The other night I completed the most difficult jigsaw puzzle that I’ve ever undertaken—Vasari’s “Florentia”. Its 500 tiny pieces have only two basic shapes, all alike, all fitting into each other. None of my usual strategies, including matching pictorial details, worked in any consistent way. But I kept at it, very sloooooowly, and then, to my surprise, I only had 35 pieces to go. With a renewed adrenalin surge on my part, all the pieces fell into place.
You may be thinking that the point I’m trying to make through this vignette is about sticking with something to its conclusion, otherwise known as, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Sure I feel good about completing the puzzle, but no, I want you to know that working on a jigsaw puzzle gives me a feeling of peace.
This marvelous, solitary activity supports my decision to live more fully in silence, solitude and simplicity. I have purposely chosen not to take on many hobbies or long-term obligations, either at home or in the community. I have enough to do. I read, write, and meditate; I cook, clean and tend the house; I help people who can't get out and about easily; I spend time with friends and family. That is plenty as I strive for a simple existence, with a quiet balance between doing and being. The challenge--what to do with my time without filling my mind with too much thinking?
Working on a jigsaw puzzle releases the chatter in my head. When I’m working piece-by-piece, I am more in the present moment that most other times in my day. Peace-by-piece is what I experience.
You may be thinking that the point I’m trying to make through this vignette is about sticking with something to its conclusion, otherwise known as, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Sure I feel good about completing the puzzle, but no, I want you to know that working on a jigsaw puzzle gives me a feeling of peace.
This marvelous, solitary activity supports my decision to live more fully in silence, solitude and simplicity. I have purposely chosen not to take on many hobbies or long-term obligations, either at home or in the community. I have enough to do. I read, write, and meditate; I cook, clean and tend the house; I help people who can't get out and about easily; I spend time with friends and family. That is plenty as I strive for a simple existence, with a quiet balance between doing and being. The challenge--what to do with my time without filling my mind with too much thinking?
Working on a jigsaw puzzle releases the chatter in my head. When I’m working piece-by-piece, I am more in the present moment that most other times in my day. Peace-by-piece is what I experience.