Playing Spitliks is easy. In the simplest modern version, this requires a box of paper clips. Pour them onto the table in a compact pile. We take a hook (for example, a crochet hook, or one made from the same paper clip) and try to sort out our pile strictly one paper clip at a time, so that all the others remain absolutely motionless. That's all, actually. What am I talking about? And to the fact that this ancient game, which in Russian has become synonymous with an empty, meaningless activity, in my opinion, carries a deep psychological, and even philosophical meaning. And it is not only about the development of patience, attentiveness, tactical thinking and fine motor skills, although all this, of course, exists. The process of clearing the table from a clutter of small objects is a very accurate metaphor for any changes in our picture of the world, or personality (which is essentially one and also). The personality is just such a dump, chaotic, but well protected. As soon as we try to remake “ourselves,” we very quickly come across powerful psychological defenses and resistances that almost no one can overcome. Meanwhile, changes are still happening. And they usually happen unnoticed. And all because when we try to change something, we want to immediately get a result, change both here and there, and in general, immediately create a work of art from our pile. And our system does not tolerate the destruction of the picture of the world. It is perceived as death. Imperceptible and irreversible changes occur differently. Everything remains as it was, only a small piece changes. Then another one. And one more thing... In general, the art of a psychologist (both professional and simply working on oneself, both healing and influencing for any other purposes) is the art of playing spillikins.