We've probably all heard someone say, "I feel like I'm stuck in neutral," or perhaps we've felt that way ourselves at some point. There are many ways we keep ourselves "stuck in neutral," which ultimately has the effect of smothering the vibrancy and uniqueness the soul incarnates in order to express in the world.

During a typical work day, we see neutrality in a variety of ways: endless seas of beige or dull-gray cubicles; wardrobes full of black, blue and beige clothing; glazed stares at the typical corporate meeting; the dull-greenish glare of fluorescent lighting; and the tendency to avoid anything that would cause us to stand out in the midst of neutrality.

While neutrality can be an asset in conflict resolution, decision-making, or interpersonal communication, it can be deadening to creativity, innovation, and joy.

This type of corrosive neutrality can conceal a pull towards conformity, a squelching of unique voice, and a flattening of dynamic expression. It's like smothering a delicate burning ember with a wet wool blanket.

Look around and take a little neutrality survey of your life. How neutral have you become?

How have you used "slinking downward into neutrality" to avoid living your passion, summoning your creativity, or daring to express your own uniqueness? You are a colorful, vibrant, creative being — have you smothered it beneath a wet blanket of neutrality?

Even our wardrobes begin to reflect our deepening neutrality, with many people unconsciously drawing the black, dark blue, beige, or brown suits from the closet, and pulling out the red suit when they're angry or feeling the need to be aggressive. We even accessorize in neutrality, and surround ourselves with neutral 'stuff' to blend in, or avoid standing out.

By consciously bringing more color into our life -- including in our clothing choices and our surroundings, and being mindful of our choices, we allow ourselves not just to feel less anxious and dulled, and more joyful and confident, but also to relate more dynamically, enjoyably and effectively with those around us.

Playing with color can be a fun antidote for those who feel drab, unmotivated, or disconnected from Spirit and creativity. Color is a key component of creating sacred spaces, deeply moving spaces, and creative and inspiring spaces, wherever we are.

Bring more color into your life by first noticing just how neutral you are, and how you choose and are affected by the colors (or lack thereof) around you. Then make conscious choices — based on how you ideally want to feel, in your heart and soul (versus your head, which often feels more comfortable with conformity) — and use color to make a shift.

How does consciously adding color affect your psychology or mood?

• brown can make you feel more grounded (good if you're feeling spacey and disconnected, not so good if you're needing momentum!);
• blue can give you a sense of peace, wisdom and "voice" (good if we're feeling agitated and angry, or silenced);
• red can feel energized and passionate (great if you're feeling bland; not great if you're angry or aggressive);
• turquoise can lend a playful, creative, inquisitive feel;
• green can feel abundant, heartful, prosperous, and creative;
• orange can add a sense of joyfulness, creativity, and vibrancy - and make you feel hungry (and make you nervous or inclined to over-eat!);
• yellow can uplift and enhance focus (or aggravate analytical excess);
• pink can soften hostility or aggression, and enhance loving thoughts (hence the use of a certain shade of pink in certain types of jail cells);
• purple is often associated with royalty, as well as Wisdom and Spirit.

There are easy ways to make your life more colorful:

• colorful wardrobe accents (ties, shirts, socks, or more if you're feeling adventurous),
• colorful pens and markers,
• colorful paper or notebooks,
• colorful Post-It Notes and file folders,
• colorful cups for our coffee or water,
• colorful foods (red bell peppers, orange carrots, yellow squash, green spinach, brown lentils, etc.),
• colorful flowers, or photos or image-collages,
• the colorful present — in the present moment, you're surrounded by color!

What other ways can you color your world, feed your soul, and awaken the creative, playful, joyful being that resides within you and awaits expression?

For more steps you can take to brighten your mood and breathe life into your creativity, check out the other Color Wisdom Series articles from the Ivy Sea Online Wisdom & Mastery portal:

• Color Wisdom - Red
• Color Wisdom - Orange
• Color Wisdom - Yellow
• Color Wisdom - Green
• Color Wisdom - Blue
• Color Wisdom - Purple
• Color Wisdom - Pink
• Beat the blues and master your mood