What inspires you to create?

I heard an inspiring story today that was told to a dear friend by a Rabbi. It moved me deeply and I have to share it with you. It went like this:

A little boy was taking piano lessons and went with his mom to see a famous concert pianist by the name Paderewski.

Before the lights dimmed and the concert started…

…the mom was chatting it up with someone in the crowd, while her little boy slipped away and climbed onto the stage.

The little boy found his way to the grand piano, put one of fingers on the piano keys, and started playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

Everyone in the audience was watching…and thought it was adorable…but the mom was aghast!

Then the famous pianist walked onto the stage, saw the little boy on the piano, and gently whispered into his ear, “Don’t quit. Keep playing.”

Leaning over the little boy, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part.

His right arm reached around to the other side of the child, and he added a running obbligato.

Together, the old master and the little boy transformed the moment into a wonderfully creative experience.

It is our nature to be creative. Others may want us to stop due to their own feelings. Keep going and follow your heart. Be creative and experience the joy of creativity.

The Dalai Lama teaches us to find joy and happiness in the happiness of others. Today, let’s look for those opportunities and practice them.