Deep Dive: We Are the Lotus Kids by Monique Munoz

Monique is a visionary artist and digital illustrator from Toronto, Ontario. Extracting wisdom and emotions from personal experiences and inner work, Monique excels at drawing out psychological archetypes within magical & mystical worlds dripping with saturated hues. We Are the Lotus Kids is one of her favourite pieces. She writes:

We are born as innocent children and as we grow older we let that innocence slip away.  As hard as life gets, there are people who will remember the innocence and compassion that we were all born with. It’s the simplest lesson but it’s hardest to practice in a busy society. It requires patience and discipline. But once we start practicing, it will come easy to us and we remember, “Oh ya, I knew this all along.”

Whimsies in this extra large are linked to themes of compassion, enlightenment, nature and eastern mystical spirituality. Be forewarned: as is the case for those seeking enlightenment, the path chosen is fraught with challenges, twists and turns. This puzzle is not for the faint of heart nor the meek minded! We pulled out all the tricks in this puzzle: line cuts, small pieces, an irregular non-rectangular edge, symmetry and spirals.

Links

Lightly watermarked reference image
Note, reference images are watermarked to prevent unauthorized printing of our artist's work, as well as copycat puzzles which have become common since 2020.

Monique's Etsy Shop

Shop: Monique Munoz - We Are the Lotus Kids

Puzzle Design Notes

While a designer has no favourites, this particular design holds a special place in my heart.

One of the very first aspects that drew me into the art, was the relationship between the young child and the adult. The resemblance and enacted relationship between the two characters drew out the idea of reaching back across time to soothe and self-parent our inner child. During difficult times, even as adults, all we need is the compassion and wisdom of a loving parent. What a gift it can be, if one can learn to self-parent to our deepest cravings. I saw Monique's art as an invitation to be kind and generous to yourself, to offer yourself a healing hand.

That healing can take on many forms over a lifetime. My own challenges have been mediated through strong relationships with friends and family, exercise, yoga, contemplative practices like journaling and meditation, fasting, music... Meditation in particular has become an important part of my life since my late 30s. The puzzle is a reflection and an attempt to honour the eastern spiritual traditions and various insight practices I've adopted into my life.

Ground yourself in the present.
Attune yourself to compassion and kindness.
Breathe: be & become.

Whimsies

• 7x Chakra Symbols
• 4x Butterflies
• 3x Frogs
• 3x Yoga Poses
• 2x Meditation Poses
• 2x Simple Finger Mazes
• Tuning Fork
• Buddha and Lotus
• Lotus Swan
• Fairy Godmother
• Stork with Baby
• Helping Hand
• Ganesh & Crown
• Symbol of Belief
• Symbol of Compassion
• Symbol of Energy
• Symbol of Enlightenment
• Symbol of Gaia
• Symbol of Healing
• Symbol of Initiative
• Symbol of Insight
• Symbol of Rebirth
• Symbol fo Strength
• Symbol of Vision