How to Live into the Turquoise Light of Love

Shadows and light coexist—falsehoods driven by ego and fear blend with Spirit-filled and trustworthy truths.

As we celebrate this season of Christ’s birth, both in the world and within our hearts, I ponder a playful yet profound question:

What color was Christ’s heart?

I’m not talking about the shade of his outer skin but the color of his essence—his inner being.

What if Jesus’ heart was turquoise?

It stands for unity, wholeness, and divine creativity, weaving together tranquility and vitality.

Could Jesus’ inner life radiate this brilliance?

Does Christ’s essence, transcending human divisions and biases, shine with the unitive power of turquoise—a color that call us beyond black-and-white (I’m right and you’re wrong) thinking into the harmony of God’s boundless love?

     The Lesson from a Misstep: Words Matter

Seven years ago, I learned a humbling lesson about the power of words.

During a spiritual direction client session, I was certain I had the perfect insight to help him resolve a problem. Eagerly, I shared my opinion.

Despite my good intentions, my words shifted the focus away from the client’s discernment process. Later, he explained that my comments had muddled his clarity and left him feeling unheard. He decided to end our spiritual direction relationship.

It stung, but it became a turning point for me. I realized a profound truth: we are only workers in the vineyard of life—not messiahs.

As Bishop Ken Untener wrote in a sermon: “We are prophets of a future not our own.” Our role is to listen, guide, and hold space for others—not impose our opinions or beliefs.

Jim Finley, one of my teachers at the Richard Rohr Living School, often reminded us to listen to the Holy Spirit before speaking so we can transcend our egos, fears, and frustrations.

Once words are spoken, like toothpaste squeezed from a tube, they can’t be taken back.

Thomas Merton simply captured this truth: “We cannot be prophets and politicians simultaneously.”

This experience taught me to hold space for others with an open heart, allowing God’s voice—not mine—to take center stage.

Our Worldview: A Journey of Unfolding Consciousness

At the Living School, Rohr introduced us to Ken Wilber’s writings on the levels of consciousness, which describe the stages of awareness or understanding we move through on our spiritual journey.

Each level, associated with a specific color, shapes our worldview—how we perceive God, ourselves, and others. 

Every stage brings both strengths and weaknesses—its light and its shadow.

The Levels of Awareness and Growth

Red

Rooted in community and striving for the common good, this level promotes actions that serve the group’s best interests.

However, it can fall into tribalism, excluding those seen as not “belonging.”

For example, a neighborhood association might unite residents to improve local parks and safety but exclude newcomers who don’t share the group’s long-standing beliefs or customs. “You’re not part of our tribe,” this level might suggest.

Blue

Anchored in devotion, worship, and faith, this level provides structure and order.

But it can become rigid and rule-bound, turning faith into an exclusive country club.

For example, a church may offer stability through rituals and doctrine but alienate those who don’t conform to its rules. “You need to follow our rules, or you don’t belong with us,” the members at this level might declare.

Green

Valuing social justice and intellect, this level champions the protection of individual rights.

However, it can slip into “mean green,” dismissing opposing views and censoring those who disagree.

For example, a college discussion group might encourage diverse viewpoints but shut down someone offering an unpopular or different opinion. “We’re right, and you’re wrong,” the members at this level might shout, “and if you don’t agree, you’ll be ridiculed and silenced.”

Turquoise

Rohr and Wilber teach that the goal of human awareness is to transcend and include—to integrate the gifts of each stage while releasing their shadows.

This evolution eventually leads to the Turquoise level of consciousness.

The Turquoise Heart of Christ

The Turquoise stage represents a unitive, integrative way of being. Here, one transcends dualities and holds space for paradox and mystery. 

At this level, we see the interconnectedness of all things and allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, weaving unity into our humanity. 

Jesus modeled this Turquoise consciousness. Fully human and fully divine, he lived the law of love in every interaction.  

He embodied the Red’s common good, seeking to make sure individual rights did not conflict with or supersede what was best for everyone.

Jesus honored the Blue’s devotion, worshiping the Father with deep reverence.

He embraced the Green’s intellectual depth, responding to challenges with wisdom and wit.

He transcended and included these levels of awareness, integrating their gifts into the fullness of his being while avoiding the shadow side of these levels of consciousness.

Through the Spirit’s guidance, Jesus demonstrated the dance of divine harmony. His ego stepped aside, allowing love to lead him. 

He taught us how to embody the “I Am”—the Divine Presence—through words and actions infused with God’s wisdom, love, and grace.

An Invitation to Transcend and Grow

As we reflect on Christ’s birth this season and prepare to move into the New Year take a moment to ask yourself:

What level of consciousness do I typically live from?

Are there areas where I’m limited by fear or where I’m stuck by my false ego?

How can I gently release these limitations and move toward a higher level of awareness—one that aligns with the essence of unity, creativity, and compassion?

Imagine what it would be like to live with a turquoise heart—where openness and grace define our interactions, dissolving the ego-driven fears and frustrations that divide us. 

What would it look like to hold space for others with such unconditional love that healing and understanding become possible amid division?

Could it be that the essence of Jesus was a turquoise consciousness—a state of being that transcends human boundaries and unites the diversity of humanity in a radiant tapestry of love?

During this New Year, let’s open our hearts to embody the turquoise way of life—a life where unity, creativity, and compassion freely flow.

Let’s choose our words and actions with the care of divine artists, shaping a world influenced by the Spirit’s wisdom.

As we transcend our fears and release false egos, we make room for the divine dance within us—a sacred rhythm that draws us closer to God, to ourselves, and to one another.

May our hearts, like Christ’s, shine with the brilliance of turquoise.

May this Christmas season guide us during the New Year toward the transformative power of unconditional love, healing, and unity—an energetic force that will change the world and establish peace on earth, and goodwill to all people.

—brian plachta
brianplachta.com

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