A puzzle as its own mirror: What do I experience when putting together the pieces of an unfamiliar picture?
Recently, I was standing in the toy aisle of a toy store, staring at a 1000-piece puzzle of an unknown painting. It wasn't a picture that caught my eye—in fact, I couldn't put my finger on it—but I was intrigued by the idea of immersing myself in something unfamiliar. Plus, it was either that or finally solving the mystery of a work task that seemed hopeless or challenging to think about right now.
I figured I'd step away from my responsibilities for a while and stop with a simple activity.
So, armed with a mystery puzzle and a cup of chamomile tea, I cleared the dining room table and began to sort the pieces slowly and deliberately. The edges were in one pile, the sky-coloured pieces in another, and the rogue piece that somehow ended up in my shoe—don't ask.
As I connected the pieces piece by piece, I noticed that something unexpected was happening. The world around me was receding into the background. The annoying email notifications, the laundry that had been patiently waiting since last Tuesday, even the latest plot twist in my favorite TV show - it all fell silent.
It was just me and this puzzle, engaging in quiet conversation.
The beauty of the unknown
For me, working on an unknown image meant that I had no preconceived notion of what the final image would look like. There was a certain freedom in that - a freedom from expectations.
It made me think about how we often rush through life, trying to fit the pieces together according to the image we think we should create. But what if we allowed ourselves to explore without a plan?
As the hours passed (and the tea cooled), I began to see parallels between the puzzle and my own life. Each piece I put together was like an insight into myself. The frustrating moments when two nearly identical pieces didn't fit together reminded me of the times I tried to push through things that shouldn't have been. On the other hand, the satisfaction of finding the right connection reminded AHA of the moments when everything fits together.
Moments of clarity in chaos
At one point, my dog decided to nag me and demand attention with a toy under the table - because of course the universe couldn't resist adding a dash of chaos to the smooth puzzle. Instead of shooing him away, I took it as a cue to stop. I realized that, like a puzzle, my life is a mixture of deliberate actions and unexpected interruptions. And sometimes it's in those interruptions where the magic happens (or at least where the dog gets the extra experience of being petted and chased around the apartment).
This quiet activity has become a mirror reflecting my thoughts and feelings. It was meditative, almost therapeutic. By focusing on something tangible, my mind had room to wander freely. I found myself thinking about my goals, but not under the pressure of having to figure everything out, but with a gentle curiosity.
Tips for your own puzzle journey...
1.Choose a puzzle that speaks to you - or doesn't. Choose a picture that intrigues you - or is completely mysterious. The key is to make it interesting without overwhelming you.
2. The mood must be favorable. Create a comfortable space. Light a scented candle, play soft music, or give yourself silence. And remember that your pets tend to snooze!
3. Embrace the process. Take your time. Allow yourself to get lost in the activity. It's not about getting things done, it's about being present.
4. Think gently. As you work, notice where your mind is going. Are there any thoughts or ideas coming up? It may be your inner self prompting you to do something important.
5. Practice gratitude. Take a moment to be grateful for the time you have set aside for yourself. It's a gift that you can slow down.
Compiling self-care
In a world that often resembles a 10,000-piece jigsaw puzzle, finding activities that ground us is essential. Putting puzzles together was more than just fun; it was a form of self-care, a way to reconnect with myself in a gentle and enjoyable way.
And who knew? When I put down the last piece (which I found on the floor under my desk after a mild panic attack), I not only had a beautiful picture in front of me but also a renewed sense of clarity and peace.
So here's to the small moments, the quiet activities, and the unexpected ways we find ourselves.
And when all else fails, maybe along the way we'll at least solve the great mystery of our jobs or the family disaster that keeps you up at night...
Are you one of those who like to put together a messy puzzle? What images attract you the most and why?
Let me know in the comments...
