Snake Oil Sweet Nothings
I’ve spent most of my life craving something sweet after meals. This quite physical craving has decreased dramatically over time. Throughout my childhood, we typically had dessert after dinner, and sugary cereals were part of most of our breakfasts. Mom kept chocolate bars or some other similar special treats in the top drawer of her dresser, and every once in a while she would surprise us with a treat from that magical place. As a child I loved that freaking drawer! Sweets became associated with my feeling lovable. Mom had learned from her strict German mother not to be comfortable with physical displays of affection. She was more at ease giving her children these love substitutes rather than hugs or telling us that she loved us.
Today my body no longer has such a strong craving for sugar. On the rare occasion that I do indulge and eat too much of it, I feel physically uncomfortable afterwards. My recent physical shift to no longer crave sweets coincided with a psychological emotional shift. I finally no longer need a treat to feel good about myself or to know that I am lovable.
When I was twenty-two, after four years of working out with weights, I was still eating fast food fairly often. As I pursued enlightenment physically as well as spiritually, my body also became more sensitive. I began to have difficult reactions to every fast food place I visited. After eating this type of food, I would experience uncomfortable stomach aches, followed by even more painful bathroom trips. It wasn’t long before I stopped eating fast food once and for all.
I have always listened to my body. Overindulgence with alcohol has never been a problem for me. Even when I was younger and drank a little too much alcohol, I still knew my limits. I feel discomfort in my lower right side if I drink more than my body can handle. A few times in my life when I did “push the envelope. “ I would end up gladly skipping any form of alcohol for days and sometimes weeks to clean my system out. I have always had ease around this and all form of intoxicants. I have never been addicted to any substance for any extended length of time.
I sometimes see long lines at Taco Bell and other fast food places. Lots of young men and women, as well as a number of people in their thirties and forties, wait at the drive through to pick up their “food.” I wonder how their bodies still let them get away with eating this type of garbage. To the fast food chain’s credit, they are beginning to add salads and healthier foods to their menus. This is, without question, a wise move. Still, I know that any type of food, good or bad, is better when prepared with care and love. Aside from eating food that is easier for the body to digest, energy and intention do influence us whether we believe it does or not. Eat garbage, and food prepared without caring for the art of cooking itself (does anyone really think that the often pissed off seventeen year old making your fries loves what he does?) and the result is a body and spirit that feel like garbage. Our bodies speak to us all the time. The trick is to learn how to listen.
As I approach forty, my body is lean and healthy, and I am in the best shape of my life. I am beginning to see washboard abs hiding happily beneath my shirt. No South Beach diet, no pills or cabbage diet, had anything to do with this. This seems to be opposite of what I have been told all my life. The typical belief I have endlessly heard is that it all goes downhill after forty. “Your midsection will expand and you will inevitably get fatter with age. There is nothing you can do about it.” I am not interested in programming my life with these and other types of negative beliefs. I may have kicked my sugar addiction, but the holidays are right around the corner. Christmas cookies, candy, and homemade lasagna and turkey with all the trimmings await me. Pig-out time of year will come and go, and I will enjoy it. I always do. I may even gain a few pounds, but it doesn’t worry me. Self control seems easier now. I like this lighter lean body and have no doubt that I will keep it for a while.
Jim Ventura 10- 2004
Editors Note:
This post marks just two months over the 10 year anniversary of the first Snake Oil column. I was getting ready to turn 40 when I wrote it. Now I am two months away from 50. I have to say that the only real difference physically for me ten years later is being in better shape because I am a bit more muscular. I still workout 4 or 5 days a week so this isn’t a surprising result. I am still about as lean, ideally wanting to loose about 7-10 pounds to get “really lean” but also not really caring that much about have a perfect six pack either. I tend to get a bit leaner in summer and a little thicker in winter - go figure! I’ve made staying fit a priority in my life. Due to my perseverance I can easily carry a few extra pounds and still look buff! To me, this is so worth the gym time. The other changes in the last decade have been a little more gray mixed in with my blond, red, and brown hair. I also now have to wear dollar store reading glasses to read small type. This started around the age of 44. Not too much change in a whole decade. I am actually healthier (far less allergy issues) and in better shape. I still eat reasonably, but not TOO reasonably. A little indulgence from time to time (especially for someone with Taurus rising and Jupiter on his ascendant is not an oddity by any means!
Another change has been more of a shift emotionally and psychologically. I am more comfortable with who I am. My concern about whether people like me, and the normal human urge for approval has shifted. I feel more comfortable in my skin at even more levels than ever before. Not everyone is going to like me, and it is really okay. I like that I push narrow-minded people’s buttons!
We had some serious rain storms here in Phoenix this summer. Monsoon season was a powerful one. Many parts of the country are suffering with drought but Arizona has plenty of water. We would gladly send some of it every ones way if it was possible. Fall is here and I seriously love the Fall. It has always been my favorite season. I am actually going back to New York for a few days in early October. It has been almost four years since my last visit! Looking forward to seeing friends and family but also Italian bakeries, Salt Bagels, and NY pizza! I will indulge more than normal for a few days, and make it upon my return.
Check out my website to see some of the many types of readings I offer. People generally come in for Tarot, Numerology, and Astrology sessions and this is a good thing. Yet, some of my other offerings are truly transforming. Check out the options before you book your next appointment.
I have decided to extend my new client special promotion for first timers until the end of November 2014. Send friends and family my way to take advantage of the $10-$20 off my listed prices. You can also purchase gift certificates for new clients at this rate and take advantage of the discount!
Wishing everyone a happy October. Cheers, Jim V
“The greatest mistake we make is living in constant fear that we will make one.” John Maxwell
Channeled corner. I read many, many books from different trance channelers in the 80s and 90s. Unfortunately many of them are now out of print, but I still have a huge collection and will share some of the best material I have collected over the years.
YOU ARE PERFECT
“On a Higher level of mind you are perfect-who you are is perfect, even though what you do is not always perfect. For just a few moments, dwell only on your perfection. Silently in your mind repeat this affirmation over and over for a minute or two: ‘I know that who I am is perfect.’
That’s right. You are perfect. But is your ego-self challenging your perfection, saying, ‘What a dumb idea, I am not perfect.’ If so, this affirmation seriously threatens your ego. Your ego needs to remind you how un-perfect you are because your ego prefers you to identify with your actions and to feel guilty about them. It wants you to judge, condemn, and blame yourself and others.
You can neutralize your ego by loving yourself and your own perfection. Remember, in life you experience what you are deeply convinced is so. Meditate on loving yourself and accepting your perfection.” Dick Sutphen from The Oracle Within
Snake Oil Radio
Thursdays at 3:30 pm (there will be three live broadcasts this month)
My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, October 2nd, at 3:30 p.m. (MST -AZ doesn’t use daylight savings time). Almost every Thursday you can catch a new show. Each 45 minute show will expand on my current column’s subject matter. It will also offer an opportunity for you to call in live (or chat with other listeners in the chat room) with comments and your thoughts about the topic of discussion. Halfway through some of the shows you can even ask me for a free 5 minute mini reading with your personal question. If you miss the live show, you can catch any of my previously recorded shows on the web site’s archive. You can also catch Snake Oil Radio on I-tunes (download my pod-casts there).
To hear a live show, all you need to do is be at a computer and tuned into: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Jim-Ventura You may also access it by going to blogtalkradio.com. Type “Snake Oil” into the search option.
You can also go to the shows that are currently “On air” at that time and find me. The call in number is 646-200-3966 for questions and comments.
“The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.” Benjamin Disraeli
Snake Oil Volume One
The first four years of snake Oil and 9 Added unpublished Snake Charms
To order a copy contact me by phone or email. Cost: $12.00 including sales tax. Please include $3.00 for shipping ($15.00 total).
Or send check or money order to Jim Ventura 2515 N 52nd St. #206 Phoenix Az 85008. You can also pay by charge or Debit thru Paypal. You can request to have your copy signed!
Snake Oil Volume One is also available at Amazon.com
Upcoming home classes:
Quite a few people have struggled with some financial difficulties in the last few years. The recession/depression that began in 2008 was a difficult period for many people. The economy has continued to improve, and this is a good thing. Yet, we always have the power and ability to tap into our potential to create prosperity, no matter what is happening around us!
Learning to open a doorway to living in abundance is possible. We can manifest prosperity in many different areas: career, finances, love life, personal happiness, etc...This class will focus on many different methods for generating personal wealth. Learn how to change beliefs and perspectives relating to finances as you uncover the blocks that currently keep you stuck. This is what creating prosperity is all about! The universe will support your decision to change your reality. Instructor Jim Ventura will discuss practical and metaphysical tools to show you how to create prosperity in your life. Sunday October 5th. noon- 2:30 pm. A maximum of 8 people for this home class (minimum of 4 to hold). $20.00 prepaid before August 25th or $25.00 on day of the class. Current Regular clients receive $5 off on the cost of this class.
ASTROLOGY-101 (beginner class)This class will teach you the basics of Astrology. By the end of this class, you will be on the road to interpreting your own chart, as well as those of others. You will learn about the house placements, signs, symbols, angles, etc... We will explore how powerful the influence of astrology is in our lives. If you already have your own chart, please bring it to the class. If you need your chart done, I will give information about how to get a free one to bring with you. Understanding your unique astrological chart is an excellent way to get more clear about your life path. Saturday November 8th 10 am until 12:30 pm. A maximum of 8 people for this home class (minimum of 4 to hold). $20.00 prepaid before October 28th or $25.00 on day of the class. Current Regular clients receive $5 off on the cost of this class.
“True humility is being able to accept criticisms as graciously as we accept compliments.” Sabrina Newby
New client offer for October and November 2014!
If you have never had a session before or want to buy a gift certificate for a new client you can take advantage of a $10-$20 discount on sessions. Email me at Ventursag@yahoo.com for more information.
Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Phone: (602)957-3035 text: (602)349-0746 Email: Venturasag@yahoo.com (best method for contact)
Information about the different sessions and types of readings and services, past Snake Oil columns, and how to order my books and audio CD’s can be found at my website: Http://JimVentura.com
“Friend” me on Facebook to get other extra offers and in between column extras! Signing up for my fan page will get you even more extras and first shot at reading specials. Simply click on “like” on the fan page and you will automatically get my weekly updates.
All sessions/readings for 2014 are: Full (70 minutes) $110.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $80.00; Extended session (90 minutes) $130.00 (two people can split an extended session back to back for $65.00 each). Email me for information about my Regular Client Program for even bigger discounts on session prices with the added benefit of monthly or quarterly check-ins.
All Current Snake Oil subscribers get $5.00 off all listed prices for any 45-90 minute sessions (except when using a special discount promotion). Local in office visits receive another $5 off listed prices for cash or check payments.
I accept cash, checks, debit cards, Master Card, Visa, and PayPal for payments on sessions and for books and classes in office. Phone session will need to be by check or thru Paypal.
Send me your birth month, day and year to get added to the yearly Birthday mailer promotion.
