Just Enough

‘Just enough’ is the place of neither too little nor too much.

In music, the place of ‘just enough’ might be something like this: just enough technique to execute and contribute artistically and just enough disciplined practise to be natural. It might be just enough study to be aware of the the depths without becoming lost in them. It might be using the skill/technique/ability that you have just enough of to become a part of a group, to contribute, to add flavour.

‘Just enough’ sits between the other two places: too much and too little. How do we know what is too much and what is too little, and find the sweet spot of just enough?

The essence of creativity is limitation and boundary. So, too much is a curse, an enemy of creative action. If we are stuck exploring endless possibility, we get none of the opposite – certainty. We need some level of certainty to begin.

But too little is a curse as well. If we don’t explore widely we fail to stretch, stagnating from lack of challenge, and missing chances to connect (seemingly) disconnected things.

With just enough comes contentment. Alongside just enough stand clarity and understanding. While learning and living just enough is like walking a tightrope, it may well be the ultimate and fulfilling balancing act.