Chris Jepson: The association for your mind

“The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live.” — Mortimer Adler

The idea, the concept of time has always fascinated me. That we have only so much time, however, crystalized for me with the birth of my daughter in 1970. Clueless does not begin to describe my youthful lack of understanding of the ebb and flow and ebb of life, of living. As a young somewhat childish man my daughter’s birth immediately placed me in the continuum of life; I became part of the process, not so much apart from it. In one brilliant twinkling, I was no longer the younger generation.

At that moment, going on 50 years ago, my compass, my North Star so to speak unequivocally shifted. It dawned on me that, “Hey lad, life is now much, much more complicated (and richer) than you — just yesterday — thought. It’s obvious, there are beginnings and endings and in between we do what living we can. How do I want to spend my time?” Simply put, I matured a bit.

“Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” – Thomas Huxley

How do you want to spend your time? We all ask that question. How we answer often determines the course of how we live life. Some of us — if appearances are to be believed — are more effective than others at finding the right course for/to living well.

About twenty years ago I reframed the question from “How do I want to spend my time?” to “How do I want to spend my mind?”

It hones in on the reality that we humans have only so much time and our minds are where it “all” begins. And, do we voluntarily allocate our mind, our time on activities that enrich ourselves (and others)?

Which leads me to this column’s thesis statement: that you attend the Sunday, Oct. 23, Open House from 2 to 5 p.m. for prospective new members at The University Club of Winter Park.

Think of the UCWP as an association for your mind, a place to learn, explore and discuss ideas and issues. A place of arts and culture. A place of camaraderie, revelry and friendship. A place for debate, for give and take, for civil discussion. A place for liberals and conservatives alike. A place for musical performances, lectures and cultural presentations. A place for bridge lessons and bridge tournaments. A place with a sharing library.

“There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.” – Jiddu Krishnamurti

The UCWP is place for people with inquisitive minds, for folks who want to learn and associate with like-minded adults. It’s a place of joy and companionship. It’s a place for you.

The UCWP is located at 841 N. Park Ave. (at the intersection of Webster and Park avenues) in Winter Park.

Bring a friend or two or three and learn about the mission and activities of the Winter Park University Club. If you are new to Winter Park, to Central Florida, or a long time resident and want to connect with people, with the community, well, “Come on down!”

The University Club of Winter Park is Central Florida’s association for the mind. Join me. Join us.