Why Michael B. Jordan Turns to Meditation—And Wants Others to Do the Same

This article originally appeared on Yoga Journal

Michael B. Jordan, star of films including Creed and Black Panther, is an actor, director, and producer, but it's his workout routine that seems to get all the attention. With everyone wondering how he got those biceps, you rarely hear about his meditation practice.

"For me, meditation has been big. Meditation is something that really keeps me even-keeled," he told The Hollywood Reporter in a recent interview. Given the demands and stressors of his industry, he says "it's important to be able to clear your mind and sit still. Meditation allows for that reset so you don't stress yourself out."

"If You Can Do Three Minutes, Amazing."

Jordan credits his parents with introducing him to the practice. "I've been meditating for a long time. Even growing up, my mom and dad were really big on meditation so I'm fortunate to have a pretty good relationship with meditation that goes back a while," he said.

Jordan understands that the power of the practice isn't in how long you sit. "If you do 10 minutes, I can guarantee that it will change your day-to-day tremendously," he says. But even a few breaths can make a difference, he says. "If you take time to close your eyes and take deep breaths, you can reset your entire mood and energy in a really, really big way.

“What Good Are They Doing?”

Now Jordan is supporting other people to find health and balance through a partnership with the electrolyte water brand Propel. The Propel Your City Project recognizes organizations that offer fitness and wellness programs, including yoga. "Jordan’s partnership will extend across Propel brand platforms...helping further the brand’s efforts to drive access and equity in fitness," according to a statement released by PepsiCo.

California-based WalkGood L.A. is one beneficiary of the partnership. The organization started as a gathering in a Los Angeles park to support people's mental health during the height of the pandemic and political protests. Now the group hosts regular yoga classes, meditations, breathwork exercises, as well as group walking, hiking, and running activities-all for free. The Propel sponsorship will help offset costs and secure a studio space to continue their classes.

Propel Your City will also support Trap Studio in Detroit. Motor City residents flock to their Ashtanga Remix, Trap Yin-yasa, and other high-energy yoga classes that incorporate music and dance. In this case, trap doesn't only refer to the music. Owner and yoga instructor Jamel Randall says TRAP stands for trust, reveal, accept, practice.

The project will help BLK Beetles, a running group in Houston, launch monthly Movement & Mindfulness events. It will also support The Atlanta Run Club's weekly track meets.

"For me, being very selective about the brands that I do partner with, the bigger picture is always the most important thing,” Jordan said. “What good are they doing? ...What are you really doing for the community and for the people who are actually using your product?"

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