A Puzzling Creative Mystery Solved!
“There are no extra pieces in the universe. Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill, and every piece must fit into the big jigsaw puzzle.” - Deepak Chopra
Last week I went to the library, and on my way out I passed a table with a huge ‘community’ jigsaw puzzle on it. I didn’t see any sort of box nearby showing a picture of what the puzzle would become. I only saw that someone had assembled the outer ‘border’ of the puzzle, leaving a big hole in the center where the picture should be. Hundreds of pieces lay jumbled around it.
A voice inside me said, Take a photo of this. You might be able to use it for your blog.
So I took the above snapshot. I had no idea how I might use it. I left the library trusting that The Muse would reveal the answers. And she did, today, when I returned to the library and saw…
Wait! Before I continue…
What is it about puzzles that make them so universally loved, especially by children? Like Hide-and-Seek, why do we gravitate toward these games? Clearly they hold the secrets of the universe!
Here are some lessons puzzles teach us about the creative journey:
1. Have a sense of the ‘Big Picture’ before you begin. (Your project, goals, life.)
2. The fun of creating (and of the journey) is in building the puzzle, one piece at a time, until the ‘vision’ is complete.
3. Patience is necessary.
4. One piece (or person) seems insignificant, but when linked with another piece great things happen. If one piece is missing, the ‘Big Picture’ isn’t complete.
5. Have faith. Sometimes we cram two pieces together that don’t quite fit. Puzzles teach us to trust that the perfect fit is somewhere in the jumble. Live the mystery and the answer will come…
Okay…let’s get back to our story…
This morning I returned to the library, and to my surprise saw that the puzzle was not only still there, it was almost complete.
I almost gasped when I saw it. I felt a mysterious validation, like a wink from The Muse, rewarding me for trusting her.
The ‘Big Picture’ on the puzzle wasn’t a landscape, or a picture of horses, or a cartoon of Tweety Bird.
It was, of all things, a painting of…
what looks like…
could it be…?
maybe…
…a cafe?
What do you think? Leave a comment!
Thanks Mark. This posts give me a lot of inspiration.
Recently, I’m looking for a game to play that could train myself to be a successful person (not just in business). I think puzzle will be the perfect game for me out of all the benefits you written.
I think I will buy a set of puzzle tomorrow and start playing with it. Patience is always one of my biggest weakness. My father used to ask me to clear weeds in our garden to train my patience.
Thanks! Those 5 points gave me an “Ah-Ha” moment!
Hi Mark,
WOW! Your muse really spoke to you this time. A cafe. How ironic, or was it?
I, too, love puzzles. Our local hospital always has one in their lobby. Like you said, people are drawn to it, plus it helps take their mind off of their friends or family members who may be ill.
Ha ha! They made it easy for you. = )
Hi Mark,
a big-picture idea: one day, I hope you’ll take these postings and publish a book. I really enjoy them and I think they speak to the struggle we all encounter. It’s one thing to flirt with a muse, but you get down on your knees and do some serious gardening with yours. We’re just lucky enough to see the blossoms. Not a puzzle, just a picture.
Take care,
Lisa Beth
Hi Alex - I’m so glad you liked the post. Thanks for commenting. Go get that puzzle! I’m sure it will teach you some patience, and you don’t have to get your hands dirty!
I hear Monopoly is a good training ground for budding businessmen.
Barbara - yeah! Can you feel it? I definitely had one of those ‘woo-woo’ kind of moments there when I saw the puzzle finished. Glad you brought that up about the hospital. Such a great way to get your mind off of something troubling.
Cliff - I swear, they didn’t know I was returning!
Lisa Beth - Ha! Nicely written, my friend. And, aw, you’re too kind! Thank you for the big-picture idea. I’ve definitely got that in the back of my mind. As for my connection to the Muse, trust me, this is a work-in-progress. If I’m going to post this stuff I’ve got to try to live it. I’m glad you like the posts. Your next virtual coffee is on the house.
Well said, Mark. The puzzle seems the perfect tie in to you and your blog. You may consider changing the photo on the right to the puzzle piece version from the library. Talk about a nod from the universe. And how encouraging it was almost done. Did you add the remaining pieces? I think it was waiting for you to effortlessly finish the work (not “The Work” but the work).
Hi Amylia…thanks for chiming in. You know, I didn’t finish the puzzle. I took the photo and liked the way it looked with a few missing pieces and didn’t have time to sit and finish it! But you’re right - I probably should have.
How cool that it was a cafe! You are so right in that life is like a puzzle. One of the things that is good about it is that you do know what the goal is and what it is going to look like BUT there are endless ways to get there. Some folks start with the frame, others start with a certain part of the picture. Isn’t that like life as well? There are many ways to acheive a goal. You have to go with the one that suits you as a person and allows you to use your tallents and passions.
Great post.
:O)
Laurie - excellent points! Good stuff.