Poet Interview: Balladine
Today we introduce you to the wonderful Balladine, also known as Bali. Bali is an International Studies Graduate of the University of Tampa. She grew up by the Atlantic Ocean, in lovely Cape Cod, MA. It is definitely safe to say that when you are born by the ocean, it's almost impossible to leave it. When Bali wasn't in school, she spent most of her time hiking, biking or running on the Cape Cod Canal, horseback riding, or simply existing by the beach. Although the horseback riding and hiking has faded to the background with her geographical move to Florida, writing has stayed a constant. Bali finds much of her inspiration in nature and when she is not writing, working, or with her friends, chances are she can be found outdoors. Bali is also an avid reader, and finds much inspiration in the works of Osho and Rumi. Overall, she is a lover of all things light and a firm believer in the relationship between the inner world of the individual and the outer world of society as a whole. Bali believe that realising the power of the mind and importance of self-love is key to the growth and development of our world. Isn’t she wonderful? Make sure you ready the full interview below, and bookmark her beautifully designed website at www.etherealimaginings.com
Where do you live and how does it influence your writing?
I am based out of the west coast of Florida, about a five minute drive from the beach. The sea has a way of pulling thoughts and feelings from deep within me, that I hadn't even known existed. I have always found both writing and the water to be very healing, and feel beyond lucky that I'm mere minutes away from instant inspiration.
When did you first become passionate about poetry and what attracted you to it?
Poetry came to me long before I was even really aware of what I was doing. I have always been someone who feels very intensely, and growing up I found it extremely hard to grapple with and process all of my emotions. Writing has always been my outlet. When my mind can't seem to comprehend the weight of what I'm feeling, my hand seems to know what to say. Every word feels like a breath of fresh air.
What inspires you to write?
Existence. The interconnected nature of life on earth. The ever-changing colors of the sky and breath of salty air near the sea. The intricacy of the human mind and the power of the thought. How music moves you. How the exchanging of words, is the sharing of worlds. The way light filters through parted branches of trees. The way the intangible shapes all we consider to be real. The magic of what it means to simply, be.
Do you publish your Poetry on other channels but Instagram?
There's a link to my poetry account on my blog (https://www.etherealimaginings.com/), but besides this, no. However, I am working to create and publish a poetry book hopefully sometime very soon.
Who is your favorite Instapoet and why?
Ah this is a very hard question!! Probably @ mamasshakespeare , she's incredibly talented and puts so much hard work into all of her poems.
Can you tell us a little about your writing process? How do you come up with poems and how do you edit them?
The poems usually come to me when I am outside in nature, especially when I'm on walks or by the sea. I try my best to edit them based on what I would like the rhythm of the poem to sound like when spoken.
Do you support yourself through writing financially, or do you have a day job and what is it?
I do not yet support myself through writing financially, although I would love to get to this point. As of right now I'm in between day jobs, and in the process of getting another job to support myself while I pursue my writing.
How many hours a day do you spend writing and what helps you to get into the writing mood?
It definitely depends on the day! I'm a big proponent of staying in tune with the ebb and flow of your energy levels. If I am inclined to write I can write for hours on end, but I don't like to force myself if the inspiration is not there and my mind needs to rest. That being said, if I want to write and just need to clear my head, I will usually go on a walk/run or meditate.
And what’s the best moment you’ve had with your poetry so far?
Getting published in the Instapoet book by Augie's Bookshelf!
How do you respond to writer’s block or not knowing what to write?
I surround myself with the people, places and things that I love. I think it's super important to acknowledge that it's ok to feel stagnant sometimes and that sometimes you need to let yourself simply exist. The only way out is through, and it is very important to not deny yourself of how you feel or pretend as if you're not feeling it. In time the inspiration will come back to you naturally, through focus on all the other things in life that you love as well.
What are you working on next?
I would like to create a collection of poems centered around how our internal world shapes our external realities. I also have a blog where I discuss many topics relating to self-help, mindfulness, manifestation and spirituality. I'm looking to grow and expand this blog, and am also looking to start a section dedicated to book reviews for the different books I have read regarding these topics.
Where would you like to see yourself in three years time.
In three years time I would love to be a well established and published author, who is helping people to discover the magic and power that lies within. I want to help people, help themselves, and take charge of their own lives. I am also extremely passionate about tarot and astrology, and would love to become more well-versed in these subjects, so that I could somehow combine them with my passion for writing.
What is your strategy you to grow your audience?
Honestly I'm still trying to figure that out haha! I really want to use my words to help people, so I'm trying to figure out how to grow my audience by providing them with thought-provoking content that makes them question all they believe to be true. I want people to realize that in nothing comes everything, and that we are the creators of our own reality.
What advice would you give young poets just starting out?
Don't let society tell you no. Listen to the opinion's of others, but follow your gut. Your intuition, and emotional guidance system, will not steer you wrong. Sometimes, the reasoning mind will try to bring you away from your dreams. Follow. Your. Heart. Let your work becoming your burning desire, and all else will fall into place.
Do you think poetry has a greater purpose?
Yes, without a doubt. I believe poetry is meant to remind us that we are all connected. It's meant to make you feel, make you think, make you learn, unlearn, and learn again. Poetry is meant to blur the lines between all that is real and fake. I believe it is the closest route to the soul, and that it surrounds us in everything we do.
What would you like to gain from a writers business community?
I would love to make some meaningful connections in this community, and to get help in the growth and development of my brand Ethereal Imaginings. I'm so excited to be a part of this community and can't wait to see all it has in store!!
Closed...
Open my soul
A thousand times more
And let loose the sand
Within me.
Let fall the glass
That shelters my heart
Press the cold shattered shards
Against me.
I want to feel,
Deeper than the sea,
Longer than the valley,
Separating you and me
But,
The barrier stands too high,
The valley too wide
And the sharks in the grass too vile.
You can find more about Balladine here:
Email:
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https://www.facebook.com/Baallii
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