Chris Jepson: Nurturing one's mind, body and soul

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” — Zig Ziglar

I’ve done two “positive” things in the past couple of months for my mind and body. For my soul I’ve quit watching the Republican debates. I joke, I goof on all my Republican friends (three). Of course, I watch the debates. Who can avoid watching – live – a wreck when it’s the GOP presidential clown car imploding? Please God: Make it stop. Not.

About the only thing in life I’ve demonstrated a daily discipline for is the solitary pleasure of reading. As a result I can sit on my tuchus for hours on end. I ride my bike with great regularity and can easily pound out 10 to 15 miles in a decent time (strong like ox) but, alas, as I age, I ache more. Sigh. Around 12 years ago, I joined the YMCA and attended yoga classes three days a week. I, however, left nearly every class sorer than when I walked in. I didn’t have the good sense at that time to pace myself. I did yoga for five years and abruptly quit.

I haven’t touched my toes since I was a baby on my back in a crib. If that is your “limber” benchmark, well, I turn 67 this week and I have developed aches where aches have no business being. (Please: send all your generous “Congrats, Chris” birthday greetings on crisp $50s, care of the Observer.)

As a result I am back in yoga and am committed to reversing the harm I’ve done through inactivity (not stretching). I’ve a new attitude, rejoined the Y, bought a new “super deluxe” yoga mat and believe you me, as that grunting, sweating old man in the back of the room, well, I’ve set a goal of once-again touching my toes… by age 70. What was it Robert Browning said, “Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?" Toes being heaven in this case.

What I’ve done for my mind is join a club. I know. I know. I confess it is not in “my nature” to join anything. Thank you, father. Ironic a bit since my line of work required my facilitating people doing exactly that… joining together to affect change. Regardless, Groucho Marx’s maxim comes to mind, “Please accept my resignation. I don’t want to belong to any club that will accept people like me as a member.” Indeed.

I recently joined the Winter Park University Club. I’ve a nametag and everything. It costs 55 cents a day – a genuine bargain. Oh, lest you think the University Club a refuge for liberal “iconoclasts” such as myself, know that every imaginable political persuasion is in attendance. All are warmly welcomed; an open mind is always appreciated but never a firm requirement. There are weekly/daily discussions, lectures and guest speakers on every imaginable topic, from art to philosophy, from current events to ancient history.

I’ve attended several dinner programs with outstanding musical presentations; simply first rate. Hats off to Joe Rizzo, club chairman of aural delights. Kudos, Joe.

The University Club is located at 841 N. Park Ave. Call 407-644-6149, and tell’um you want to join today. Why not? You’ve everything to gain.

I’ve covered my mind and body “upgrades.” For my soul, let the beauty of life, of family and friends remain a daily devotional.