Integration in Juno Beach

Life's journey

Feb 09, 2025

Five thousand miles through nine states and we’ve arrived at our southern terminus, South Florida. We’re settling in for the next six weeks at a cute RV park that’s only a five minute walk to the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Every morning (Joan and I share alternate days), we take our early morning sandy barefoot strolls at sunrise. There’s something very special about witnessing that big glowing yellow orb rising out of the vast sea and revealing itself at the exact designated time, lighting up the sky around it and painting the clouds nearby in pastel hues. I walk along the beach, listening to that wonderful sound of waves lapping against the shore, contemplating their vast journey across the Atlantic. I think as I walk. It’s a great place to do that.

During my morning strolls I’ve been contemplating integration. Integration in the sense of how we weave the memories of our life experiences into a story. A comforting one I hope, for all of us. Not ignoring the trials and tribulations but warming our souls with all the GOOD things we’ve experienced.

Here in South Florida, I’ve been hit with a tidal wave. Not of the physical kind but the memories of my early life here. I’ve been fortunate in my 66 years to have followed my passions and to have lived in three wonderful places. The first 24 in Florida, the next 10 in Virginia and the last 32 in Colorado. So many memories wrapped in the landscapes, people, career changes and climates of these very different locales. From snowy high mountain peaks and sub zero winter cold in the second half of my life to the beaches and sweltering hot humid summers of my youth.

Arriving back here, the very first day was the beginning of a slightly above normal temperature regime. Highs in the low 80’s with high humidity. More typical of mid to late March. But I’m loving it. The languid and heavy air, the saltiness, the sounds of the ocean, the palm trees waving in the breeze and JUST THE FEEL OF THE PLACE! That intangible that defines South Florida. It’s imprinted on me. Deep within me. And it’s being stimulated like being hooked up to a machine and being jolted with electricity. But in a good way.

Thomas Wolfe wrote “you can’t go home again”. In a sense that’s true. Especially in the many decades since he wrote that book, the world has been rapidly accelerating. Our landscapes are so different. South Florida has grown by leaps and bounds since I left in 1982. What I see now is very different then what was here four decades ago. But it’s not! The memories are fresh and crisp. Even if the landscape has changed a bit, it still “feels” the same.

I’m a bit overwhelmed to be honest. I don’t know if others experience this type of reflective souls journey. So many different emotions. They are, in a sense attached to specific memories. But in many ways, they’re not. It’s just a flowing river that’s heart centered. Like that tidal wave, it washes over me and soaks me. Not on the outside but on the inside. I feel it right in the center of my body, surrounding and embracing my heart.

I could just let it in without question. Part of me is. Don’t think David, just feel. But I’m a thinker, a contemplative person. So I’m on my journey of discovery. What does this all mean. How do I integrate what I’m experiencing, being back here in the place I was born and spent my youth? I don’t know what answers I’ll find. But I’m confident it’ll be a pleasant, enriching and soul nurturing journey. Stay tuned.