HOW WALKING TO THE GYM & BEACH MEDITATION CHANGED MY LIFE
On the way to the meditation, we were blasting "Accelerator" by Blusher, letting its electrifying beats and vibrant energy set the tone for the morning ahead. There’s something empowering about starting a soulful practice with a track that pulses with life—it’s a reminder that balance isn’t about quiet introspection alone but also about celebrating the exuberance of being alive. Captured by myself somewhere on the outskirts of Malibu this past week, the drive felt like an ode to freedom, movement, and the perfect fusion of chaos and calm that defines the human spirit.
For the past year, I’ve embraced a simpler, more grounded routine—choosing to walk to and from the gym, allowing myself to forego the convenience of a car and instead rely solely on the steady rhythm of my feet against the pavement. At first, this shift came out of necessity, but over time, it evolved into something far more meaningful. What began as a practical adjustment grew into a form of daily meditation, one of the rare moments in my day when the constant hum of life’s demands seemed to quiet. During those walks, I found unexpected clarity—whether I was pondering new ideas, reflecting on challenges, or simply allowing myself the freedom to just be.
Recently, my mornings have taken on an even deeper sense of connection and purpose. Around 4 or 5 a.m., one of my closest friends—an early riser and one of the most consistent people in my life—swings by to pick me up. Together, we head to a secluded stretch of beach on the outskirts of Malibu, a hidden sanctuary where the world feels as if it pauses. We arrive just as the faint blush of dawn spreads across the sky, setting the stage for what has become one of the most sacred rituals of my day. On the cool sand, surrounded by the whispers of waves and the distant cries of seabirds, we settle into meditation. The practice, at first, felt unfamiliar—like rediscovering something I didn’t know I had lost. But now, accompanied by the rhythm of the ocean, the grounding presence of the earth beneath me, and the tender light of morning, I’ve found a stillness that transcends words.
Recently, I’ve begun incorporating something new into this practice—a collection of crystals, handpicked for their healing properties and energy. Holding a piece of clear quartz in my palm or keeping an amethyst close by has added a profound layer of intention to these meditative moments. Each crystal seems to radiate its own energy, serving as a reminder of the balance and calm I aim to cultivate within myself. The tactile experience of their cool surface against my skin and their symbolic presence in fostering clarity, protection, or tranquility aligns beautifully with the serenity of the beach setting.
These moments of stillness, enhanced by the grounding comfort of the crystals, have taught me not only how to slow down but also how to truly listen—not just to the world around me but to the voice within. There’s something inherently magical about sharing that silent expanse of time with my friend, the vast sea, and the quiet, transformative energy of these stones. Life’s greatest truths and joys are often found in these pauses, in the moments when we create space to reconnect—with nature, with ourselves, and with the simplicity of being present. Each morning reminds me that when I slow down, infinite possibilities open up, waiting to be discovered in the quiet.
-Mitchell Royel