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.

Who is the author of And Then We Rise?

The author of And Then We Rise is Common.

Mindfulness & Happiness

And Then We Rise Book Summary - And Then We Rise Book explained in key points

Listen to the Intro

00:00

And Then We Rise summary

Name: And Then We Rise
Rating: 3.6 (125 reviews)
Author: Common

Common

A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self

3.6 (125 ratings)

14 mins

Topics

Self-Care Mindful Loving Inspiration Happy

Table of Contents

And Then We Rise
Summary of 4 key ideas

Audio & text in the Blinkist app

Key idea 1 of 4

What’s in it for me? Self-care your way to your highest, most creative self.

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often find ourselves stuck on autopilot, looping around routine responsibilities and catering to societal pressures, leaving little room for self-care or personal reflection. It’s easy to overlook the importance of self-love and personal well-being amidst the chaos. Yet, the journey towards our highest, most creative selves depends on our doing so.

In this Blink, we’ll explore the transformative power of self-care through the lens of Common’s own journey toward wellness and spiritual enlightenment – and how and why you might harness these practices, too.

While Common’s personal story is a testament to the power of prioritizing, investing in, and leveraging nutrition, exercise, mental care, and spiritual connection, this is no mere memoir. Instead, it is just as much a guidebook for anyone curious about the symbiotic relationship of personal well-being and faith, keen to glean practical insights into the importance of nurturing their own mind, body, and soul.

Of course, enjoy soaking up Common’s illuminating anecdotes and revelations from candid conversations with his teachers. But consider this an invitation, too – an invitation to join Common on the path toward your highest, most creative self.

Ready to set forth? Let’s get started.

Nutrition

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!

Exercise

Imagine being twelve years old and landing a gig with the Chicago Bulls. The job? A ball boy, starting at the bench, folding warm-up suits, and ensuring the court was safe and dry. That’s where a young Common began, right beside the court, absorbing the life, breath, and sweat of the game. It was a role that placed him courtside during Michael Jordan’s first season with the Bulls, witnessing the birth of a legend.

Jordan’s arrival was transformative. It wasn’t just about basketball – it was about witnessing excellence in motion, feeling the energy shift, and knowing, even if not in detail, that it was the start of something monumental. This experience was more than just about the sport – it was about being close to greatness and dreaming big.

Mental care

Picture, if you will, a young spirit, bursting with the potential to craft words into rap, inspired by the Bond Hill Crew of Cincinnati. This spirit is none other than a 12-year-old Common, embarking on a journey not just of music but of discovering the divine act of creation itself. That first rap written – a testament to the magic of creativity and the affirmation received from peers – set the stage for a decades-long career in the arts.

Common learned early on that creativity isn’t simply an expressive act but a sacred engagement with the self and the universe – a process of bringing forth what resides within, often without conscious thought, allowing subconscious whispers to flow freely. And a process likened to a divine dialogue, a connection to a higher purpose that transcends mere artistic endeavor. For Common, it was clear that creating music wasn’t just about creating music; it was about tapping into a wellspring of creativity that fuels the soul.

Spiritual connection

Imagine embarking on a spiritual journey guided not by a distant figure shrouded in mysticism but by the very person who first held your hand in this world – your mother.

An eight-year-old Common, buoyed by his mother’s unwavering belief in the power of faith, first encountered spiritual awakening in the soul-stirring ambiance of Trinity United Church of Christ. Reverend Jeremiah Wright was a revelation of electrifying oratory, embracing both God and Black culture as he preached from the pulpit.

Want to see all full key ideas from And Then We Rise?

Key ideas in And Then We Rise

More knowledge in less time

Read or listen

Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.

Find your next read

Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.

Shortcasts ^New

We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

What is And Then We Rise about?

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 Review

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:

Raw honesty and vulnerability: Common shares personal struggles and triumphs, inspiring readers with his authenticity.
Social impact and activism: The book delves into Common's commitment to social justice, shedding light on crucial societal issues.
Captivating storytelling: Through compelling narratives, the book vividly showcases resilience and the power of self-discovery.

Who should read And Then We Rise?

Fans of Common
Anyone looking to take their self-care practices to the next level
Individuals interested in the intersection of personal well-being, faith, and activism

About the Author

Common is a Grammy, Oscar, Golden Globe, and Emmy Award-winning American artist. In addition to his multiple achievements as a musician and actor, he has authored two New York Times bestsellers, One Day It’ll All Make Sense and Let Love Have the Last Word – memoirs that explore his philosophies on love and life.

Categories with And Then We Rise

Mindfulness & Happiness Personal Development Motivation & Inspiration

Book summaries like And Then We Rise

Learned Excellence

Eric Potterat & Alan Eagle

Mental Disciplines for Leading and Winning from the World's Top Performers

Find Peace in the Now

The Science and Art of Overcoming Insomnia Without Medications

How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down

The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout

20 min

4.1

The Other Significant Others

Rhaina Cohen

Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center

19 min

3.8

AI for Business Leaders

Michael Ramsay

A Practical Guide to Business Growth and Success

The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being

20 min

4.3

The Upside of Your Dark Side

Todd Kashdan and Robert Biswas-Diener

Why Being Your Whole Self – Not Just Your “Good” Self – Drives Success and Fulfillment

23 min

4.1

Discipline Is Destiny

Ryan Holiday

The Power of Self-Control

Tales of Life and Music

16 min

4.2

Untangle Your Emotions

Jennie Allen

Naming What You Feel and Knowing What to Do About It

Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health

18 min

4.5

Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!

Kate Bowler

Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-Betweens

Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell

Fortune Favors the Brave

Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere

18 min

4.3

How to Be Your Own Therapist

Owen O'Kane

Boost Your Mood and Reduce Your Anxiety in 10 Minutes a Day

19 min

4.4

Marketing Artificial Intelligence

Paul Roetzer & Mike Kaput

AI, Marketing, and the Future of Business

Building the Next Era of the Internet

The Fight to Master Our Greatest Opponent

22 min

4.4

The Little Book of Stoicism

Jonas Salzgeber

Timeless Wisdom to Gain Resilience, Confidence, and Calmness

5 min

3.8

The Remains of the Day

Kazuo Ishiguro

Echoes of Grandeur and Heartache Resonate Through a Stately Home

6 Mindsets to Become Who You Were Created to Be

20 min

3.2

The Algebra of Wealth

Scott Galloway

A Simple Formula for Financial Security

The Proven System for Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle, Getting Out of Debt, and Living the Life You Want

Philosophical Insights on Death

The Story of Ideas That Fly

11 min

4.1

I Didn't Know I Needed This

Eli Rallo

The New Rules for Flirting, Feeling, and Finding Yourself

366 Meditations on Power, Seduction, Mastery, Strategy, and Human Nature

How to Build a Profitable Career As a Small-Business Coach

How to Raise Your Standards, Find Your Person, and Live Happily (No Matter What)

17 min

4.1

The Art of Manifesting

Carolyn Boyes

Tap into the power of the universe to live your best life

Why You Don't Have to Be Born Into a Legacy of Wealth to Leave One Behind

7 min

3.2

Yoga for Better Sleep

Mark Stephens

Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science

15 min

The First Rule of Mastery

Michael Gervais

Stop Worrying about What People Think of You

4 min

3.7

Liberated Love

Mark Groves & Kylie McBeath

Release Codependent Patterns and Create the Love You Desire

16 min

Workstyle

Lizzie Penny and Alex Hirst

A revolution for wellbeing, productivity and society

21 min

3.8

Simple Truths of Leadership Playbook

Ken Blanchard & Randy Conley

A 52-Week Game Plan for Becoming a Trusted Servant Leader

4 min

3.7

Financial Literacy for All

John Hope Bryant

Disrupting Struggle, Advancing Financial Freedom, and Building a New American Middle Class

Discover Cultural Divide in Colonial India

No-BS Secrets to Success (No Matter What Life Throws at You)

Elon Musk and the Desperate Early Days That Launched SpaceX

The Winning Money Mindset That Will Change Your Life

15 min

4.2

7 Strategies for Wealth & Happiness

Jim Rohn

Power Ideas from America's Foremost Business Philosopher

How to Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes

22 min

4.5

On the Origin of Species

Charles Darwin

By Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life

The Extensions of Man

17 min

4.3

People ❤️ Blinkist

Sven O.

It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

Thi Viet Quynh N.

Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

Jonathan A.

Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

Renee D.

Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.