BALM: Recent Episodes
Vean Ima
A podcast from poet, writer and storyteller Vean Ima. A self love and self acceptance advocate determined to bring the realisation of worthiness to every listener. ‘BALM’ is a podcast of Vean’s words in the form of conversation, short poems and prose for those tired of carrying their hearts around in broken pieces.
In this season finale I’m sharing poetry on our relationship with our bodies. The mortal casing of our souls that we fall in and out of love with so many times throughout our eventful lives. I share candidly about where I’m at with my body in the hope that if you too are experiencing similar feelings you will know that you are not alone. Our relationships with our bodies are complicated but most of all they are unique and they are ours.
This final episode of the season is a sweet appreciation of our bodies with poetry that I hope will soothe you and always be that balm.
You can find me on Instagram @vean_ima and or email me at veanimapoetry@gmail.com. I’d love to connect with you.
Much love and see you next season.. V I x
In today’s episode I’m talking about transparency. I’ve seen over and over again how the lack of transparency can lead many of us astray. We all seek to achieve unrealistic goals and suffer in silence because everyone but us seems to have it together. We think we alone are struggling, that we alone have lives that are full or more pain than purpose. Perfection is played out on so many platforms and we absorb it without knowing the full story, the whole story that if we were allowed to see a little bit of real poke through from time to time, we’d all be better off it.
It’s my intention that the poetry, prose and affirmations shared on BALM will encourage you and leave you enriched.
Love always, Vean.
Please know you are more than welcome to contact me on Instagram @vean_ima and or via email veanimapoetry@gmail.com
Well, I always say I write in the hope that it will help someone but truth be told this is also therapy for me and this episode is no exception!
Today I discuss the dependence that occurs we we’re always seeking our happy from other people and external sources, why it’s exhausting, why it’s dangerous and why it’s time to start looking within. People leave and things lose their appeal leaving us to languish feeling empty and desperately seeking that next fix which sadly often does not lead us back to us. I want this episode to remind us that we can be our own happy and get to the place where we can boldly declare ... ‘ My happy is me’.
Today I’m talking about PERFECTION and the power that it wields upon us. Who knew that preferences about the female body created for the male gaze could hold us in such bondage, who knew that the pressure to be deemed enough by societies standards could force us to run so far from our authentic selves in an attempt to be more and be deemed worthy.
With thoughts and original poetry I invite you to love yourselves without scrutiny and hold your truest self in high esteem. You are amazing, needed and so valuable just as you are- and for that reason we are ‘running from perfection’.
Much love as always, V I
If you’d like to read more of my poetry you can find me on Instagram https://instagram.com/vean_ima?igshid=73q17mmrcw3r
And purchase my poetry prints https://veanimaprints.com
Well I had a totally different episode planned for you today but in light of new Tier 4 restrictions placed on parts of the U.K I just felt I wanted to provide a place of calm and escape from the triggering news cycles, I wanted to remind you that you are more than the current circumstances that were forced upon you in a moments notice and no one has the power to lock down your heart, your spirit or your joy. We are sad, grieving and feeling a whirlwind of emotions but we are going to seek out all the good that’s left in 2020... starting with what’s right here within us.
Listen for timely poetry, prose and affirmations that I hope will leave you enriched. Love always, Vean.
You are also more than welcome to contact me on Instagram https://instagram.com/vean_ima?igshid=2f1iq0x3quuw or via email veanimapoetry@gmail.com
In this episode I spill all of my musings, my experiences and spoken word on the matter of motherhood; my infertility journey, mothering Black and happily relinquishing my super mum title that I traded off using it as my badge of self worth and value at a time I felt inadequate as a stay at home mum. I touch on why I quit mummy blogging and why we as women must be more compassionate towards each other and our unique beautiful stories. Motherhood is such a loaded topic, full of mystery and wonder but also overwhelm and for some despair, no one owns the rights so let’s all get a seat at the table and be validated. I hope this episode is enjoyed by you and if so I’d love you to share, email mail me or even leave a review! I truly love sharing my poetry with you, so thanks for being here, V. You can find me on Instagram at @vean_ima and email me at veanimapoetry@gmail.com. Much love x
In this episode I call you beautiful, I call you strong, I call you overcomer, I call you enough! For you are but I know sometimes you call yourself names that are beneath your sovereignty and you degrade yourself for not meeting the mark, an unrealistic measure set by others that you should in no way allow to steal your joy or rid you of your self worth may I remind you that you were born enough. My hope is that you will get to the end of this episode and feel better, I want your head to be lifted as the words I share swirl in your mind and nudge you with the realisation that you are phenomenal. This is BEAUTIFUL YOU. If this episode speaks to you it would mean so much to me if you would rate, subscribe and even leave a review! You can find more of my work on Instagram @vean_ima and can also email me at veanimapoetry@gmail.com with feedback and requests. Much love until next time. Vean
In today’s episode I share my thoughts on the all too familiar dilemma of showing up authentically as ourselves. We are so burnt out, under pressure, often times still raw and healing from what life has thrown at us, still growing and learning how to be brave and stand up to the lies from those who come and attempt to box us- that we often don’t notice when our true identities evaporate under all the pressure. We desperately want to be real, we desperately want to pull off every mask that hides our truth but fear and circumstance bind us and all attempts to be ourselves are thwarted. The poems in this episode were all written as I personally fought my own battle to finally show up as myself. Who knew it would be so hard! My poetry, prose and more can all be enjoyed via instagram @vean_ima and prints of my words available to purchase at www.veanimaprints.com.
In today’s episode I discuss the ways in which our inner critic overpowers us and stops us from walking in our truth. I share the ways in which I have given myself permission to do it afraid with my heart racing and throat cracking but defiantly not allowing fear to win. I want you to know that by waiting for perfection before you step into your purpose you are only sabotaging your own story. As always I share poetry I have written in the midst of my own healing and battles regarding self doubt, fear and silencing my inner critic. If you’d like to catch up with more of my work in between podcasts you can find me on Instagram @vean_ima. I’d love to see you there!
In this episode I unpack some thoughts on the empowerment that comes from being able to say ‘no’. It is all too common that so many of us, both men and women alike including some of the most confident people amongst us struggle with the freedom to express that two letter word, boldly advocating for themselves and putting their needs first. I also share the poem ‘No’ and end with an affirmation that I hope will remind you that you can and must use your voice and learn the art of speaking openly and lovingly to yourself in order to activate your ability to see your worth.
In today’s episode I talk candidly about my mental health journey and the ways in which I get through. I believe that there is no shame in sharing weaknesses and boldly once and for all removing superhero capes unfairly placed on your shoulders. I also share a poetry reading of ‘Battleground’ to illustrate where my mind is at when I am in the thick of it and ‘In Need’ which depicts that moment when you realise a solution must be found and you know exactly what it is.
Welcome to the first ever episode of BALM. A place I have created to share my words with you in a more personal and intimate way. In this short and sweet birthing of Balm I encourage you and wish upon you all the Joy, peace and love you can handle.