It has taken me half my life to realize how profoundly light and color affect my psyche, beyond the universal sunny day, happy feelings versus raining day, blah feelings, versus gray day, gray feelings. It seems every day a new awareness develops, and reshapes my thinking.

Yesterday was simply gorgeous; a late summer day, replete with beaming sunshine, the bluest of skies, and a cool breeze hinting of change. I walked through our neighborhood and along the creek, in awe of the myriad shades of green…nature always at her finest. The phenomenal, unbelievably fantastic, life saving, you-must-listen-to music of, Mumford and Sons, filled my ears. (My favorite band, and fodder for another post.) All was right with the world.

This morning I awoke to a gentle rain, which has steadily increased throughout the day. I love rain most of the time, but this morning, I felt a change in mood, a subtle lessening in my sense of well-being. Although the rain is greatly needed, and appreciated, it can’t compare to the sunny, cornflower skies of yesterday.

Gazing out my kitchen window I watched the rain descend onto my thirsty little garden. My tomato plants are almost spent, but several flowers are still in bloom. It suddenly occurred to me that the vibrant orange Nasturtiums in my garden brighten my soul almost as much as a sunny day! Somehow, the orange color fills my eyes, infiltrates my brain, and lifts my spirits. A revelation – truly. I may have found the answer to my winter doldrums.

Growing up in the Midwest, the low-hanging, depressing, energy-zapping, oh-my-god-not-another-day-of-this, winter skies always propelled me into the nearest cave, where I indulged my ever-increasing need for sleep, and cravings for any food with the first three ingredients: flour, sugar, butter; along with loads of pasta. I spent most winters in a carbohydrate-induced coma.

Maybe, just maybe, short of moving back to Colorado, where it’s almost always sunny…really, I’ve found a cure of sorts for my SAD – seasonal affective disorder. I plan to integrate the color orange, as well as orange flowers, into my life over the coming months. I’ll let you know how I fare, or try it yourself and let me know if you feel better.

As autumn nears, I envision a field brimming with orange pumpkins, surrounded by a stand of trees flaunting their orange and red finery, against the backdrop of a clear blue sky; perhaps it’s nature’s way of easing our brains into winter.

Sunny Friday morning    Bright, electric orange Nasturtiums