And Then We Rise

“Self-care is not just about being good to yourself; it’s about being great in the world and for the world.”

1: Food as More Than Fuel

The food you eat is more than just sustenance—it’s a reflection of your culture, a tool for connection, and a path toward self-discovery.

Common shares his journey from a fast-food-loving Chicago teen to a health-conscious vegan. At first, his meals were loaded with deep-fried chicken and soul food delicacies, a testament to his upbringing. But as he grew, music and relationships inspired him to re-evaluate those choices. Conscious rap lyrics introduced him to ideas of self-care, while culinary shifts helped him recognize the impact of his diet on his body and spirit.

Through veganism, Common discovered that changing what he ate improved not only his physical health but also his mental and emotional well-being. Food became a means of aligning with his higher self, fostering a spiritual connection. He began to view every meal as a ritual, understanding that saying grace or making intentional dietary choices can become acts of love.

Food affects more than your individual health; it connects you to your community and your global impact. Common emphasizes how eating plant-based foods and supporting sustainable farming helps the environment and brings us closer to nature. Nutrition isn’t just personal; it’s global.

Examples

• Transitioning from soul food to plant-based eating guided Common toward better physical and mental states.
• Conscious lyrics from rappers like KRS-One spurred his shift toward health-focused living.
• Saying grace before meals became a spiritual practice in itself.

2: Movement as a Path to Resilience

Exercise isn’t just about physical fitness—it builds resilience, strengthens mental health, and connects you to your spirit.

During his childhood as a ball boy for the Chicago Bulls, Common watched Michael Jordan redefine greatness. Though he didn’t become a professional athlete himself, playing basketball as a teenager instilled determination. Later, a film role requiring him to bulk up sparked his commitment to fitness that would last decades.

Daily exercise became a stabilizing force in Common’s life, especially during tough times like the pandemic. He credits his 5-day-a-week routine for his mental and emotional resilience, noting that pushing through even when unmotivated boosted his self-esteem. Physical movement, for him, doubled as emotional release and spiritual alignment.

Common urges readers to find an activity—whether gym sessions, yoga, or walks—that speaks to them. Building a habit of movement is key, not for aesthetic goals but for the inner strength it provides.

Examples

• Playing basketball in his teens prepared him for life’s struggles by building determination.
• Training for “Smokin’ Aces” introduced him to the long-term benefits of consistent exercise.
• His pandemic workouts helped keep his spirit afloat during isolation.

3: Creativity as Healing

Creativity isn’t just a skill—it’s an act of self-exploration and divine connection.

As a teen, Common discovered the joy of creation through writing rap lyrics inspired by Cincinnati’s Bond Hill Crew. That early spark led him to understand that creativity isn’t just for artists. It’s a divine process, something we are all capable of and something vital to our human experience.

Throughout his life, writing, performing, and making music have been therapeutic. They allowed him to express hidden emotions, connect to a higher purpose, and establish a dialogue with himself and his audience. For Common, creativity is as essential as physical training or prayer. It’s how he grounds himself and finds joy, separate from accolades and awards.

Everyone has the potential to tap into their creative energy. Whether it’s through painting, journaling, or dancing, creative acts foster healing and connection. Common calls on readers to embrace creativity not for results but for the experience itself.

Examples

• His first rap lyric at 12 opened the door to lifetime artistic fulfillment.
• Watching role models in the music industry showed him the healing power of expression.
• Creating art gives Common a sense of purpose beyond professional success.

4: Spirituality Beyond Religion

Spirituality doesn’t require dogma—it’s about seeking connection with the divine and living with intention.

Common’s mother first took him to church at eight, setting the foundation for his spiritual journey. But his understanding of spirituality evolved. For him, it’s less about rigid religious practice and more about exploring interfaith wisdom while cultivating a personal relationship with the divine.

Spirituality for Common extends into all areas of life. Every act—from eating to exercising to meditating—becomes a way to honor the spark of divinity within. This approach turns daily routines into sacred practices that enhance one’s connection with the universe.

The path toward spirituality is uniquely individual. Whether through scripture reading, meditation, or attending church, Common asks readers to find what resonates with them. Growth happens not through arriving at answers but through the spiritual questions we explore.

Examples

• Early sermons inspired him to see faith as interconnected with culture.
• Morning meditation and scripture reflection are daily practices he embraces.
• He redefines spirituality as an open, evolving endeavor distinct from organized religion.

5: Self-Care as a Form of Love

Caring for yourself is a way to show love to others and the world.

In the chaos of life’s demands, self-care is often seen as selfish. But Common flips this notion, arguing that self-care is selfless. Proper care of our physical and mental health ensures we show up as our best selves for others.

Common reminds us that health in one area spills into others. A nutritious meal fuels the mind, exercise strengthens focus, and meditation fosters patience. Through self-care, we create ripple effects that benefit families, communities, and even broader ecosystems—be it through kindness or eco-conscious eating.

By practicing self-love, we lead by example, inspiring those around us. Common’s journey displays how small, intentional steps amplify our ability to contribute meaningfully to the world.

Examples

• Childhood lessons showed him that prioritizing health is a gift to loved ones.
• Nutrition adjustments proved how one change impacts body, mind, and spirit.
• Moments of quiet meditation allow him to strengthen empathy for others.

Takeaways

1. Make one small change to your diet, like incorporating more plant-based meals, to boost physical and emotional health.
2. Set aside time each week for a creative activity, even if just journaling or doodling, to nurture your inner self.
3. Start or deepen a spiritual practice—whether meditation, prayer, or reading—that aligns with your personal beliefs.