“What characterised a work of art is that it gives us a sense of our own life in all its colours.”
– Henri Matisse
DEAR readers, for the past two years, I have had the privilege of sharing this space with you, journeying through the intricate, textured landscape of our experiences in the column ‘Life Senses’.
Together, we explored the symphony of our existence: the way laughter tickles our ears, igniting moments of joy that resonate far beyond the sound itself.
We basked in the warmth of a loved one’s embrace, a tangible connection that offers solace and comfort, grounding us in a world often swayed by chaos.
Each sunset we admired painted vibrant strokes across the sky, awakening our eyes to the breathtaking beauty that life unfolds when we take a moment to pause.
Our journey did not stop there; we savoured flavours that danced upon our taste buds, reminding us that nourishment is not merely sustenance but an experience to relish.
The scents of nature – freshly bloomed flowers or rain-soaked earth – served as reminders of life’s simple pleasures, engaging us on a sensory level that words alone cannot capture.
As we peeled back these layers, we came to understand that to truly live is to embrace each sense fully and consciously.
I am endlessly thankful for every heart that opened to my words; together, we co-created something profound that transcends the ordinary, revealing the beauty inherent in our shared human experience.
There’s a Japanese proverb that resonates deeply within me: “The moss does not grow without the rain.”
Over these past two years, I have focused on that rain – those moments of melancholy and joy, of growth and stagnation.
We grounded ourselves in the reality of our lives, recognising that we could not appreciate the lushness of the forest without first experiencing the downpour that nourishes it.
But now, as clouds part and light floods the landscape, I am excited to welcome you to the next chapter: ‘Life Senses in Full Colour’.
Why ‘Full Colour’? Because life is a vibrant tapestry woven of myriad experiences, emotions, and revelations. It is not simply the glowing yellow of joy or the somber grey of sorrow; it embodies the indigo of midnight musings, the fiery orange of adventure, and the gentle green of hope.
In this new exploration, we will not merely observe life – we will dive headfirst, heart next, into its kaleidoscopic embrace, reveling in every hue that comprises our existence.
This transformation is not just a rebranding; it is a promise to live authentically, to embrace every facet of our human experience.
How often do we find ourselves editing our stories, filtering out the darker shades to present only the bright, polished moments?
Yet, in doing so, we risk losing depth, richness, and, ultimately, ourselves. Paintings with a single hue lack dimension, and our lives are no different.
‘Life Senses in Full Colour’ is an invitation to honour the entirety of our emotional spectrum – the blues of heartbreak and the golds of triumph, the fiery reds of passion intertwined with the soft pastels of gentle contentment.
As we embark on this vibrant journey, we will explore from the blank page of January’s potential to the depths of the unseen spectrum that lie ahead.
Each month, we will dive into a new facet of life – strengthening bonds, nourishing creativity, embracing wisdom, and unveiling the beauty hidden in subtlety.
We will honour the contrasts that shape who we are, delving into themes that resonate with every heart, reminding us that a life lived fully is a canvas splashed with a diversity of colours.
Your pain is as real as your joy; your fears are as tangible as your dreams. This column is a sanctuary for those myriad feelings – a place where you can let down your guard, breathe deeply, and discover the fullness of your heart.
Together, we will immerse ourselves in profound truths, recognise the connections that bind us, and celebrate the uniqueness of our journeys.
Welcome to ‘Life Senses in Full Colour’, a column dedicated to illuminating the kaleidoscope of our human experience. This journey invites you to awaken from the monochromatic slumber of autopilot living, urging you to engage, embrace, and ultimately transform the ordinary moments of life into vivid tapestries of emotion, insight, and growth.
As we embark on this adventure together, the metaphor of the colour spectrum will guide us through the development of a rich and fulfilling life.
Each month, we will delve into a specific hue, exploring its profound significance and how it resonates with our day-to-day experiences.
Life, after all, is not merely a series of sequential events or a timeline of accomplishments; it is a vibrant amalgamation of experiences, akin to a masterful painting, where the delicacy of each brushstroke contributes to an extraordinary whole.
January, with its pristine whiteness, symbolises new beginnings – an empty canvas eager for the first strokes of your unique narrative.
It beckons you to confront the truth of your life, to examine the world without colour as a necessary precursor to vibrant living.
Here, we dissect what it means to exist in a monochrome reality – where clarity shines through absence, where every choice and boundary becomes starkly defined.
As we unveil the potential hidden in whiteness, we will reflect on the subtle shifts of light and shadow, recognising that one cannot exist without the other. It is through this examination that we clear the space to add our unique hues.
As we progress through the months, we will transition seamlessly between the colours of the visible spectrum, embarking on a journey rich in emotional connection.
In February, we will pulse with the vitality of Red, grounding ourselves in the essence of passion – fostering a courageous approach to life.
March will inspire us to connect through the warmth of Orange, where creativity ignites community, reminding us that we are never alone navigators on this journey.
Each month’s exploration will not just linger in the abstract but invite you to reflect on your own life – a necessary dialogue that promises not merely to entertain but to resonate deeply with your soul.
Yet, Life Senses in Full Colour will not shy away from the invisible spectrum – the profound depths that lie beneath the surface of our everyday experiences.
In September, we will explore Infrared – the warmth of empathy and emotional intelligence, connecting us in ways unseen yet deeply felt.
The wisdom of the unseen will reveal itself in October, as we uncover the ultraviolet truths hidden in the fabric of our lives – the intricate patterns that shape our existence.
In the annual cycle of our exploration, we must also embrace the realities of life’s darker shades. As we turn to November’s Infinite Grey, we will unveil the beauty of nuance and the quiet strength found in compromise, acknowledging that life is not simply black and white.
By December, we will embrace the Velvet Void – finding solace in rest, reflection, and silence as we prepare ourselves for the cycle to renew.
In a world ripe with colour yet often overlooked, may ‘Life Senses in Full Colour’ be your guiding companion, illuminating the path toward a richer, more vibrant existence. Grab your palette; your life awaits transformation.
Dear reader, welcome to ‘Life Senses in Full Colour’…are you ready to embrace the full colour of your being? Let us begin this heartfelt journey together, and may your days become a radiant expression of all that you are meant to be.
In gratitude for the beautiful tapestry of life, we are reminded that each experience enriches who we are.
As the song of the universe plays on: ‘Gratitude for life fills our senses with colour, illuminating even the darkest corners of our soul.’
May we embrace every note, every colour, and every story that shapes our existence.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at lawleepoh@gmail.com.
