As we come out of the winter and six months of a very monochrome world of white and black it is wonderful to see the colours of life once again. Those life colours will reappear as we gradually emerge from the constraints of the recent few weeks. They are the colours of life and of hope.
Life is represented by two complementary colours, green and red. We all recognize the difference between the true life-force greens and reds on one hand and the garish reds and greens inflicted on us by the design, fashion and manufacturing worlds. One does not substitute for the other.
We often hear glowing reports of the return of green to the world as spring advances. Pale and dusty green, bright emerald green and all the tones in between emerge as new growth starts and plant life is impatient to be released in the world once again. While the winter evergreens showed a green that is often so dark as to appear black in the pale winter light, their new growth is a very different green; a very welcome green indeed. But all are true life-colour greens.
Red, in all of its shades from the palest pink to blood red, is the signature colour of animal and human life. This red is not a colour that we see very often during the winter which is why it is so very welcome as the air warms. It is a colour that our minds are programmed to appreciate. This red is most clearly seen in the tints of bare skin in the sunshine. Skin of all shades from ivory to ebony is always touched by the underlying red.
One of the greatest joys of naturism is the opportunity for the child in each of us to slip out of those sombre winter colours that cover our bodies for several months and reveal the colours of life once again. As we step out of the last garment we create a slim edge of life-colour in that boundary between the newly uncovered brown earth and the blue-grey skies.
Even as the shades of green advance to take over the world, the naturists ensure that the two life colours live in harmony. The green of the forests is the perfect background for the beautiful skin colours that are truly the sign of the best that life has to offer.
When you are first able to go outside to relax and enjoy the feel of the sun and breezes on your skin, give some thought to how those two life colours go so well with the background blues of the sky and the water. Have a great summer.
Ted Thompson
President, Ottawa Naturists / Nautristes de l’Outaouais