The Torah states, “I am black and beautiful” (Songs of Songs 1:5). Black is one of the most majestic of colors. It portrays simplicity while radiating depth. It bespeaks inner beauty while presenting an aura of mystery and suspense. Black is unique in that, whereas it absorbs all colors and therefore has the positive energy of all the colors, essentially it represents the absence of color. For black represents pure negation, the ability to set oneself aside and to be able to receive from others without feeling degraded.
As such, black is the pathway to true acceptance. The highest level of connection to which a human being can aspire is the level of true acceptance. Moses was the greatest of all prophets because he was God’s faithful servant. His sole desire was to do the will of God. The ability to accept what life sends our way, without feeling angry, depressed or out of balance, is the sign of true spiritual perfection. The ability to accept our family members and friends just as they are, without being judgmental or negative, without focusing on their faults, is the source of truly harmonious relationships, as Solomon, wisest of all men, wrote, “Just as water reflects the face one shows it, so too one’s heart reflects the feelings of one’s friend” (Proverbs 27:19). The ability to accept ourselves, to be totally open to ourselves and to the good within us, to flow with all our talents and capabilities while remaining responsible, refreshed and aware of our infinite potential, is the zenith of personal self-development.
One who can accept – from G-d, from other individuals and from himself – feels worthy and is open to positive self-choice; he is optimistic, adaptable and approachable by others.
Just as the dark-black night sky accents the beauty of the stars and galaxies, so too does the ability to accept enhance all of our manifold talents and abilities. With the following visualization of a night sky, we can learn to tune in to true acceptance of ourselves and others.
Black
Exercise I
For the next sixty seconds, please look with total focus at the black sky pictured here, holding one hand on your forehead and your second hand on the back of your head, opposite your eyes. As you look at the picture, breathe calmly and deeply.
Relax your arms for half a minute.
Exercise II
Again, place your hands in position and read aloud as you think about the following “statement of choice.” At each pause to breathe, take a deep breath and take another look at the picture:
I choose to connect [breathe] to the healing power of the color black [breathe] in order to release all self-punishing behaviors, [breathe] all self-destructive behaviors, [breathe] and all self-denigrating behaviors or perceptions [breathe] that block my ability to create positive, true acceptance of myself and others [breathe].
And I choose to connect [breathe] to total positive acceptance [breathe] of the will of God, [breathe] and of the will of my family and friends, [breathe] via the healing power of the color black, [breathe] in order to reveal my inner beauty and majesty, [breathe] to portray simplicity while radiating depth, [breathe] to open myself up to all positive energies from my environment [breathe] that I can use to achieve my mission in life, [breathe] while accepting others without being judgmental or negative [breathe].
Relax your arms for half a minute.
Exercise III
Once more, place your hands in position. Read aloud as you think about the following “statement of choice.” At each pause to breathe, take a deep breath and take another look at the picture:
Any time in the future [breathe] when I chance to see the color black, [breathe] whether it be the black nighttime sky, [breathe] a friend wearing a black suit, [breathe] a black car, [breathe] or any black object, [breathe] I choose to rearouse the powerful positive energy created by this visualization [breathe] to re-enhance my connection to inner strength and purpose, [breathe] to be totally accepting of myself and others, [breathe] with faith and trust, [breathe] in all areas of life, relationships, learning experiences and endeavor [breathe].
Relax your arms for half a minute.
