Bob Dylan's Secrets of Anti-Aging

I have a bumper sticker that says, "He not busy being born is busy dying." It's from a song of Bob Dylan's called, It's Alright Ma, I'm Only Bleeding. It reminds me, or those behind me, to remember why we're living, why we're here. By having a mission in life, a reason to believe, we actually potentiate our body's own capacity to heal. This is what is called teleology, that our lives have a direction and purpose. We are not merely a collection of chemicals looking for someone to fix us. Healing comes from more than a mechanism. The most profound changes come from realigning with the creative drives that fulfill us.

When Dylan sang, " I was so much older then I'm younger than that now," I had no idea what that meant. I took my life so seriously when I was young that some friends remember me as being an old man in my twenties. Now I'm much happier, those values I held to be so important became larger and more inclusive, rather than narrow and sure. Growing old in ancient time was seen as ruled by the planet Saturn. Saturn appears at New Year as old man time with his sickle that cuts off life. He represents how as we age, we became more authoritarian and conservative. Our view becomes restricted just like the narrowing of arteries that choke the blood flow to the heart.

The reality is whatever the span of your life is, its only inherent value is in whether it is lived at all. And regarding memory and the fear of its loss, just read Dylan's Chronicles. Pay attention to how he describes the light in a room, the weather shifting or the sun reflecting, " like comets from a dark sky" from the glasses of a store's proprietor. He either took good notes or pays attention much better than most of us. It is these invisible qualities, the ignored moments and gestures, which give life its beauty. Through his endless tour, writing, painting, and appearing on Victoria's Secret commercials he is continuing to create. He may look old to you, but he's probably too busy being born to care.

 

 

Comments

[bsc]

Dylan looks terrible

[sfkjeld]

Really? "He looks old". What a useful observation. Now try reading the article, instead of just the title.

Some elements that make up genius; intelligence, curiosity, reflection, and as Dr. Lange says, you just keep moving. Dylan's body of work towers over contemporaries. Frank Sinatra to Elvis to Michael Jackson.

He will leave us sometime. You might be one of those that think he looks terrible, sounds terrible. You will be utterly stunned when you see the world wide reaction on that sad day. As opposed to Michael Jackson though, you will have a chance to get it. Listen again to old recordings, see video of him singing at Lincoln Memorial in 60's, read his books, and even listen to his amazing Radio Hour.

If you do these things Mr. Jones, you will learn that there is something happening here and the appearance and vocals will be the least of it.

Good article. Thanks.

[bsc]

I recently saw him in concert and he was terrible and looked like he was dead but being held up with strings.

[Mitch Cumstein]

You are correct, Dr. Lange, in your description of how observant Bob is. Also, he rarely if ever is self referential upon meeting him.

In every encounter that I have ever had with him he is genuinely engaging, empathetic and even funny. One of his qualities that make him so interesting is the sense of wonder he exhibits over what many would consider mundane or would fail to notice completely.

As far as aging, Bob doesn't seem to concern himself with time. When he talks about events or people of the past he gives the impression that they are happening or are here now.

[NoSillyName]

I don't know. He's looking a bit like Lyle Lovett.

[curiousasheck]

I ain't scared of dying and I don't really care.

[GunneraGirl]

so there's actually a secret to looking like that?

are they keeping it from us for our own protection?

[raechel]

Anti-aging? Here's my suggestion: he's not aging because he started old.

[fumes]

i don't think bob owns one of those killing-machines..

you know what i'm talking about:

an alarm clock!

[Indie2008]

I thought this was going to be about his beauty routine. Bummer!

[Mulvaney]

I have to say that as much as Dylan has been a friend to us all, I was fortunate to have heard Leonard Cohen in concert this year and at 74 he gets my vote for the anti-aging award,

[shutterbabe]

I agree with Mulvaney. I saw LC at Red Rocks and it was the most inspirational concert experience of my life. Cohen sang for over 3 hours and skipped off the stage like an imp between sets and encores.
His poetry is not always pretty but the man is ageless and of great spirit.

[Promise]

I totally agree...and Lenny isn't afraid to smile and act grateful and happy. What's with this grump routine Dylan does?

[swerver]

To quote the man himself "...... to live outside the law you must be honest". It is his honesty and in remaining true to himself that has allowed his continual growth. Both as an artist and as a person. Seeing things for what they are and seeing yourself for who you really are is a freedom most people run away from. Back to their safe little box they go, never giving themselves the chance to fail, but at the same time never getting the chance to grow and succeed. ,..." don't follow leaders and watch the parkin' meters".

[StopMakingSense2]

Isn't Bob's secret being born old looking to start with? Then you don't look like your aging...

[auramac]

Simply untrue. Look at the pics, he looks like a baby. And his spelling has always been impeccable. : )

[madmatt]

Its not that Bob has been aging well, its that he has looked like a 60 yo man since he was in his 20's.

[iamjones]

so glad to have you join the huffpost, Dr Lange. i went to CU (about 12 yrs ago) and i would chat with you from time to time when you came in where i worked. i always enjoyed our conversations and there was one in particular that i never forgot. i am so glad that you'll be bringing your thoughtful point of view to the huffpost on a regular basis.

[Dr. Andrew Lange - Huffpost Blogger]

thanks for your kind thoughts. i'm glad we could connect again.

[dalegood]

i saw bob in seattle a few weeks ago; he absolutely burned down the house, blew the roof off the auditorium; i've seen him about 25 times and this was his most powerful, energetic, loud, cool concert. he was so powerful i though he might explode!