are so very happy to have you here. Grateful to hear her post has moved you in the way that it has. Much love to you xo
Beautiful! Thank you 😉
Thank you Nicole 🙂
It’s really amazing how much we take for granted everyday. I can’t imagine my world without color. The video opens your eyes into the world of others who are not as fortunate. I am truly grateful for my blessings & for the people at Valspar helping others to see in all different hues.
We are grateful with you Mary Jo xo
Your freedom adventure is so much fun! I remember how much I felt different after just two days! I even went and got some highlights done! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for me this time!