workings of a thousand piece puzzle

Like a new box of a thousand piece puzzle — receiving a thousand choices of how or where our days may go. Sitting — gazing at the box — stressing how we will bring this puzzle together.

Establishing boundaries of the puzzle — sorting through for end pieces.

Searching the box for straight-edged pieces until borders have been established. Similarly — sorting through our lives for boundaries. Keeping order — confining our choices to the table in front of us — stressing over how the layout may be — assembling varying pieces attempts are we.

Frustration presents — sense of overwhelming fear of how we will get things done. Maybe, like the puzzle — sitting with focused intent sorting through and placing pieces where needed.

But what if they do not fit? Putting the pieces aside — continuing our focused search for the right fit.

Boom! A piece just dropped in without even trying.

People have specific ways of sorting through puzzles of life, just as in the thousand piece puzzle. Some go one piece at a time — matching ‘like’ colors and shapes. Others looking for guidance — studying the box cover for layout and possible placement of a given piece.

There are no rules in doing a thousand piece puzzle — no rules to the puzzle of life.

Is there a right and wrong to work our puzzles? 

Purists may accuse others of cheating, stating, “seeking guidance first takes part of the fun out of working life’s mystery.” 

But what if the color scheme and shapes of pieces are too difficult? 

It does not matter. One piece at a time— sorting through a thousand pieces for that right fit and so on — until an area or section is completed.

Then some do not abide by the rules of puzzle etiquette. Meaning they do not follow one set pattern. Instead — assessing the puzzle color scheme — studying the layout on the cover — allowing an invisible force to take over. No longer doing the puzzle but becoming one with the puzzle — allowing varying methods present.

In contrast, searching for a piece, combing over another with a strong desire to be placed into their masterpiece — they hear a call — pick it up, placing it with others within the puzzle — only to have the piece surface from unused pieces remaining in the box.

Just as in life — trying too hard to place our pieces into proper spaces — inviting frustration into our daily practice. Instead — affixing our intent to a given area — remaining open to other areas unfolding. No time parameters — just allowing ourselves to enjoy the moment of sitting with our puzzle of life.

Some areas taking longer — we allow ourselves to table an area of our lives, while enjoying as the puzzle begins to work through us — placing other pieces into play. Going with the flow, allowing things to play out, breathing, admiring the puzzle before us.

What if the puzzle proves too complicated? or frustration sets in? 

Walk away, take a break. Often just stepping away is enough — allowing our minds reset — returning to the joy within while approaching the table in attempts to assemble the thousand piece puzzle.

Maybe your puzzle is a thousand pieces of white golf balls print. Now what? Taking a bit longer with differing techniques — versus one that has prominent color variations. One proves easier — other lending more challenges. Again, many varying puzzles for many challenges — those chosen, remain with the challenges — willing to tackle.

What if we lose interest in our puzzle? What if we complete it? 

Box it up, store it away, do it again — or get a new puzzle.

The idea — working puzzles is to be present — allowing distractions to fall out of focus. At this moment — focusing on the puzzle at hand — enjoying every piece along the way. Working it for a moment, in length or it’s entirety — gaining a clear picture of what may be.

Stepping into the Canvas with a puzzle piece in hand — placing when and where appropriate. Allowing the rules to dissipate — enjoyment to remain our focus as we place our thousand piece puzzle.

~Ani Po

Reworking the words on this page — in silence I return — to the sounds of Estas Tonne.

Much gratitude for those who take time to read, ponder, and allow the inner workings of self to come forward. Grateful for the feedback, love shared, and, more importantly, the Dance with Inspiration. Deep Peace.

Joseph Lieungh