Let colour be your creative compass

Colour and creativity are soulmates. They’re not just tools for self-expression – they’re transformative forces that can guide, energise, and heal. Colour, in its essence, can serve as a luminous signpost, gently pointing you toward your creative potential and enriching your whole being along the way.

Creativity takes many forms

Lien Potgieter, Head of Marketing and Communication at Medihelp Medical Scheme, explains, “Many people hesitate to label themselves as creative, unsure where to start or afraid they might ‘do it wrong’. But here’s the truth: creativity isn’t limited to painting a masterpiece or writing a novel. Whether you're cooking, dancing, gardening, crafting, or dreaming up new ideas, you’re actively engaging your creative spirit.”

Creative expression isn’t just fun – it’s healing. It reduces stress, promotes mindfulness, and allows us to channel and release stuck emotions. “Using your hands, body, or imagination invites a kind of meditation in motion, helping to clear the emotional clutter and restore inner balance. When colour is added to this process, it deepens the experience, often revealing hidden thoughts and bringing buried feelings to light.”

Start with the colour that calls to you

If you’re unsure what creative activity to pursue, simply tune in to the colour catching your eye lately. That colour holds a message – it reflects your current emotional, spiritual, or energetic needs. Let it guide you toward a creative outlet that will bring harmony and joy.

“Take a moment. What colour have you been drawn to recently? Not your favourite colour necessarily – but the one that’s been popping up in your awareness. Now, match it to the options below and see what your soul may be yearning for.”

What your colour is telling you

Red – Move your body, ignite your passion

Red signals high energy. Your body craves motion! Channel this into  physical activities like rock climbing, ice skating, belly dancing, or joining a Zumba class. These dynamic pursuits help burn off tension and reconnect you with your vitality.

Orange – Get crafty, build confidence

Orange is the colour of creative expression and self-worth. Try pottery, mosaic art, making jewellery, or decorating a cake. Let your hands bring beauty into the world and watch your inner critic fade into the background.

Yellow – Stimulate your mind

If yellow has your attention, your mind wants to learn and grow. Sign up for a course, read something thought-provoking, or challenge yourself with a brain game. Learning builds confidence and helps counteract irrational fears.

Green – Seek balance and nature’s touch

Green is the colour of harmony and heart connection. Spend time gardening, bring more greenery into your space, or take mindful walks outdoors. Let nature restore your inner peace.

Blue – Speak, sing, be heard

Blue invites you to use your voice. Join a book club, sign up for singing or public speaking classes, or simply express your truth more freely. Strengthening your voice builds trust in your own opinions and fosters connection.

Indigo – Turn inward, reflect

Indigo suggests it’s time for introspection. Learn to meditate, explore your spiritual path, or engage in self-discovery tools like journaling or personality tests. You’ll gain deeper self-awareness and inner alignment.

Violet – Serve something bigger

When violet calls, your soul is seeking purpose through service. Volunteer at a local shelter, offer your time at a soup kitchen, or support a cause that moves you. Giving back is profoundly healing and connects you to the greater whole.

Pink – Love yourself deeply

Pink invites self-nurture. Indulge in whatever makes your heart sing—a hot bubble bath, a walk in the park, a square of chocolate, or a pampering spa day. Your soul will rejoice in the tender attention.

More about colour: A sacred practice as old as time

“The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese understood the healing power of colour. They built vibrant temples filled with coloured light to treat physical and emotional ailments, believing that directing specific hues to parts of the body could dissolve blockages and restore balance. Their wisdom echoes today: without light, and without colour, there is no life,” says Lien.

Modern-day colour magic

“In our contemporary world, colour psychology is most often used in marketing. Brands leverage colour to influence emotions and buying decisions – red, for example, stirs urgency and appetite, which is why it dominates fast-food branding.”

But what if we flipped the script and used colour for our personal growth instead of consumer influence?

“By consciously surrounding yourself with colours that align with your emotional and creative needs, you begin to shape a reality that reflects your true self. You become the co-creator of a more vibrant, joyful, and authentic life,” Lien concludes.