My current writing project is a book about music. In mining the internet for information, I’ve sometimes unearthed facts that feel like sparkly gems – ones that light up my brain with ideas I wasn’t expecting. Here’s an example:

I’ve just learned that Leon Russell, a prolific musician who wrote and recorded one of my favorite songs, “A Song for You,” was mute as a young child. When he finally did speak, his first words were a complete sentence. He’d been watching a group of birds who were having some issues, and he asked:

     “What’s the matter, little birdie, you cry?” 

My daughter Erica once asked a similar question. At age three, while examining the magnetic letter Q stuck on our refrigerator, she wondered aloud:

     “What’s the matter, O, are you crying?”

I was pleased to learn that my daughter and a famous musician had so much in common, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how similar their reactions had been.

Was it unusual for young Erica and young Leon to care about another’s feelings? I don’t think so. I believe all humans are born with the capacity for empathy. It’s probably helpful to our survival. If you’re more likely to care about your fellow creatures, they’re probably more likely to return the favor.

But there are other aspects of their responses that impressed me, and that I think are related to creativity:

1. Imagination

Both children demonstrated vivid imaginations. They didn’t see actual tears, but they imagined them, and their imaginations would bear fruit later in life. Leon would grow up to teach himself to play piano, despite having a congenitally weak right hand, because he could imagine himself being able to do so. Erica would eventually create her own art business without having formal art or business training at the time, because she could visualize her goal.

2. Confidence

Rather than asking IF something was the matter, both kids asked WHAT was the matter, indicating they were sure something was amiss. They had confidence in the conclusions they’d come to about what they’d observed.

3. Inquiring Minds

Both children were inquisitive. They didn’t hesitate to ask questions about something that concerned them.

4. Respect

Neither child asked “WHY are you crying?” Instead, they wanted to know “ARE you crying?” This showed a healthy respect for the right to acknowledge and name our own emotions. Maybe I’m going into it too deeply here, but I think it’s an important distinction. 

5. Social Interaction

Rather than just filing their observations away, Erica and Leon communicated their concerns. I think this comes from a desire for social interaction, and from a place of caring. This outward stance might be a factor in creativity. Does this mean you have to be outgoing to be creative? Not necessarily, but I think maybe it helps to want to reach out and share your thoughts, concerns, and creations with others, and to help them, too.

I’ve certainly done a lot of thinking today about empathy and creativity, and all while sitting in a room by myself, working on a book … a book I hope someday will be shared with others … so I guess I’m reaching out, too. 

And to borrow a phrase from a child I know (and one I don’t): “What’s the matter” with that?

Note: This post also appears on my new website, loribonati.com. It would be wonderful if you’d follow me there! I also have a new social media site at bluesky. (I’ve deleted my Twitter account.) My bluesky account is: @loribuffalo.bsky.social. I’d love to follow you back. Thanks!