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Unique Times

Where I share my jewels of wisdom of life

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 talks about how her book evolved in her own words

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.

Dede Gardner, left, Ryan Murphy, Elizabeth Gilbert, center, Julia Roberts and Richard Jenkins arrive for the gala premiere of “Eat Pray Love” in London, Sept. 22, 2010.

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

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HappySoul
2 years ago

It’s my dream to visit Bali.. nice read Cindy, loved it 😊

HappySoul
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

That would be a lovely vacation, should plan for one next .. thanks Cindy 🥰

HappySoul
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Aww thanks 🥰

Soni Cool😎
2 years ago

Its an awesome place as per i have heard, glad you enjoyed there cindy💖💖💖💖

Nawazish
2 years ago

You had an amazing trip Cindy!🥺❤

Ingrid
2 years ago

This was a heartwarming and interesting story Cindy…and nice to dream about that 10 million in royalties 🤣🤣🤣

inerro.land
2 years ago

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 ❤️

inerro.land
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

The joy of people living in those remote areas, know what you mean 😉
Thank you ❤️

inerro.land
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Hopefully soon… 🙏🏻

Yernasia Quorelios
Yernasia Quorelios
2 years ago

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 – ◇

…◇◇◇…

Jonathan Caswell
2 years ago

Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
A LOT OF THE UNEXPLAINABLE OUT IN THE WORLD! 😀

Jonathan Caswell
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

MY PLEASURE, DARLIN’

Jonathan Caswell
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

COMPLETE WITH A NEARLY BALD HEAD YO MAKE WIG TRANSFER! 😀

Jonathan Caswell
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

LLOL FOR SURE!

Jonathan Caswell
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

😀 😀 😀

Jonathan Caswell
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

ONLY THREE’? LOSING MY TOUCH ( YEAH, RIGHT-!) 😀 I’M KIDDING! TTHANK YOU!

Jonathan Caswell
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

AT THE MOMENT—SLEEPING! SHE IS HOME—ALL INFECTION GONE—BEING HER NORMAL RADIANT SELF! <3

Jonathan Caswell
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

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! 😀

Jonathan Caswell
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

GOTCHA—! CONFIRMS WHART I WAS THINKING. 😀

Jonathan Caswell
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

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.

Jonathan Caswell
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

IF I MAKE HER HAPPY BY MY BEING A DREAMER THEN THAT IS OKAY AND MAKES ME HAPPY! THANK YOU!

Jonathan Caswell
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

I HOPE IS TRUE

shedrackamy
2 years ago

I just nominated you for the Vincent Ehindero blogger award. Feel free to accept it 😊

shedrackamy
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

No worries 🙂🙂💖.

Keith
2 years ago

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

Keith
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

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

Navin
2 years ago

Seems like you had a wonderful time in Bali…thanks for your sharing, Cindy….

Navin
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

That’s sounds great….have a peaceful evening ✨❤️

Navin
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Yes Ma’m….and I see your wonderful comments as well ✨

Navin
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

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 😊

Jeff Flesch
2 years ago

Wow! What a cool experience, Cindy! Amazing. I’ve not read that book, yet would like to. Excellent post, my friend. ❤

Jeff Flesch
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Ah, lovely, thanks, Cindy! You are always welcome, my friend. ❤

Offshorewriter
2 years ago

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. 😄😄😄

Offshorewriter
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Sure, I will dearest Cindy. 🤣🤣🤣

Lisa Mae ❤️
2 years ago

Beautiful story ❤️

sloppy buddhist
2 years ago

What a gift Cindy … beautiful narrative … lovely retelling and honouring … compose a beautiful day ~ sending you joy ☺️💫 hedy

Michele Lee
2 years ago

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.

Michele Lee
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

How wonderful. 🌞

akshita1776
2 years ago

I want to visit Bali even more now!! Great read

akshita1776
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Yes please!
My pleasure 🤗💐

abenaasiedua
2 years ago

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/

abenaasiedua
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Hi Cindy,
My name is Abena. I do follow your blog. Its amazing. Thank you for the future weave.

abenaasiedua
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

I just followed you again. I think that was an error. This is a link to my site.
https://highfivemedotblog.wordpress.com/

Ladysag77
2 years ago

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 ❤

Ladysag77
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

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 🥰🥰🥰

Curt Mekemson
Curt Mekemson
2 years ago

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

Curt Mekemson
Curt Mekemson
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

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

Curt Mekemson
Curt Mekemson
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

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. 🙂

Curt Mekemson
Curt Mekemson
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Hard to beat that as a compliment, my friend.

salsaworldtraveler
2 years ago

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.

Kritika
2 years ago

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.

Kritika
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Would to be really great to read the other one as well.
My pleasure always 🙂 (Hearts)

Kritika
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

I would love to read it. (Heart)

Kritika
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

😀 🙂 xoxo

Introverted Thoughts
2 years ago

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!

Introverted Thoughts
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

I so agree! Always a pleasure stopping by!❤️

PoojaG
2 years ago

Wow what a wonderful experience and sorry to hear about the picture- hope you are able to find it at some point!

marlene ford gf Sesse
marlene ford gf Sesse
2 years ago

Wonderful experience awesome pictures thank you ❤️💕❤️🙏🙏🙏

Lisa at Micro of the Macro
2 years ago

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! 🌞

Kumar Harsh
2 years ago

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. 😇

Gottfried
2 years ago

I went to Bali once. Didn’t cost a thing, travel expenses were covered by my agent as I dreamed

Ruelha
2 years ago

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.

Ruelha
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
2 years ago

Awww…..
Are’nt you a doll
xoxoxo

jonicaggiano
1 year ago

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

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