The color red is directly connected to our emotions and determines how we connect, as well as interact, with others. I often see shades of red around healers and highly empathetic people. When I say healer, I am referring to any kind of healing a person can bring about. This healing often comes from a shaman, surgeon, acupuncturist, massage therapist, or similar type of person. But ultimately, red has no boundaries when it comes to agents of the healing arts.

I have been feeling sad these last few days, which usually causes me to turn inward and retreat from social media. But, I thought it might also be useful to share how I use color energy to help in times like these.

If I feel disconnected from a loved one, or can sense I am avoiding any uncomfortable feelings in my own life, red is the perfect color for me to work with. Red is often associated with love or passion, but to me it invokes emotional awareness of all kinds.

To help get clarity on my emotional state, I will invoke red energy through a variety of ways. This week I visualized red regularly, intending for it to help me understand my emotions better. I would see red light pouring down through my physical body and illuminating me with a red glow. I also wore more red, as a reminder to be mindful of my emotions.

After doing this consistently throughout the week, one thing became clearer to me.

Mainly, I have been ignoring a feeling of helplessness. My mother, who was diagnosed with cancer several months ago, recently started hospice. Hospitals provide hospice when a patient is terminally ill. When a loved one is dealing with an illness, it’s natural to want to swoop in and fix everything for them. But because she lives in Texas, while I am in California, I have been struggling with the guilt of not living closer to her. I am so grateful that my sister lives near her and can help.

I have also been completely overwhelmed by the heartbreaking images and stories of immigrant families being separated at the U.S. borders. I often hear spiritual people say they can’t watch or read the news, and I understand that seeing it happen in real time is upsetting. But ignoring it doesn’t make it go away. It just contributes to a general feeling of helplessness.

So, where does red energy come into play here? Well, it is teaching me that I must take steps to shift this feeling. Although my mom’s health is out of our control, I can take steps to feel more connected. I have been calling her every day to check in, and we do our best to laugh and share old stories. We gave her an iPad a few months ago, but she is not used to using it. Going forward, I will insist that we Facetime more regularly.

I will be going to a rally on June 30th in support of the fair treatment of all immigrants and asylum seekers.

The question I ask you is; if you have been feeling helpless, sad or overwhelmed with emotional energy, ask the color red to reveal how you can transform that energy. Remember that in each of us is a healer who can lend a friend a helping hand, donate to a charity or attend a march for what we believe in.