Life is the ultimate jigsaw puzzle!

I love building jigsaw puzzles; I started a new one on Saturday morning. It's 750 pieces, 38in by 11in,a  beautiful picture of songbirds sitting on a fence.The puzzle is spread out on the dining table,and as I work on it, I can hear a symphony of live birds coming from the nearby bushes and trees.They don't make sad sounds; they are always chirping a happy tune.

Anyway,back to puzzle-making......it's such a relaxing hobby for me, it helps  to quiet the mind and keep it  focused on building the picture.Sometimes I find myself chanting or singing as I sort out the pieces; and there is such a simple pleasure when the picture begins to take shape. One of the lessons I have learned in puzzle-making is to have patience; it takes a lot of time before I can admire the finished product.

Yesterday, my son asked what process I use in building the puzzle.I never thought about it before. Is there only one way or do others have some other strategy?  Usually, I look for the ends,and get the outline, then I look for similar colours and start building a particular scene such as the sky or in this case, the birds. It's helpful in watching how the mind works.

One of the reasons I love doing puzzles is that it reminds me of my mother;she was a champion puzzle-maker! She had a sharp eye for colour and shapes; and she was ever so happy when she got a puzzle as a gift. I have also noticed that my daughter is quite good at helping me, we completed  a 3000 piece together, so maybe, we have a gene for puzzle-making in the family.!

Putting the puzzle pieces together makes me think of how life is made up of different situations,events, circumstances; sometimes you don't see the immediate connection, but as time moves forward, a picture comes together. You begin to see and trust that your life is part of a larger picture;and just as every little puzzle piece is important, so too,every individual life is important in the grand scheme of things. 

Does that make sense at all? Take time to listen to the birds; reflect and enjoy the  puzzle pieces of your life. 

peace and love

Reena

Are you excited about your own journey?

Life is a journey, not a destination......I am sure you have heard or read this saying before.  I was reminded of it  on Saturday night as I joined  in  satsang. I am always amazed by the profound effect satsang has on me. I look forward to the evening knowing that I am going to be uplifted by focusing on a spiritual practice that has been a lifeline over the years. No matter what has happened during the day, or week, I can count on feeling joyful, contented and energised as I immerse myself in prayer, chanting and meditation.

I try to make time for spiritual activity on a daily basis as I seek to enjoy the journey. Over the years, I must say that  participating in satsang has been a great sustenance. It has helped me to understand how important it is to have a deeper connection with a Higher Power. I am  learning  to look at life from all angles and to appreciate the challenges that come my way as opportunity  for growth.

There are different paths we can follow to make that connection.You choose what resonates within you, what inspires you to be a better person, what offers an exciting perspective to life. Have you found such a path? If so, follow it with all your heart, and open yourself to the Grace that flows.  

May we all find our path to true happiness.

Have a blessed day!

Reena