Rapper, actor, and activist Common, born Lonnie Rashid Lynn, unveils the transformative impact of therapy on his mental health and well-being in an exclusive interview with Yahoo Life. Common unveils his mental wellness journey, and delves into his personal experience dealing with heartbreak, highlighting the pivotal role therapy played in his life over the past two decades.
The acclaimed musician recalls the moment when his mental health journey began, revealing, “I was dealing with a heartbreak. I really was down. I wasn’t eating like I normally would.
I just didn’t see any way out of the tunnel.” It was during this challenging period that his acting coach recommended a therapist specializing in working with actors, marking the beginning of his healing process.
Common Shares Positive Impact of Therapy
Common emphasizes the profound impact therapy had on his self-awareness and healing. “It was a way for me to learn things about myself and to dig into things that I hadn’t dealt with that were affecting my happiness and affecting my potential in the present,” he shares.
The rapper emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and confronting past traumas, noting that awareness is the key to breaking behavioral patterns.
Reflecting on his initial struggles, Common reveals, “I didn’t have the full self-esteem and the full self-love I needed in life.” However, therapy provided him with tools to apply the insights gained to everyday situations, fostering confidence, strength, and joy. The artist describes the journey as empowering, stating, “I felt like, ‘Oh, man, I’m powerful.’”
Beyond personal growth, Common attests to the positive impact therapy has had on his professional life. He notes that therapy enabled him to embrace his flaws and navigate challenges as an artist.
“Therapy has helped me to go to freer places as an artist,” he states. By fostering self-awareness, he became better equipped to create authentic and meaningful music while being a more effective actor.
The rapper also credits therapy for enhancing his personal relationships. By being more attuned to his own feelings, Common became a better listener and communicator in his roles as a father, friend, and partner. He emphasizes the significance of active listening in building strong connections.
Motivated by his own transformative journey, Common has authored a new book, “And Then We Rise: A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self,” set to release on January 23. The book, described as a how-to guide on becoming the best version of oneself, aligns with Common’s philosophy of self-improvement and empowerment.
In the interview, Common expresses his desire to reach communities that may lack access to health and wellness resources. Drawing on his roots on the South Side of Chicago, the rapper emphasizes the importance of self-love and self-care.
His latest book aims to empower readers to find their path to self-improvement, encouraging individuals to explore activities that resonate with them, whether it’s playing tennis, taking a walk, or practicing yoga.
Common’s commitment to mental wellness extends beyond his personal journey; he is the founder of Art in Motion (AIM), a charter school in Chicago. The school prioritizes mental wellness by incorporating activities like meditation into its curriculum, providing students with valuable tools for coping with stress.
The artist concludes by highlighting the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and mental wellness. Quoting integrative physician Dr. Tracey Rico, Common shares the mantra, “Your body walks in the environment that your mind creates.” He stresses the importance of prioritizing mental health for overall well-being, emphasizing that emotional and mental health are essential components of achieving one’s full potential.
As Common continues to inspire with his openness about mental wellness, his latest book promises to guide readers on their own journeys toward self-love and care.
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