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Finding My Balance: A Memoir with Yoga

mariel hemingway

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Stardom, thanks to Woody Allen and his film Manhattan , came at an early age. ..but so did the problems of a broken and dysfunctional family. Yet in a life so out of kilter, Mariel Hemingway summoned the strength and inner resolve that enabled her to find -- and to keep -- her balance.
In Finding My Balance, actress Mariel Hemingway uses the lessons and practices of yoga as a starting point for her own personal reflections and larger-than-life family story. The result is a searingly honest memoir that is as deeply moving as it is helpfully prescriptive.
Mariel turned to yoga and its meditative practice in an effort to maintain her center when her life threatened to spin out of control. Having experienced family tragedy, sudden stardom, and the continuing challenges of a full and demanding life, Mariel learned through practice how to find her balance in emotionally disorienting situations. Throughout the book, Mariel uses her yoga training as a starting point for each chapter, carefully describing a particular position, then letting her mind wander into thoughts of the past and of her tumultuous life.
As each chapter begins with instruction, so does the book end with exercises organized in a sequence that can be followed by anyone who wants to practice them. As a special bonus for this edition, Mariel has added a section that describes the basics of her own "In Balance Philosophy," calming words of advice for people in search of their own emotional center.

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,2003

This edition

Format
256 pages, Paperback
Published
July 1, 2004 by Simon \u0026 Schuster
ISBN
9780743264327
ASIN
0743264320
Language
English

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About the author

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mariel hemingway

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Mariel Hemingway (born Mariel Hadley Hemingway November 22, 1961) is an American actress and author. She began acting at age 16 in a breakout role in Lipstick and is best known for her roles in Manhattan (for which she received an Oscar nomination), Star 80, and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.

She has starred in and co-produced videos about yoga and holistic living. She published a memoir in 2002.

Hemingway was born in Mill Valley, California, the third daughter of Byra Louise (née Whittlesey) Hemingway and Jack Hemingway, a writer. Her sisters are Joan Hemingway (born 1950) and Margaux Hemingway (born 1954). Margaux, who became an actress and model, died of a barbiturate overdose in 1996 at age 42.

Her paternal grandparents were Hadley Richardson and Nobel Prize-laureate novelist Ernest Hemingway (who committed suicide several months before she was born). She was named after the Cuban port of Mariel—her father and grandfather visited the village regularly to go fishing. Her middle name is from her paternal grandmother.

Hemingway's most famous acting role was in Woody Allen's Manhattan (1979), a romantic comedy in which she plays Tracy, a high school student and Allen's lover. Just 16 during filming (within the film she is said to be 17), she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 31 votes)
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31 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
AnimeFanTalk
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I'm not a big fan of memoirs in general. However, I have to admit that I really enjoyed the yoga aspects of this particular book.

It was quite interesting to read about the different yoga poses and the author's experiences with them. I think I actually finished reading this book before New Year's, but somehow I forgot to update my status. Oh well, better late than never, I guess.

The book provided some valuable insights into the world of yoga and its benefits. It made me want to explore yoga further and incorporate it into my own life.

Even though the memoir part didn't really grab my attention, the yoga content was enough to make this book a worthwhile read for me. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in yoga or looking for a new perspective on this ancient practice.
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tiffyrose
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This book is truly remarkable. It is not only extremely simple in its presentation but also deeply personal.

As I delved into its pages, I found myself relating to Mariel on multiple levels. Her experiences, emotions, and thoughts seemed to mirror my own in many ways.

The book has a touching quality that tugs at the heartstrings. It manages to convey profound messages and evoke strong emotions with its simple yet powerful narrative.

Moreover, it is a quick read, which makes it even more accessible and engaging. You can easily lose yourself in the story and finish it in a short period of time.

Overall, this book is a gem that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a meaningful and enjoyable read. It has the ability to touch your soul and leave a lasting impression.
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notokbutitsok
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I didn't have great hopes for this book when I saw it on the $1 table at Bradley's Books a couple of months ago. I am usually not a big fan of memoirs. I often find them poorly written and self-serving. (One thing that did "bother" me was Hemingway's frequent use of "To this day...") However, perhaps because of the yoga tie-in, I did enjoy this book. Each chapter starts with a yoga asana, which then leads into a story from Hemingway's life. It was an easy read. I finished it in one day, and it wasn't even a day when I did nothing but read! And although I was familiar with most of the yoga postures, I will still keep this book as a yoga reference. It offers a unique perspective on yoga and Hemingway's life, and I think it could be useful for others who are interested in either or both of these topics. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this book and would recommend it to others.

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hoang000147
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Mariel Hemingway has a unique way of sharing her life story. She intertwines it with her yoga practice, creating a fascinating narrative.

Each chapter of her story begins with a detailed description of how she enters into a particular yoga posture. This not only provides a vivid image of the physical act but also serves as a starting point for her to link the pose to a significant chapter of her life.

Her yoga practice has been a source of great strength and stability for her. Through daily meditation, she has been able to "find balance" in her life. It has helped her to cope with the challenges and difficulties that she has faced, and has given her the inner peace and calm that she needs to navigate through life's ups and downs.

Mariel Hemingway's story is an inspiration to us all, showing us that with dedication and commitment, we too can find balance and harmony in our lives through the practice of yoga and meditation.
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mouse27
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I have a deep love for yoga. I have been engaging in yoga practice intermittently for more than three years. However, it is only within the past six months that I have wholeheartedly committed to it as a way of life and joyfully welcomed the alterations it has brought about in both my mental state and daily habits.

I am also a big fan of a great memoir. Therefore, I was thrilled when I came across this book in UT's library. I eagerly read the first few chapters, expecting to find some thoughts that I could adopt as new mantras. Nevertheless, as a literary work, I was disappointed. Mariel shares stories about a difficult childhood and the self-destructive coping mechanisms she developed as she grew up. But frequently, the stories are not presented in chronological order; she jumps around randomly. Moreover, the book concludes rather abruptly.

It was a simple read, but I suppose it just wasn't what I was seeking.
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Chuma97
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This is a truly wonderful story! It contains great information and details about yoga.

Yoga is not just a physical exercise but a holistic practice that combines body, mind, and spirit. It offers numerous benefits, such as improving flexibility, strength, and balance.

The story might have described different yoga poses and their specific effects on the body. It could have also touched upon the importance of breathing techniques in yoga, which help to calm the mind and increase focus.

Moreover, the details about yoga might have included information about its history, philosophy, and different styles. This would have provided a more comprehensive understanding of the practice.

Overall, the story seems to be a great source of inspiration and knowledge for those interested in yoga. It encourages readers to explore this ancient practice and discover its many benefits for themselves.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi, there is always something new to learn and discover in the world of yoga. So, take the time to read this wonderful story and let it inspire you on your own yoga journey.

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Hasuki_
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Yoga is not only beneficial for those who practice it regularly but also for others who are seeking a better life balance.

Mariel's life is a great example of this. She has faced many challenges and struggles in her attempts to meet the expectations of others.

However, through her experiences, she has learned an important lesson about the need to take care of oneself.

We often get so caught up in trying to please others and meet their demands that we forget about our own well-being.

Mariel's story serves as a good reminder that we need to make time for ourselves, do the things that make us happy, and take care of our physical and mental health.

Whether it's through yoga, meditation, or simply taking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, we all need to find ways to recharge and rejuvenate.

By doing so, we can better handle the challenges that come our way and lead a more fulfilling and balanced life.
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Byt28
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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It is an intense biography. Mariel Hemingway is a brilliant author, just like a vision of her grandfather. Her work represents harmony and peace, but at the same time excitement and humor. She has managed to capture the essence of her life and experiences in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.



If you are a fan of biographies, then this is definitely the book for you. It offers a unique perspective on the life of a remarkable individual and provides insights into the challenges and triumphs that she has faced along the way. The writing is vivid and descriptive, making it easy to imagine yourself in the midst of the story.



Mariel Hemingway's biography is a must-read for anyone who is interested in learning more about her life and work. It is a powerful and inspiring account that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for this talented author.

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