I remember when I visited Ketut Liyer, Elizabeth Gilbert’s medicine Man that she talked about in her book Eat, Pray, Love in 2015. You can imagine how excited I was after all of the profound experiences she shared on her journey to find love after her terrible divorce. She had weekly visits with Ketut and he mentored and guided her to self realization of self love and care of her soul.
When I get a notion about something I want to do in my head, I will go to the necesary steps to make it happen. In this case, we were going to Bali and I thought it would be so much fun to see Elizabeth’s medicine that she so much revered in her writing and in the movie. We had to schedule an appointment before we went because he had such a renowned reputation and I wanted to be assured I could get a spot. When I called, I got someone that was not very professional on the phone but the hotel in Ubud I was staying in, confirmed it was indeed the right place.
I couldn’t wait and of course my husband thought I was crazy but what else is new. He is very pragmatic and considers this kind of thing witch craft of sorts but he’s been with me long enough to know not to ask questions, because at the end of the day, I will end up doing what it is I want anyway. His mantra is why waste my breath. He is also very patient and always willing to go along with whatever joy ride I take him on. I wasn’t looking for any kind of enlightenment in the least as my life was a waking meditation pretty much at the time, (well as of the last 10 years I’d say); but it was more the fun of meeting someone with such wisdom after reading so much about him.
We arrived after getting very lost in all of the unmarked streets in Bali and navigating the motorcycles with 2-4 people riding on one, with animals, furniture, plants etc which is in and of itself a challenge. It was mind boggling to us and I hear it is nothing compared to India.
When we got there we were greeted by an old woman who turned out to be his wife who told us to wait and he would be coming out soon. It appeared we were the only people there so there weren’t the lines I expected which was curious to me after all of the hype. It was 20.00 U.S. dollars for the 30 min visit which I happily paid.
A younger gentleman came out as well and took me to meet Ketut and guided my husband to sit in a chair below me, while I had my fortune told and he could read his book. Then his wife came out to meet me and gave me a big hug and said hello as well.
Finally, the moment I had waited for was here and there in front of me stood Ketut Liyer, The Medicine Man. He greeted me with a handshake and the biggest grin you have ever seen with only a few teeth in his head, was hunched over, had a difficult time walking and was about 5 foot tall if that. He smiled ear to ear and then we sat down on the floor of his porch to talk. He like most all of the Balinese people we met had the warmest heart.
I didn’t have any burning questions. I suppose I just wanted to know what was so special about Elizabeth’s medicine man and what knowledge he had to impart and pass on to me. He sat and asked my name many times and said over and over “You are very beautiful” and he would touch my face and then hold my hands.
“What is your name”? Of course I would tell him and he would ask again and say “You are very beautiful and wise and wealthy”. Honestly, I can’t remember much more of what he said other than “you will live long and have a very good life”. And then he would start over saying “You are very beautiful, what is your name”? He repeated over and over again. I’m not sure I even had a question except to wonder if maybe I had met the wrong medicine man. He was the sweetest man in the world, however, this of course was not what I had envisioned. When I left he gave me a beautiful blessing with the Bali bell and a very big hug and smile and again blessed me with his same words. Of course my next mission then became finding a Bali bell, a story for another time.
As we were leaving, we walked in the room of their office home and were once again greeted by the young gentleman and I said “he is very sweet and very old”. He said “yes, he is my father and I am so sorry” but he has dementia”. I said “yes, I see that, but no apologies are needed”. He apologized profusely again and said “we tell him he can’t meet the people but he refuses and wants to see them as often as they come”. “Of course”, I said. I assured him it was all worth it and that I love old people, which is true and besides I said “according to your father, I am very beautiful, I am wise and I am wealthy” and that is worth every cent. That mantra sticks in my head when I think of Ketut Liyer the medicine man, and the pleasure is all mine.
Sadly, and luckily for me he died in 2016 so I feel very privalaged to have met him. The baton has been passed on to his son who is also a medicine man and he will happily see you and show you around the family compound and give you a tour. All of the pictures on the office wall are displayed of Ketut Liyer with Elizabeth Gilbert front and center as well as others. Let me know if you see my picture if you go. I have looked everywhere for those pictures to mark a memory in time in 2015 but so far no luck. The pictures below are not him or his wife or compound but representational of the beautiful people we met and a land we love.
Copyright © Cindy Georgakas
All Rights Reserved

Elizabeth’s book was magical and took off like lightening which only happens once in a blue moon and editors can’t even explain how it happened. Others continue to to try to copy the name in some way or an other but there is some kind of unexplained fairy dust that blessed this book that had a protective aura around it. I believe it was a story that we all needed to hear and the messages she was receiving were being channeled through her as she listened to her inner wisdom and followed her intuition.
“Eat Pray Love” sold more than 12 million copies worldwide and became so popular that Time Magazine named Gilbert one of the 100 most influential people in the world. It was a New York Times best seller. Four years later, her book was turned into a film, starring Julia Roberts as Gilbert.Sep 23, 2015The writer has easily made $10 million in royalties from the book, and according to one source with knowledge of the deal, she earned another $1 million for the film rights.Aug 16, 2010
The movie grossed 204,594,016 world wide. The trailor gives you a good glimmer into both the movie and the book.

Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) thought she had everything she wanted in life: a home, a husband and a successful career. Now newly divorced and facing a turning point, she finds that she is confused about what is important to her. Daring to step out of her comfort zone, Liz embarks on a quest of self-discovery that takes her to Italy, India and Bali. Release Date: August 13, 2010
I have read one of her books Big Magic but had no idea about her life story, passion and career as a journalist and writer. She has written 10 books and is and excellent speaker appearing on Oprah, Ted Talks etc. She is a master speaker sharing from her heart and has many wonderful YouTube talks about writing, her philosophy and it is well worth a visit. Her many life experiences and shared wisdom in writing and speaking is very inspiring. She has a contagious spirt that is motivating, colorful and inspires all of us to honor our process and live in joy while we follow our bliss.
Thanks so much for reading as always, liking (if you do of course), commenting and or sharing.
Have a blessed day and follow your heart wherever it might take you today.
💖
Cindy
It’s my dream to visit Bali.. nice read Cindy, loved it 😊
Oh you will love it! I’ve been twice and go for 2-3 weeks if you can! 💖
That would be a lovely vacation, should plan for one next .. thanks Cindy 🥰
Please tell me all about it if you do go!!!
💖
Fingers crossed (and of course happy to answer any questions as well)
Aww thanks 🥰
🌷🤗🙏
Its an awesome place as per i have heard, glad you enjoyed there cindy💖💖💖💖
It’s soooo amazing for sure! Yep really did! Went twice I liked it so much! Thanks Soni!💖💖💖
You had an amazing trip Cindy!🥺❤
It was memorable for sure Nawaz! 💖 Thanks!
This was a heartwarming and interesting story Cindy…and nice to dream about that 10 million in royalties 🤣🤣🤣
Thanks Ingrid.
Right?!?! So wild!💖
Been in Bali in 2003 I think, was amazed of the people more than the beauty of the island.
Thanks for sharing this amazing story ❤️
Hi Manuel!
I do agree the people are amazing. When I went back I went to more remote places which was awesome. Thanks for visiting! 💖💖💖
The joy of people living in those remote areas, know what you mean 😉
Thank you ❤️
Yes for sure.. so many gifts… makes me want to travel again. 1
Hopefully soon… 🙏🏻
🙏🙏🙏
ON INFLUENCING, PERSUADING AND COERCING
◇ – Diamond Hard – ◇
◇ EveryOne is at Different Stages of Consciousness.
There is a Certain Stage YOU!!! Reach when YOUR!!! Only Intent is to Speak YOUR!!! Truth and NOT!!! to Convince Others of It, instead Inviting Them to Come to Their Own Conclusions and Truths whether in Agreement with YOU!!! or NOT!!!
As YOUR!!! Vibration Rises YOU!!! Progress YOUR!!! Evolutionary Journey of Consciousness and Gradually Come to Realise that ALL Have THEIR!!! Own, Unique, Individual, Personal Path for THEM!!! to Follow.
Put Simply, YOU!!! Cannot Convince a Baby to Walk when it is at its Crawling Stage as Walking is YOUR!!! Truth and Crawling is the Babys Truth until it Starts Walking and then Running.
To Try to Convince Others of YOUR!!! Truths is an Exercise in FUTILITY!!! and Largely POINTLESS!!! because The Only Constant is CHANGE!!! and ALL of Us ARE Creatures of CHOICE!!! CHANGE!!! and DECISION!!!
◇ – Diamond Hard – ◇
…◇◇◇…
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
A LOT OF THE UNEXPLAINABLE OUT IN THE WORLD! 😀
Thanks so much Johnnie!! 💖💖💖💖
MY PLEASURE, DARLIN’
You’re a doll! 🌷🌷
COMPLETE WITH A NEARLY BALD HEAD YO MAKE WIG TRANSFER! 😀
LMAO 🤣🤣🤣
LLOL FOR SURE!
😜😜😜
😀 😀 😀
🤗🌷😘
ONLY THREE’? LOSING MY TOUCH ( YEAH, RIGHT-!) 😀 I’M KIDDING! TTHANK YOU!
🤣🤣🤣🤣. HOW’S THE MISSES DOING? 💖
AT THE MOMENT—SLEEPING! SHE IS HOME—ALL INFECTION GONE—BEING HER NORMAL RADIANT SELF! <3
Oh that’s sooooo good to hear. Thanks for the update! 💖💖
You are welcome. stupid question—what are acceptable displays of affection between a Dad and his adult daughter-???? And–yes—I do have a future motive! 😀
Sounds like a visit is in order. well, hugging but is that allowable yet. No kissing on the lips. 🤣
GOTCHA—! CONFIRMS WHART I WAS THINKING. 😀
Oh good! 💖
BY TFE BY…I AM GETTING A BIG BIT AHEAD OF MYSELF. A MEETING BETWEEN RUE AND I …DOESN’T SEEM PRACTICAL OR CURRENTLY POSSBLE AND I’VE SENT AN APOLOGY YO HER FOR INSISTING ON BRINGING THE SUBJECT UP! CASWELL’S A DREAMER–AND AN IDIOT IN SOME WAYS.
Dreamers dreams. She sounds happy which is the main thing!
IF I MAKE HER HAPPY BY MY BEING A DREAMER THEN THAT IS OKAY AND MAKES ME HAPPY! THANK YOU!
Wonderful sentiments. 💖
I HOPE IS TRUE
💖🤗
https://amyshedrack200.Wordpress.com/2021/03/15/the-vincent-ehindero-award-2
I just nominated you for the Vincent Ehindero blogger award. Feel free to accept it 😊
Aren’t you sooooo sweet! Thanks I’m honored but haven’t been able to get to them lately.. soooo sorry but I may surprise you at some point~
No worries 🙂🙂💖.
ohhhh thanks or getting it. swimming upstream at the moment. 💖
Cindy, I admire that you go do things like this. It is an inspiration. I have not read the book, but enjoyed the movie. Pretty much anything with Julia Roberts will likely get a look in our house. Each of her visits had meaning. Breaking bread with friends over an elongated meal will heal many wounds, so I must confess and affinity for the “eat” part of the story. It sounds like you timed your trip well. Thanks for sharing your journey. Keith
Thanks so much Keith.
Very kind of you and I appreciate your thoughts hear. Love Julia Roberts too and I so agree the eating part takes high priority with me as well.
🤣💖 It was lovely…. so much so that we made another trip out of it. ❤️❤️🌷🌷🌷
Cindy, I went on a global business conference to Cannes with my company. One evening, they bussed a group of us to this villa style restaurant up in the hills above the town. We had a three hour, multi-course meal full of wonderful conversation. No one was in a hurry and it was a true delight. The Europeans know how to do it right. Keith
Oh Keith….. now you’re making me really hungry. That sounds like heaven and such a great memory to savor. Hopefully, there will be more of those as things open up! Oh they sure live right!!! 💖
Seems like you had a wonderful time in Bali…thanks for your sharing, Cindy….
heavenly thanks dear Navin. It was quite an experience with The medicine man for sure. 💖💖💖
That’s sounds great….have a peaceful evening ✨❤️
Will do you too! Did you ever put your poem up yet?
Yes Ma’m….and I see your wonderful comments as well ✨
I had to go in as I didn’t see it on reader! 💖
Try click on 3 vertical dots & hit “turn on notifications”….If they’re already turned off, then try turning them off & on again….it has helped me 😊
Thanks Navin I’ll try that!!!💖💖💖
Wow! What a cool experience, Cindy! Amazing. I’ve not read that book, yet would like to. Excellent post, my friend. ❤
it truly is a gift to the soul and funny to meet the Ketut. It’s a chick flick / book so read to your wife or watch together. Glad you liked it and thanks a lot! 💖
Ah, lovely, thanks, Cindy! You are always welcome, my friend. ❤
You are very dear. 😘
That’s an interesting read Cindy. Meeting someone who could lift ourselves with positive vibes is a blessing. And am sure you had it already. ❤️❤️❤️ Don’t worry about the missing picture Cindy, I will request them to frame yours soon when I visit Bali. 😄😄😄
It was cool to meet someone so highly regarded to find it was all a lot of hoopala. I do wonder what he was like in younger years. You are very clever and I just love your humor. And have them send it to me, will ya?
🤣🤣❤️❤️🙏🌷
Sure, I will dearest Cindy. 🤣🤣🤣
💖💖💖
Beautiful story ❤️
Thanks so much Lisa!! 💖
What a gift Cindy … beautiful narrative … lovely retelling and honouring … compose a beautiful day ~ sending you joy ☺️💫 hedy
It really was Hedy and thanks for stopping in. So glad you enjoyed it. You do the same and thanks for the joy!!! 💖💖💖
Gilbert’s book was an engaging story of self-discovery, adventure, and empowerment. It appears you had similar experiences in Bali. Thank you for sharing your story and photos with us.
It sure was Michele. I love Bali and have been twice now and the people are amazing. Thanks for reading Michele and you’re most welcome! 💖
How wonderful. 🌞
💖💖🙏🙏
I want to visit Bali even more now!! Great read
Soooo glad it that much to inspire you to go. I should do another on different places in Bali! thanks Akshita!!! 💖💖❤️❤️
Yes please!
My pleasure 🤗💐
💖💖💖
Hello Cindy, I love your posts. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. I have a new blog and I would like you to reblog one of my posts for the benefit of more readers if that is fine with you. A link to my newest post is attached to this message. Thank you. https://highfivemedotblog.wordpress.com/2021/03/14/the-future-of-work/
Hi There…. what’s your first name, if it’s ok if I ask?
Thank you for your kind acknowledgment and support.
Are you following me? follow me from your new site and then I can check it out. I don’t tend to reblog but when something is appropriate and important I do try to weave it into my posts. I’ll check the link out later when time permits. 🌷
Hi Cindy,
My name is Abena. I do follow your blog. Its amazing. Thank you for the future weave.
Thanks Abena,
That is much appreciated and I do hope you are making posts on you new blog and follow me from there so I hook up with your new site. I’m going to head to your site soon.
I am so honored and you are most welcome!💖
keep writing and you will find people who reblog a lot! 💖
Abena,
I just tried to follow you but your site’s gone.
Follow me again from your new site so I can connect. 💖
I just followed you again. I think that was an error. This is a link to my site.
https://highfivemedotblog.wordpress.com/
Alrighty awesome!!! 💖💖💖👏👏👏
tried again,. still an error. I think you need to follow from your new site and come back and follow me so I can follow you.
Such a memorable trip for you and your hubby Cindy! I too have dreamed of visiting the exotic place of Bali. What a blessing to travel there and meet this extraordinary human being. I fell in love with Ms. Gilbert’s book too, especially connected to it after my divorce ten years ago. She is a seeker like we are so it doesn’t surprise me that you too afore her. Lots of love to you my darling sister friend ❤
It was awespome and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It was meant to be more of a funny story in meeting the medicine man but couldn’t help but feature and research Elizabeth Gilbert more and give credit where credit is due. Of that’s very cool timing for you to connect to it. She really is and honors her path like we spiritual beings do which is so admirable. Cheers to her and cheers to us and all of our kindred souls of light. 💖🙏🤗🤗🌈
Yes sister 👏 This post included a bit of it all, as the journey does….laughter, sadness, wonder and curiosity for what lies waiting for us when we open up and explore our world. You’re super blessed to have traveled in Elizabeth’s footsteps. Your bio here on her is well deserving of her talent and gifts. It made me very happy to read it, love you so 🥰🥰🥰
Oh good, so glad it came through Maria and you described our journey so well! Life does offer all of those avenues when we stay open for sure. It’s not always easy or comfortable getting there but definitly worth it. I’m glad to know that came through. Awww you’re special and love you too! 💖💖😘🌷
A charming story, Cindy. Even with dementia, he seemed like a delightful old man.
I stayed in Ubud for a week in 1975 when I had taken off several months to wander through the South Pacific. It was a magical place filled with talented artists. I still have two paintings that I purchased there hanging on the wall of our library. In fact I can look up at them (am looking at them ) from my writing chair. –Curt
It really was Curt. Yes, truly a special moment and you could tell his heart was pure.
Oh how lucky and lovely you hit it before the masses started to change things. For me it was a walking expressiong of art everywhere you looked. oh how cool!!!!! I had an old piece I visited both times i was there and it was very old and I passed on it and often wish I had pulled the trigger. I did get an amazing hand painted piece from an Australlian artist/ owner that graces my wall at the lake I love. oh I would love to see your painting if you ever feeling like sharing! 👏👏👏🌷🌷
Interesting on the paintings, my former wife took the two nature paintings and I was left with the village/farming scenes. It’s an interesting thought to do a post on some of our native art. 🙂 –Curt
Oh I think that would be cool to do a post on your old art! 💖
Would be fun. I’ll keep it as an idea when I am blanking on post material some time. Not that it happens often. Quite the opposite. 🙂
I know the feeling but you are never lost for words which inspire Curt and make us laugh!!!! 💖
Hard to beat that as a compliment, my friend.
Yes, and a life well expolored is a gift to us all like yours! 💖
Thanks for sharing your experience. Just being in the presence of such a person can be enlightening and inspiring. I’m glad you made the journey.
Well, thank you for checking in!!!! It was sweet for sure and I wonder what he was like in his vital years. ME TOO ….Thanks! 💖
Those are the most touching and powerful lines. A mantra which will change a persons conscience to be the best of itself everyday. He was a healer.
It is a great experience. I could get the enthusiasm from your writing.
Made me to think about how much excited you would be to meet him.
Thank you for sharing the beautiful story. Inspiring and motivating.
I’m glad you enjoyed it Kritika! That is so true as it strengthens our inner beliefs.
He was and it would have been fun to see him in his day!
It was fun and I have another story with the Holy Man I’ll share someday.
Thanks always for reading and your support. 💖💖💖
Would to be really great to read the other one as well.
My pleasure always 🙂 (Hearts)
thanks…. I’ll see about posting it. xo 💖
I would love to read it. (Heart)
awwww you’re sweet!💖
😀 🙂 xoxo
I’ve read quite a bit about Bali and your experience just cements it’s beautiful stories! Even with dementia, he sounds very kind and I feel like his words exuded a calm sense of clarity!
Hi D! I think like everything being there 50 years ago would have been soooo cool because of the remoteness and not as much traffic but I love the art, their hearts, the offering. It is a daily meditation. And yo are soooo right, he was soooo dear! Thanks always for your support! 💖💖
I so agree! Always a pleasure stopping by!❤️
Wow what a wonderful experience and sorry to hear about the picture- hope you are able to find it at some point!
Thanks so much Pooja! Me too!
Your visit is always appreciated!
Wonderful experience awesome pictures thank you ❤️💕❤️🙏🙏🙏
Thanks Marlene!
Glad you enjoyed them!!!💖
Hi, Cindy, I can’t believe you met Ketut! I love, love, love Liz Gilbert! Eat, Pray, Love was first published during the time that I was rehabbing my life with travel, so it really resonated! I, too, would like to visit Bali! 🌞
I know it was wild and I have another story with The Holy Man after that since I searched for the real medicine man. It’s even funnier. She really is quite inspiring. You will love it when you go and I can tell you to go to’s and skips… xo 💖
Must be a magical experience Cindy. I can feel every bit of your journey just by reading this. Medicine man must be someone who passed on medicine via his smile that warmed hearts. The energy he left is now warming hearts of others and those around him. I haven’t had the read the book Eat Pray Love but i think someday i will. 😇
It was for sure Kumar and I think in truth we are all medicine men and woman and our light and smiles radiate to others to reflect their love and light back at them. You have it right. It’s a chick book but a worthy read! 💖💖💖! C
I went to Bali once. Didn’t cost a thing, travel expenses were covered by my agent as I dreamed
Oh, I pack light…. sign me up next time you go! 😹
You are very beautiful and wise Cindy. I already knew that xoxoxoxox. And you will live very long….so you can continue to spread joy around.
Your husband seems to be a very patient man too. 😉
Take care. Love and hugs.
Oh thank you Rue. You are so sweet and kind and between you and the medicine and my mosty patient husband, I am now very rich in spirit as well. You are a dear and I’m glad you are in my life.
He is very patient you’re right, like all woman should have. Thanks for the love and hugs and right back at you!💖🤗
Awww…..
Are’nt you a doll
xoxoxo
🥰🥰🥰🤗
What a wonderful experience my friend. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I would love to go there and meet the lovely people. Also now I want to watch the movie again, we own it. We will have to watch it. So far he has been right and he sure got the beautiful right on the nose. Love you sweetie, so much sunshine in that beautiful smile too. Hugs, love, prayers and light coming your way, my friend who is closer than far! xoxoxoxo
Oh how sweet you are to go back in time to read this. So glad you enjoyed it. Truly it was very sweet and I can’t believe I can’t find my pics. You are so sweet about him getting the beautiful right.
i highly recommend it and I’d go every year but then there are so many places I haven’t been yet. lots to you my friend that’s not so far away and big hugs.. xo💖💖❣️❤️