Reentry is a bitch!

Back from la la land into the real world. Boo hoo! Very tired and spacey from traveling, not sleeping and meditating. Was thinking on the plane how great I felt: calm, centered, expansive. The closer I got to NY I started gnawing my cuticles. Here we go again. How do u maintain and integrate. That's the real work! As I was getting my luggage a text came through from Joanie welcoming me home and asking me if I wanted to go the Spiritist Church in Old Greenwich. Its a nondenominational church with rotating pastors/speakers and mediums. At first I said I was too tired but then thought it might help bridge my otherworldly feeling with reality. Well we walk in the door and lo and behold there on the altar is the sign (a triangle) of the Casa. Then the harpist said she was going to play an original composition using the text from her favorite Buddhist poem. I had just written this poem/prayer down on paper last night and read it to Bob this morning! Cue Twilight Zone music.

Some funny stuff: when I got home and went into my bathroom Bob had put a sign up over the toilet paper roll: please flush paper down toilet. Do not through out in garbage. Hilarious! Spoke to both my kids: James' comment on my blog was that he wasn't sure if he was reading something I wrote or something from a Cheech and Chong movie (pot references). Told Willie that he received a spiritual blessing from the entity and not herbs because I didn't think either one of my kids could keep to the no alcohol, pot, chili peppers or pork products for 40 days. He said I made the right choice. Do u think it's because of no bacon?

On a serious note, this was the most wonderful, difficult, inspiring, eye opening thing I have ever done. I highly reccomend it but it is not for everyone. It's hard work but so rewarding. I wish I had known about the Casa years ago so I could've taken my stepdaughter Tracy when she was sick. Karma. A lot comes up when we are contemplative for so long and it presses a lot of buttons. Confronting your issues and moving on is the growth/healing we all seek and at the Casa it's done in lightning speed! I told Heather I feel I've grown tenfold in 2 weeks and she said I have.

Thanks to all of u my lovely family, friends, students and fellow soul searchers for accompanying me. I could not have done it without knowing u were out there! Thanks to the beautiful Heather for her guidance, wisdom and belief in me. Thank u to medium Joao (what a guy!!!!!) and of course the entities of light. I know ur out there and I'm working as much and as fast as I can.

Eat Pray Verklempt

That's what it feels like. Everyone's packing and trying to figure out how to lug all our crystals and holy water home. Had breakfast with my friend and fellow Jersey girl and fellow Linda. She is from Denville and has been coming here with her amazing 9 year old daughter Lilianna for 8 years. I met them briefly in September at Omega when Medium Joao was there. Lili is in a wheelchair but walked on crutches this week! Awesome! Her crutches r pink (of course) and Pam, one of my group members who is an artist painted hearts and flowers all over them. Lil just started her own business (doesn't every 9 year old?). It's called Packnpals (Packnpals.com or liliana@Packnpals.com). She designs backpacks for kids to take home all the gifts they've received during hospital stays. PLEASE go on her website and check it out. She is so special. We have big plans to meet for lunch and shopping at the short hills mall for a little girl time.

Went to the waterfall for my second and last time. It's really something to see. Had to choose between that and a crystal bed treatment. Tough choice but nature won. About to have lunch at the pousada (by the way, did I mention the name is Rei Davi which means King David, my tribe!). I bought each of the 5 wonderful women who work here an amethyst bracelet because they r so kind and we r going to have a little presentation to thank them.

I'm back in my New York black yoga pants and tank top!

Wow!

So much fun stuff today. After lunch I saw the entity one last time. Fridays r looooong here because they close down until next wednesday. Everyone wants to be seen and they are. No one gets left out no matter how many people show up. It was so hot in the main hall today and 2 of the 5 fans were busted. I was dripping. Not a pretty sight. I wanted him to sign a copy of Heather's book -- yes the entity not the man! It's pretty cool. I also had him look at pictures of my loved ones for prescriptions and spiritual blessings. I said good by and thank u and he looked right into me and smiled like he knew what I was writing in my blog! Busted! They know all -- do u think he read the line about business class for current room?

There were two more physical surgeries today for a woman with MS and a man with scoliosis. I was right up front and got great pics. There was also some scuttlebutt because a crew from the tv show Extra were trying to secretly film and that's a no no. The entity sensed their presence, found their hidden cameras etc.

I volunteered to organize a group tip for the lovely staff here. My friend Marja is an artist and made the most beautiful card of a blue butterfly that I had everyone sign. There was some good natured ribbing of where I was going after I collected all the cash. My reputation as a consumer is legendary even down here.

The big news: Medium Joao or MJ as he is called by those in the know, came to the pousada for dinner! This is the beauty of being in a group with Heather. Well u can imagine the craziness, like a rock star with all of our cameras clicking and he was so gracious to pose with us. Really, he is just a simple dude without formal education who was very poor. He just wanted to sit and have dinner. But u can feel the buzz around him!
Tomorrow is my last day here so I figure I will write 2 more posts. One tomorrow and one Sunday from home. Can't wait to see you all!

My last current

Just came from 3 1/2 hrs in the entities current room. I feel exhilarated and exhausted. It went so slow and so fast at the same time. So ready to come home and sleep in my own bed and flush toilet paper down the toilet where it belongs! Had some funny thoughts in current: business class for current room! And I want to open a John of God online shopping emporium of all white clothes.

Meanwhile, back at the pousada..... Some people r leaving tonight so last night after dinner we had a really nice ceremony where we each said thank u to Heather. It was so lovely and heartfelt. Everyone was crying. I thanked her for walking me up to the entities cause I was so scared! I liken it to the scene in the wizard of oz when Dorothy and crew r walking down that long corridor of colored lights to see the Wizard and all their knees r shaking. Heather is sort of my Glinda the Good Witch in a little white bubble on my shoulder.

I see the entity one more time this afternoon to say thank u and goodby. Will update again later.

As The Casa Turns....

Today, Thursday afternoon, just had an amazing 4(!) hrs in the entities room. I havent been sleeping well and have been on a 1and a half ambien a night habit but only sleeping 3 or 4 hrs. Yesterday, when I went up in front of the entity I asked for help with fear. Fear of everything I mentioned previously, especially fear of not being good enough. The one thing I hate is not sleeping and since menopause it's even worse (I know many of my yoga sisters and pals feel the same). I've been smoking pot just to fall asleep. The entity said he would "take away my need for pot" and asked me to stay in the room. All of a sudden I started sobbing!!!! I mean really letting it rip (everyone does here).

Last night was the 7th night of my spiritual surgery. Before bed u have to have a cup of holy water on ur night table, say a little thank u to the entities, wear white, then sleep. "They" take the stitches out in the night and in the morning u drink whatever's left of the holy water. Quite a ritual. This morning I went before the entity for "revision", like a postoperative check up. He prescribed more herbs. The herbs are passion flower and everyone gets the same script and the same herbs but they effect each person differently. Ok.

This afternoon, Heather had me sit in the entities room which is awesome because I was so close to medium Joao. I've gotten really smart about these long meditations and came prepared with a seat/back cushion and a beautiful pink sachet eye mask. Gringo! But I don't care that I look like I just came from Neiman 's. I need to be comfortable and it worked. The time flew by! It was exhilarating I will write more in depth about what I experienced at the end of my trip.

My friend Stacie, a mom of 2, healer, from Seattle and physical surgery! She had something removed from her back. There was a lot of blood. Waiting for her to emerge from her room to get the scoop. I'm not even phased by the surgeries anymore.

More tomorrow! Xxooo

Thursday night

Very, very hot and tired from heat, sitting in current room for 3 hrs in am, seeing entity in afternoon and then 2 more hrs in current. I will write a lot about that at another time (still processing) just want to tell u about the 2 soup kitchens because we had no internet last night.
Sometimes we don't have water. Hmmmm..... Internet or being able to flush the toilet.... U pick.

There is a soup kitchen at the Casa that is run by volunteers. Every wed, thurs, fri when Medium Joao is in residence there is blessed soup for everyone between the morning and afternoon sessions. It's really good, kind of like a vegetable noodle. Yesterday I peeled vegetables all morning with my friend Sandy from Boynton Beach fla. She is 77, a reflexologist and the coolest grandma you'll ever meet! We peeled tons of shu shus. I'm sure I'm spelling it wrong but it looks like an avocado, tastes like a cucumber and is from the squash family. Then we went on a quick field trip into downtown Abandaia to see the real soup kitchen that the Casa sponsors. As we walked toward town and crossed the highway to get to the other side of the tracks our group started feeling the "energy of the real world". According to Heather, the area near the Casa is protected by the entities in one big "spiritual bubble." We were leaving the bubble. This real soup kitchen is amazing! It is big, spotless and serves wonderful food to the needy. There r clothes, towels, school supplies etc. There is also a free dental clinic. Don't be surprised if I start doing a little fundraising when I get home and hit u up for donations of new clothes or linens. It's a wonderful place!

Had a crystal bed and smoothie in the afternoon -- r u sensing a pattern here? Leolisi, the adorable woman who runs the crystal beds now hugs me every time she sees me! As the day wore on we were all getting edgy knowing that our real work was to begin again the next day. I was very tense about going into the current room so my friend David told me to sit with him. His strategy is get there early, sit between the fans and splay ur knees a little so only 3 people can sit on the bench! He is my current room guru!

I know a lot of u r concerned that I am not detaching from the real world enough. But rest assured I am doing the work and had some wonderful experiences today. Don't worry! Lots of love! Xxoooo.

Some serious thoughts

On a light note: acai and chocolate smoothie!

A lot of u have been asking me if I feel different. Taking stock after my first week I have to say I do, but mostly I don't.
Most of u know how high energy I am and how fast I walk. In Bedford, if u can't keep up with me on my walk then don't bother. I am walking soooo slowly down here. Just one foot in front of the other. Actually ambling my way down the main drag saying hola to all the shopkeepers (by first name of course). Really taking it slow, partly because I don't have anywhere to go but also because I feel like my whole being has slowed down. Oh I'm still playing online scrabble with Shelley (I asked the entities to kick her ass) but in general from all the meditation I am really centered and calm.

I haven't been sleeping well which could be due to menopause or the fact that its so hit! I suspect the real reason is that I'm afraid to close my eyes. Had a great one on one with Heather last night. She says that when we r sleeping the entities r working on us -- this clearly scares the crap out of me! When she asked me how long it's been since I slept I said 51 years. Which leads me to my next thought:

Last week when we asked the entity for our healing I said that I hand it over to them to heal me for my greater good. Well now I feel I need to take ownership of my healing and ask for help with fear: fear of being alone, of the dark, of taking care of myself, of new situations, for the well being of my children etc. So that's where I sit now.

As I talk with my fellow travelers I hear them say they see orbs of light, feel vibrating energies, feel themselves being "worked on.". I don't feel any of that! Am I so shallow? It's not like I'm waiting for a bolt of lightning but I would like to feel something.

I will say that I do feel the unconditional love and acceptance. It doesnt matter what you look like, what u wear, who u know, what ur social or economical background may be. You get beyond the masks and the costumes and really see people. Granted we r all like-minded people here but even with strangers you can smile and feel safe and unjudged. Some of you may know of Michael Newton's books about life between life or where our souls go when we r not incarnate. We r all just light/energy. I would say that being here is the closest thing to that on earth. Enough rambling. Have a great day! Xxoooo

The pousada

Pousada living with 30 people is like living in a dorm. Heather owns it so everything is shipshape! The food is amazing, fresh and healthy. All the fruit and veggies r washed in purified water so i can eat without fear of a repeat of India. Breakfast is scrambled eggs, big rolls, papaya and watermelon (and always strong coffee with hot milk). Lunch and dinner are all about chicken and beef with lots of indigenous vegetables in addition to fresh, carrots, beets and all kinds of lettuce. You can come to meals in ur PJs If u want. There is a lovely patio in the back for alfresco dining.

Changing topics: when you use the toilet you cannot flush the TP! The pipes just can't handle it so you wipe and throw out in a plastic bag, tie up the bag, leave it outside ur room for the staff to pick up This took a lot of getting used to and I kept screwing up. I am sooooo glad its not my time of the month (or year for that matter!). It would be a cruel twist of fate if it was, what with wearing white every day.

Off to have lunch and yet another crystal bed. My chakras will be thoroughly rotated, cleansed and aglow by the time I get home. Hope I'm not too glitzy! Xxoooo

Odds and Ends

Just a beautiful, dry hot day today. It would be considered a 10 by new York standards. Just got back from the Casa. I love it there on off days. No one is there and it's so serene and peaceful. Meditated on the terrace overlooking the spectacular view: rolling hills, blue sky, big fluffy clouds and just the sounds of the birds and the breeze. The closest u can get to heaven on earth.

Walked to Frutti's, the local hangout and had the most delicious drink: espresso, coconut milk, banana concoction. Why r we not drinking these every day?! It was mobbed because it's the only game in this one horse (litterally there is really only one horse!) open on Sunday. Quite a cast of characters there, myself included. Everyone's so friendly, from all over the world and has a story of why they r here and what they r "working" on be it physical, emotional, spiritual, karmic, etc. Some don't even know why they r here (kinda like me) but here they r.

Wanted to tell u about the holy water: we drink a ton of blessed by J of G water. It looks and tastes just like bottled water but tests before and after it's been blessed show differences in it's make up. People with skin issues or aches and pains can apply it externally. I got a cut on my foot this morning and decided to put it to the test. I bruise easily and heal slowly. Been dousing my boo boo with holy water and it it's almost healed. I swear!!!!!! For years, as my mother and Neil can attest I've been trying to stop gnawing at my cuticles that r all ragged and puffy. I've been soaking them in holy water. They look almost human. Can u imagine what the water is doing on then inside of my body?
I wish I could send or bring some to u but u can only get it if u r doing the work with the entity. They don't ship!

Waterfall

What a great way to start the day. The waterfall is considered sacred. The casa was actually ordained to be where it is because of the healing properties of then falls. You actually need permission to be there. It is used as a presription along with the herbs to aid in healing from spiritual surgery. No picture taking or talking. It's a long steep walk down. So beautiful! Before u see the water u hear it and it's gushing. One at a time u r helped over the rocks to stand beneath the Fall. It's very slippery and Heather really has it down so nobody falls.

The water is so intense and strong and amazing! It's very cold but you dont feel the cold. You say a quick prayer and keep proper intention to your healing. It was truly overwhelming. There r also blue butterflies! Yes blue! They r incredible. Not supposed to shower now till tomorrow to let the good vibes of the water absorb into the skin.

Jewish girl does rosary

Don't faint mom and dad, I did go to the Casa for the evening Rosary and it was lovely. Just like chanting in Sanskrit or Hebrew. It's all good. Had a really nice day. Basically recreated my life in Bedford: had an hour long crystal bed, did some more shopping, had an awesome acai (highest antioxidant berry there is, brazil is known for it) smoothie, great lunch at the pousada (have I mentioned how awesome the food is?), gelato in the afternoon, usual 5 pm meditation, and a barbecue brazillian style for dinner! Grilled steak and chicken and grilled pineapple and homemade coconut cake for dessert. Beyond!

On days when we r not in current (Andrea my student is trying to feel ithe current in pound ridge, gold star for u!) the energy is so much more relaxed and chilled. Everyone is so much fun and almost relieved not to be working. The vibe is a big party and we r all living in a dorm. This will change big time when wednesday rolls around.

Tomorrow we have permission from J of G to go to the sacred waterfall. I'm really looking forward to this trip and will report back! I know some of you r having problems leaving a comment so Judy Marks if u r reading (and I know u r!) maybe u can tell others how to do it. Lots of love! Xxxxxoooo

Sat AM

Just had some really good, strong Brazilian coffee. Neil, if u r reading this u would love it! U would give up your star bucks iced grande americano in a second.

Since medium joao isn't in residence till Wednesday we have some down time. I've become a crystal bed addict and am going for another hour session today. I really want to buy one for my yoga studio. You have to get permission from the entities first and they cost around $6,000 dollars. (Of course I asked where I can get one wholesale). I plan on asking next week! They r powerful healing instruments. I know all of u who come to my classes would benefit and it would be a great investment. I'd even give up shopping for one!

Last night after dinner we had our usual 7pm meeting to discuss the days events. My friend Saul, who is a 31 year old organic farmer from Northern CA and has an unusual hernia condition opted for physical surgery! He had the clamp up the nose. Didn't see it but he seems to be doing great. He needs to get back to his farming right away when he gets home and the entity said this would be faster than spiritual surgery. Will update u later on his condition. I love our after dinner meetings because Heather regales us with awesome stories of amazing healings she has witnessed. She also tells us about her own experiences which are fascinating! Google her! Heather Cummings. She just wrote a great book about J of G. Also, if u want to see more of what goes on down here check out John of god on YouTube.

Fri night

Had a strange afternoon. Was supposed to sit in current room for a few hours. Heard at lunch that the guy running the current room was a real Nazi. He didn't let u leave the room to pee etc. In this room r long wooden benches where u sit thigh to thigh. There is no air conditioning and it is hot. U absolutely cannot open ur eyes or u get yelled at, it breaks up the current. I also heard via the Casa grapevine that it was going to be an unusually long session, 4 hrs. Just couldn't do it today. Decided to have 3 crystal beds which is an hour and loved it! Felt so refreshed, had a coconut milk and meditated in the garden. If the entities needed me I figured they could find me. Nighty night. Xxoo

Hello world!

Just finished meditating for 24 hours. Yes, me chatty Cathy. The spiritual surgery took about 45 minutes and involved sitting quietly in the current room with our bare feet on the floor, left hand open, and right hand over the heart. There were a bunch of prayers said in Portugese.
Taxied back to pousada and meditated/slept all day and night. I did eat meals but alone in my room. Kept looking longingly and lovingly at my blackberry and iPad. It was so tempting I had to put them away. Missed my scrabble games with Shelley! Keep trying to see if I feel different or have shafts of light streaming out of me but I don't. Some people really feel different. I can only say that I feel energized. But u would too if all u did was sleep and eat for a day in a cell-like room. I am so freaking happy to be out of my room and talking! Perhaps I need to put my whole foot in the Kool Aid instead of just my big toe.

After lunch today I have to sit in the "current" room for 3 hours. That's gonna be a tough one for me. They refer to it as the spiritual washing machine. Start bringing some of ur photos today so be open and aware! Love ya! Xxxxoooo

Good morning!

Today's my big day. It's 6am and I'm all ready to go. Guess I took my last Xanax for a while! Post spiritual surgery involves taking prescribed herbs (unfortunately not the kind u smoke) 3 times a day. There must be complete silence and lots of rest. You cant even walk the 4 minutes back from the Casa. There are taxis for those who have received operations. For the next 40 days: no alcohol, sex (it's a good thing Bob's a spiritual guy!), pot (tougher than sex,) no exercise of any kind but I can still teach. Basically I'll be a monk(ess). Fun!
Did I mention that u r allowed to shop? Signing off for a while. Lots of love! Xxxooooo

Oh vey!!!

I don't kn ow where to begin! I saw 4 physical surgeries. Amazing. We were all gathered in the great hall for the 2pm session when out came J of G with 4 people for actual surgery. I saw him scrape eyes, press metal instruments into nostrils, slice into a woman's left breast and last but not least cut into an abdomen!!!!!! There was blood but not a lot. So not for the squeamish. These people were taken away in wheelchairs to recover. I know this may be hard to believe but I was speechless. My jaw was agape and my eyes never so wide open. U were allowed to take photos but I left my blackberry back in the pousada!

Here's what I learned about the physical surgeries: they r only for people who are skeptics and want to be convinced of the power of the nonphysical energy . They r usually suffering from something icky (cancer is referred to as the spider. The "C" word is never used) but don't believe they can be healed by the "Entities" as they r called. I also learned that J of G/Entities r the most powerful healer(s) on the planet.

Okay, now my story: This time I had more chutzpah and wasn't shy or afraid to gaze into his eyes. It was freaking awesome! He looked deep into me it was sooooo freaky. I felt an overwhelming sense of LOVE. Then he looked at Heather and she translated to me that I am to have spiritual surgery thurs morning!!!! It was almost as if he looked at me and said okay she's over her nervousness and has chilled so she's ready now.

I may have to disconnect tomorrow. The entities don't like you to use any electronics or even listen to music.
Love u all. Thanks so much for your wonderful comments. Keep them coming. Dont hesitate to ask questions. I'll try to answer them when I can. Xxoooo

Jan 19th lunchtme

It was a sea of white humanity today walking to the Casa from our posada. Many in wheelchairs, with walkers, canes and headscarves. No one cares about what they are wearing or what they look like. There is no Gucci, Prada here even in white. This is some serious business! Very crowded in the main hall. Heather had us very organized according to our needs. Some people have been here for weeks. Some are on there sixth and seventh trips

Went before the entity and truth be told I was scared shitless! Your supposed to look him directly in the eye while putting your right hand in his left. It was so hard for me to look directly at him . It was very quick! Heather translated what he prescribed which was to have another crystal bed. I just did and I loved it!!!! Had soup at the Casa kitchen which is blessed amd required. I go back in front of him again this afternoon. To be continued ........

Crystal bed

Ok. Stay with me on this one: this afternoon we were required to have a session on a crystal bed. For 20 minutes u lie down with ur eyes covered and have lights with huge crystals in them aimed at the 7 chakras in ur body. It tunes up ur chakras and provides an incredible energy healing/detox. It was so awesome! I thought at first I was having one giant hot flash but I wasn't sweating. I don't want anyone to think I'm going all woo woo but I could really feel my body vibrating! Rest assured that after my session I shopped some more!

We also had a one on one session with our guide Heather to clarify our goals before tomorrow. I told her that I am putting myself in J of G's hands. Can't wait to report back to u tomorrow but if I don't it just means that I had spiritual surgery and need to detach. By the way,
The reason my blackberry wasnt working was because I put my sim card in upside-down -- duh!

So much to tell!

Arrived in Abindania yesterday and checked into the posada or inn. It's very rustic. None of u will ever call me a plrincess again! It is clean and neat though. My roommate Sharon is a lovely 58 year old lawyer, siehk and astrologer! There r about 30 of us. Some very sick who have come many times and some like me who are curious. It is so freaking hot! Very humid and rain pops up really quickly. This morning we went on walking tour of town (4 minutes) where they sell a lot of white clothes. We also had an orientation at THE CASA. I swear I had goose bumps and felt the hair on my arms stand up as I crossed the gate! You can feel something different in the air. Went to the room where they store hundred of thrown out canes, walkers and braces. Of course I hit The Casa Store and bought all of you (my faithful blog followers) presents. Been swigging holy water blessed by J of G and having wild dreams in technicolor. Tomorrow i have my first meeting with him. This is without a doubt the coolest thing I have ever done! Leave me messages -- I love reading them! Xxoooo

Brasilia

Made it to Brasilia after missing connection in Sao Paolo last night. Slept at airport hotel and caught first flight this morning. Meeting other j of g people as they start to straggle in. Everyone is so nice and happy to be here! Leave for the Casa tomorrow. My blackberry is not working!! Can't receive calls or texts so email will have to do. Perhaps it's a message to start disconnecting.

Hi virtual spiritual pilgrims!
This is my first post prior to my trip and I am thrilled to have you along for the adventure. Not much to report yet as I leave in 3 days but.... Just connected with a woman from Boston who is on my flight. She is a pole/exotic dance teacher. Read again if you feel you misread! Her name is Wendy Reardon (google her!) and she is the author of The Idiots Guide to Pole Dancing. Her emails are hilarious and I am looking forward to meeting her. Busy getting my white clothes and all your photographs together.