Mario Casas Launches “I AM” Movement Focused on Wellness and Charity

Actor Mario Casas recently launched the “I AM” movement, an initiative promoting healthy habits, exercise and charitable giving. The movement, a collaboration with Red Bull and footwear brand Gioseppo, aims to unite people through wellness even as supporting various causes, including animal shelters.

The Philosophy Behind “I AM”

For Casas, well-being is intrinsically linked to sport. He describes it not merely as a physical activity, but as a way of life. “Sport is a way of living, of being, of existing,” Casas stated. He emphasizes that consistent exercise encourages mindful choices in other areas of life, such as diet and rest.

Diet and Lifestyle Choices

Casas prioritizes a balanced diet, focusing on whole foods. While acknowledging a personal fondness for sweets, he finds that regular training motivates him to produce healthier food choices. He prefers a diet rich in rice, chicken, fish, and vegetables, and limits processed foods, allowing himself occasional dark chocolate as a reward.

The Importance of Sleep and Recovery

Casas has observed a significant impact of sleep on his overall well-being, particularly as he approaches his 40s. He now prioritizes at least eight hours of sleep per night, noting a substantial improvement in his physical and mental state.

Overcoming Challenges: Quitting Smoking and Alcohol

A pivotal change in Casas’s training regimen came with quitting smoking over a year ago. He found that eliminating tobacco significantly improved his lung capacity and endurance, allowing him to engage in more intense cardio and resistance training. He also re-evaluated his relationship with alcohol, realizing he didn’t need it socially and that abstaining led to better sleep, improved hydration, and a cascade of positive lifestyle changes.

A Passion for Animal Welfare

Casas is a dedicated animal lover, with three dogs. He recently adopted a dog, Canela, from a shelter in Toledo, Spain, and experienced firsthand the transformative power of providing a loving home to a rescue animal. The “I AM” movement’s inaugural charity race will benefit an animal shelter, reflecting Casas’s commitment to animal welfare.

Footwear and Comfort

Casas emphasizes the importance of comfortable footwear, both for athletic activities and everyday life. The “I AM” movement is represented by barefoot sneakers designed by Melyssa Pinto in collaboration with Gioseppo, promoting natural movement.

The “I AM” Activity: A Foundation for Wellness

The “I AM” movement builds upon the principles of the “I AM” Activity, a neo-Theosophical religious movement founded in the 1930s by Guy and Edna Ballard. The Saint Germain Foundation maintains the movement’s worldwide headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois, and operates hundreds of Sanctuaries and Temples globally. The “I AM” Activity teaches the Universal Laws of Life and emphasizes connecting with one’s “Mighty I AM Presence,” a concept rooted in the teachings of Saint Germain (“I AM” School).

The movement, as described by the Wikipedia, had up to a million followers in 1938 and remains active today, though on a smaller scale.