How To Live Longer: What You Can Learn From… Orchestra Conductors?

By on April 12, 2009 in Healthy Living, Inspiration

It’s true.  Orchestra conductors live longer than almost any other group of people by three to seven years.  Many great conductors have even led major orchestras into their nineties.

There are a number of theories about this…

Some contend that the cardiovascular exercise from repetitive arm-waving, coupled with the increased cognitive activity and focus required by the job are the reason. 

Others say the ongoing immersion in positive, mood-enhancing/alpha-wave producing rhythms is the key.  Still others say it’s probably genetic.  The truth is, nobody really knows why conductors live longer, but I have a new theory…

The other day a friend sent me a video clip of Benjamin Zander giving a talk at the 2008 TED conference:  http://tiny.cc/gg0UX.  I was moved and inspired by this man’s passion and it suddenly dawned on me that maybe conductors live so long because…

What they really do is draw the "gifts" out of one group of people and immediately deliver them to another group! 

It has been my experience working hands-on with thousands of people, that the happiest, most passionate and creative people are the ones who both give the most in life, and are also able to receive others gifts.  It’s this cycle of giving and receiving that fosters a deep sense of gratitude and fulfillment.

What if your primary focus in life was to draw out the gifts in others and help deliver those gifts to the people most in need of them?  How would that look?  How would you have to "be" with people?  How would you have to be with yourself? 

Dr. John Amaral DC

For ongoing tips and insights to enhance your well being, you can follow me for The Truth About Wellness Revealed at www.twitter.com/johnamaral.

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About drjohnamaral

An influential voice in the field of mind-body and wellness, Dr. John Amaral has helped thousands of people from over 50 countries transform and awaken to more meaningful and purposeful lives. An accomplished chiropractor and inspirational speaker and trainer, he has been a practitioner for leaders in the fields of personal and professional growth and development including Tony Robbins, Robert Dilts, Jay Abraham and others. John is on the international teaching staff for Network Spinal Analysis (NSA), and he uses a variety of cutting-edge methods to help people create and sustain the highest levels of energy, vitality and passion. John continued his post-graduate clinical education studying with Dr. Donald Epstein, the developer of Network Spinal Analysis -- a system for enhancing human resourcefulness and potential. His private practice is in Santa Cruz, CA. Visit his website and blog at www.wellbeingcenter.org and follow him at www.twitter.com/johnamaral.

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5 Responses to How To Live Longer: What You Can Learn From… Orchestra Conductors?

  1. Ruch April 12, 2009 at 10:16 am #

    interesting perspective . . .

  2. Khamisa April 12, 2009 at 10:16 am #

    Then I shall live a very long time…once my wellness center is opened, I plan to fill it with experts that will bless the community. I believe that'll count…I'll be a conductor of sorts…a conductor of health and wellness.

    Peace.

  3. Mary Lynn April 12, 2009 at 10:20 am #

    Same here Kelly.. wonderful post.. a conductor for the music of my life.. I keep hearing "if you build it they will come".. bad movie reference I know.. but the music in my heart.. blessings with all dreams come true.. making beautiful music!!

    Marylynn

  4. Khamisa April 12, 2009 at 10:22 am #

    That's an excellent reference, Marylynn :)

    Peace.

  5. yumi April 12, 2009 at 10:15 pm #

    So right about your observation of the happiest people are the ones who give themselves passionately to other people. I am loving all your recent articles, John!