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by Robin Sharma
A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self
And Then We Rise by Common chronicles his personal and artistic journey, highlighting the transformative power of art and activism. It reflects on resilience, identity, and the enduring fight for social justice.
Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Chicago, a young man’s diet was the stuff of fast-food legend. Think French fries, fried chicken, and a special shoutout to Harold’s Chicken Shack, among others. This was a time when pork chops and bacon weren’t just menu items – they were love languages, spoken fluently at family gatherings where soul food reigned supreme, and pancakes were the morning ritual.
But, as with any great story, there came a turning point, and for Common, that transformation began with the power of music. Yes, music! The conscious lyrics of Grandmaster Flash, KRS-One, and others planted seeds of awareness about health and self-care, showing that rap can be as nourishing for the soul as any superfood.
For Common, the shift these lyrics prompted wasn’t just about swapping pork for tofu but also a deeper exploration of how culture and community can shape our choices. Common’s journey toward veganism wasn’t a solo trek but influenced by his environment, his hip-hop heroes, and the realization that food is more than sustenance – it’s an expression of love and a path to elevation.
Fast forward, and the once fried-food fanatic is now a staunch advocate for the healing power of food, a believer in the transformative energy of green juices and plant-based diets. What’s particularly compelling about his ethos is the holistic and integrated approach to health and well-being – this isn’t just about physical health; it’s about spiritual growth, about finding a higher version of oneself through the choices we make at the supermarket and dining table. It’s the acknowledgment that our diets can impact not just our waistlines but our communities, our mental clarity, and our ability to connect with others. Even the act of saying grace before a meal can deepen our connection to the food we eat and the world around us.
Common’s tale of transformation may sound extreme and beyond your reach, but if anything, it should serve as a reminder that profound change is possible. Remember, Common once worshiped at the altar of Harold’s Chicken Shack – he wasn’t raised praising wheatgrass shots or sauteed mushrooms.
So, whether you’re a vegan virtuoso or someone who’s just starting to ponder the impact of your dietary choices, take a moment to reflect on where your nutrition sits currently and where you’d ideally like it to be. The possibilities are endless with a little bit of introspection and a lot of green juice!
And Then We Rise (2024) is part guide, part memoir that explores the intersection of personal well-being and faith. Through illuminating anecdotes and candid conversations with teachers, it reveals how investing in nutrition, exercise, mental care, and spiritual connection has contributed to Common’s growth as a performer and person – and how you might harness these self-care practices, too.
And Then We Rise (2021) portrays rapper Common's journey from Chicago’s streets to Hollywood. Here's why this book is worth your time:
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Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trialBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
What is the main message of And Then We Rise?
The main message of And Then We Rise is how to overcome challenges and inspire change.
How long does it take to read And Then We Rise?
Reading time for And Then We Rise varies but typically takes a few hours. Blinkist summary can be read in minutes.
Is And Then We Rise a good book? Is it worth reading?
And Then We Rise is an inspiring and impactful book, worth reading for its empowering narrative.
Who is the author of And Then We Rise?
The author of And Then We Rise is Common.