In yogic philosophy, colours are linked to the chakra system, with each energy centre associated with a specific hue and emotional quality. Individual colours symbolise different states of consciousness and mental tendencies. Working with them through visualisation or focused awareness helps guide prana and stabilise emotional patterns. When breath, posture, and colour awareness work together, the mind experiences greater clarity and balance.
Ten simple and practical ways to use colour in yoga practice.
1. Visualization during Pranayama
As you inhale, imagine a calming or energising colour entering the body. As you exhale, visualise tension leaving as a dull or dark shade. This helps quiet the mind and enhance relaxation.
2. Chakra-Based Colour Meditation
Focus on the colour linked to a specific chakra during meditation — red for grounding, green for healing, or violet for stillness — to balance emotional and energetic states.
3. Choosing Practice Clothing by Intention
Wear colours that match your emotional need: blue or green for calm, yellow for confidence, red for grounding, or white for clarity.
4. Using Coloured Yoga Props
Select mats, blocks, straps, or bolsters in chakra colours to reinforce your practice focus and create visual harmony.
5. Creating a Colour-Themed Practice Space
Use soft lighting, wall tones, or natural elements in calming colours to make your yoga area more inviting and peaceful.
6. Pairing Asanas with Colour Awareness
Visualise the colour of the chakra related to the pose you are practising, such as green in heart-opening poses or blue in seated stretches.
7. Colour and Mantra Integration
Repeat a mantra while visualising its associated colour, strengthening mental focus and emotional connection.
8. Guided Relaxation (Savasana)
During final relaxation, imagine waves of soothing colour flowing through the body from head to toe, promoting deep rest.
9. Breath and Colour for Emotional Regulation
When feeling anxious, try to practice slow breathing with blue or green imagery. When feeling dull or low in energy, use yellow or orange tones.
10. Journaling after Practice
Use coloured pens or pencils to write or draw how you feel after yoga. This helps reflect emotional changes and deepen self-awareness.
Using colour in yoga does not require special equipment or advanced techniques. Even subtle awareness of hue can enhance relaxation, improve focus, and support emotional balance.
When breath, movement, and colour work together, yoga becomes a truly sensory practice of harmony.