In the documentary Running From Crazy, Mariel Hemingway, granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, strives for better understanding of her family history of suicide and mental illness. Mariel shares her thoughts and feelings about the impact her documentary has had on herself and viewers alike.
Q: What's been your biggest revelation since the movie's release?
A: How incredibly prevalent this story is to nearly everyone. Also, how many people come up to me, contact me on Twitter or Facebook or when I speak, saying that they have the same story as I do...and I feel like, "Of course you do." We all have the same story...it may not be exactly the same, but it hits our hearts and our souls in the same way, and then, of course, we feel connected and heard.

Q: What have you learned from telling your story out loud?
A: The most healing thing a person can do is share their story because when you share it, like I have done in this film, then the healing begins, and ultimately you can move on from the story and find ways of living vibrantly and happily.

Q: What's one thing that has truly surprised you since the release of Running from Crazy?
A: How scared people are to talk about the issue of mental illness, suicide and even just the admittance of being overwhelmed by life's stress.

Q: What one thing has changed in your life since the movie's release?
A: I realize the journey to overcome my fear of my family's darkness is actually a catalyst to my now grateful and joyful life. For me, it is a miracle. I have so much gratitude for my being able to find and create a mindful life every day because I was able to look the things that scared me most straight in the face.

Q: Have you received any responses since the documentary came out that have particularly moved you? If so, how?
A: To be honest, I am stunned by the stories that people have shared with me and that they think are like my own. Many people survive frightening horrors and make it through. I think my story is quite reasonable in comparison to theirs, but again, it is not the details, it is the emotions that are attached to our past that make us relate to others and feel heard and connected. I am moved when anyone shares their hardships with me—that they feel they have a safe space to be open with me. I always feel honored to listen to another's story.

Q: We know you believe in daily rituals. What would you say has been the most impactful since the release of the film?
A: I am a tea drinker (jasmine pearls is my favorite), and I have always held the ritual of making tea very high on my list of peaceful, mindful, happy things to do in my day. Since the film, I really can see the benefit that taking time for yourself is for your well-being. And having a ritual is helpful in reminding us that we are good, kind, mindful people. It is why I came up with a necklace called the brass Teapot necklace [crafted] by Jacqueline Rose. It's a little teapot charm and can be put on a charm bracelet or worn with the chain it comes on. It is a reminder to sit back, take a deep breath, connect with yourself or someone you love, perhaps share your story and sip in the beauty of our existence. I am a believer that it is in the simplest things that we find the greatest peace. For me, it is in making, sharing and sitting with a cup of tea, or wearing a tiny teapot charm as a reminder that I love, or at least like, me and all the stories that I am made up of.
Published 04/22/2014