Ask anyone who knows me, I am a fan of puzzles and mysteries. I love figuring out the unknown and researching information, be it about ancient mysteries, new recipes or the answer to that pesky trivia question. I have stayed into the wee hours of the morning trying to place those last few pieces of the 2000 piece jigsaw puzzle just because I cannot bear to wait to see the big picture.
My curiousity about the nature of this life and the great beyond has taken me on many a trek through books, movies and classes. I have studied many religions along with metaphysical authours of fantasy and true experience. No clear answer has manifested to date as to what our human purpose is and whether there is a next life after this one (although I’m fairly certain there is just on faith.)
The other day a client told me about a class she completed, one of many on her long list and how she was frustrated with herself for “having done nothing with the information”. I admitted to her that I used to get mad at myself for taking classes and “doing nothing with them” too.
Over the years I have come to recognize that the answers I am seeking are not to be found in one course or one book. There is not going to be a grand EUREEKA moment where an apple falls on my head and I suddenly understand the mysteries of the Universe. No, that is not going to happen.
I have come to realize that every learning experience I partake in provides me with a single puzzle piece. I have gathered many segments throughout the years. They are a variety of shapes and sizes, some fitting and some with obvious importance but no definite linkage to the rest. I glimpse portions of the picture complete but cannot see the whole thing. I have gathered bits of the picture, all manner of colour and shape from a plethora of cultures, belief systems and adventures. I am an excellent riddler and a problem solve by profession yet I don’t have the answer.
You see the difficulty with this particular jigsaw is it doesn’t come with a box lid. It is more akin to purchasing a 3000 piece puzzle in a zip lock bag from a flea market. You don’t get to see the big picture. You put random pieces together here and there. They are willy nilly; a chunk of sky here, earth there and maybe the shadow of a being something solid to build upon.
I have come to the conclusion that I won’t get to see the full picture in this lifetime. The final masterpiece will be revealed to me on the other side. In the meantime, I enjoy the beauty of the masterpiece in glimpses. I stare in wonder at the parts of have cojoined and share my vision with other fascinating souls along the way.
I have quit admonishing myself that I am not DOING SOMETHING with every class that I take. I trust that when I am called to attend a lecture or sign up for yet another class, I am there for a reason. At times, it is to meet a spectacular traveller who has that missing piece that joins one seemingly separate section to the next, widening my understanding of the view.
I’ve decided that the best way to play this game is to enjoy the beauty in each lovely piece that comes my way and let the big picture build itself all in its good time.
Life is a game, play it! <3 <3 <3
