Contemplations on Color and Clarity

by Gail Ferraioli

I remember as a child thinking about how each person sees colors uniquely. The experience of color is part of our genetic, historical, and emotional make-up and reflects our focus in any given moment.  This understanding was heightened a few years ago when I began experimenting with pastels in an art class. Suddenly, every landscape I walked though or rode by took on new dimensions of shade and light, background and foreground, texture and outline, deepening my experience of color as infinitely multi-facetted – which made real for me even the possibility of “hearing” colors.

When I consulted years ago with Kerry Stich, a friend who is a color analyst, I learned to experience the many dimensions of color as she kindly listened to how I responded to the ones that call to me, even as she encouraged me to open to other of my own inner array of colors.

In my private practice, Clarity Mediations, I guide the healing of relationships of couples, of families, and of the conflicts within individuals.  Through many modalities in which I was trained, including mindfulness, meditation, therapy, mediation, non-violent communication, restorative justice and peace circles, I support each person to hear the “still small voice within”, to see their true colors, to accept their own lightness and darkness, and to understand that how they see may be very different from how others see – and see them or issues between them. In the safe space of my office, people discover the inner landscapes of their partners and accept the uniqueness of their colors – the expressions of their personal palette, that are also influenced by the unique interplay of their genetics, history, emotions, health and attention.

When people sincerely endeavor to resolve the conflicts in their own soul, they are able to transform their relationships with their partners, their families, non-related significant individuals in their life, their faith and other communities, and even their relationship with the world.

I am privileged to work with so many people who are willing to explore the depths of their being and the space between them and others. Their transformational acceptance and embrace of the spectrum of colors within, between and around them becomes a powerful force for good, for grace and for gratitude.

I am grateful to Kerry for sharing her talents in a way that highlighted my personal color preferences and opened my acceptance of colors that reflects other aspects of my personality – letting me “own” them too, with the kind of compassion that I help others direct toward themselves.

My practice is one of healing and deepening of people’s awareness, of their growth and journey of acceptance of self and others through life and love – which together encompass all colors – distinct and blended – all variances of light and shadows.  It is a process that is intrapersonal, transpersonal, transformative and transcendent. By guiding people with compassion to listen, reflect and suspend judgment of themselves and others, they learn to see a clear way to live with deeper inner peace, and connection to others and the world. These are among the ways that I bring “Clarity” to that intricate and colorful journey.