Through our eyes and beyond; light and color

Photograph of a pink Lily in an abstract dance.

     The definition of light is nothing short of complex.  At the most basic light is a type of energy called electromagnetic radiation.  So it has an electrical component and a magnetic one.  And then photons get involved.  Humans can see the difference in photon energy levels.  This effect is color.  And that is technical enough for today.

     The way our eyes are constructed light and its energy don't just go to the visual cortex in the brain.  Nerves from the retina also go to the hypothalamus.  This is important because the hypothalamus is a small organ that regulates several life-sustaining functions such as the control of our autonomic nervous system, our energy levels, cycles of rest and activity, just to name a few.  The incoming light waves also effects our pineal gland, which works to regulate our behavior patterns.  The energy of light and color is an energy to take notice of in our daily living.

     How we as humans respond to color is a deep and interesting science.  Add to it that few people will see colors exactly the same.  I might see more yellow in orange and you might see more red.  Age and aging also impact how we see colors.  Our color preferences and cultural influences also affect how we respond to color.  There's more to color than what we might think.

     Next post I want to talk more about the various factors that impact how we respond to color and ultimately how we use it in our nomes, places of work and our lives in general.