The Ambush of Better

The Ambush of Better

The Ambush of Better

I love to cook. Taste is an aspect I care about, nibbling along the way of a meal, making sure it’s delicious. Then once it’s good, I inadvertently do the next thing – make it better. I realized that this was the trick I’d been setting myself up for one morning as I was sipping what was already a good cup of coffee.

I ordered a strong brew from the local coffee shop. As I was stirring in a touch of honey, I did my usual taste test. Yup, it was good. I added more honey. But it was already good. But I wanted to make it better. This was where I realized I was fooling myself. At first, it’s imperceptible. But then, it becomes clear: in these insignificant moments we are searching for ultimate perfection. The ideal lures us
away from this place of good to the land of better.

In that moment as I was trying to improve what was already good, it made me think about the art of subtlety. I sometimes miss out on the natural nuance, in exchange for the declarative and final.

And then the thought comes in– I have a compulsion towards clarity. Honestly, it’s a mixed bag. It helps in awkward moments when the thing needs to be said and the air can be cleared. But in other times, particularly in the creative exchange, I might miss out on the fine print on what is not being said because its still being born. My aversion for the confused leads me at times to coercing a decision. And this can be a way I steer from a more natural course. To be always moving toward the clearing is both a blessing and a burden. It’s one way that better ambushes good.

It’s like that old saying, a bird in one hand is worth two in the bush. No matter how easy, simple, or clear you are about what better should be, it’s a disconnect to what is, a rejection of now.

So how do we let go of better in pursuit of good? I guess we have to start by acknowledging the good in what we have, even when it’s particularly cruddy. And that might be really hard depending on what the situation is. But that’s the whole point. It’s about outlook, really. And ultimately, the view is yours to claim.

How would you forgo better for good?


Denmo
is the founder and CEO of Earthbody. She is a writer, artist, therapist, and coach. You can reach Denmo here.

Earthbody is San Francisco’s most popular sanctuary famous for their integrative massage and bodywork sessions, spa rituals, private consultations, and handcrafted line of holistic skincare made fresh each week in small batches with love.

View our Treatments | Book a Session | Shop our Products

{fcomment}

Like what you see here? Sign up to our Newsletter (at the bottom of this page) to receive nuggets of inspiration, reflection, and wisdom delivered to your inbox each week. It’s totally free — no strings attached. (And we don’t sell or share your info with anyone. Promise.) Spread the love.