July August 2023 Snake Oil
Stupid People and Rainbows
I purposely timed my drive back from a day of running errands to avoid rush hour traffic. It was two pm and I was heading home on a rainy day. Traffic on the freeway was mild until the rain started to get heavier. I, along with most other drivers, appropriately slowed down to accommodate the road conditions. I was fine with that until I began to see that every two exits or so, traffic would almost completely stop. The first time this happened was because of a minor accident that made everyone feel a need to slow down and stare at the incident. The police had already moved the vehicles to the side, but apparently everyone still needed to move painstakingly slow so as to see what was going on. A few exits later, traffic slowed down to a snail’s pace again because a cop had pulled someone over and this was apparently equally fascinating to most of the other drivers. This went on in one format or another during my entire drive home. I found myself becoming progressively irritated by the whole situation.There was either constant braking or dangerous speeding. Drivers were either overly cautious, or not cautious enough. The whole situation was excruciating. I began to wonder: why were people so stupid?
A trip that should have taken ten minutes had stretched out to thirty and I was only halfway home. I couldn’t even get around the endless messes along the way because the left lane was occupied by two huge semi’s. When did it become acceptable for huge trucks to drive in the left lane other than for passing purposes? At the peak of my frustration I noticed something completely different. There were two larger-than-life rainbows ahead of me in the sky. They looked like special effects from a fantasy movie. They seemed surreal and I found myself mesmerized by these two visions that occupied the entire northwest skies of Phoenix. They were stunning and I was entranced by a level of beauty rarely seen here. I realized that the delays and stupid people were actually doing me a favor. They gave me an opportunity to take a slow drive home and enjoy a powerfully transformative visual. There was an opportunity right in front of me. Initially my focus on “how stupid most of the other drivers were,” blocked me from seeing what other aspects of the drive were being offered.
Seeing the rainbows had shifted my perspective. I had a sense of real peace and a new awareness of how we often allow excessive scrutiny and frustration with others to block us from seeing the overwhelming beauty that exists in this world and in every moment. I had gotten caught up on focusing on what was wrong and allowed my cynicism to darken my day. I enjoyed the rest of my drive home. I even considered calling some friends to suggest that they go outside and witness the amazing rainbows that currently graced our skies. I was almost home and driving down the side-street in front of my condominium complex when I noticed a lunatic behind me in my rear-view mirror. She was riding dangerously close to my car, clearly in a rush and annoyed at my decision to only do the actual speed limit in the pouring rain. Instantly my irritation returned and I decided to teach this “idiot” a lesson. I slowed down even more in the single lane road to show this impatient dummy that I was not going to be pushed around! How dare she mess up my peaceful drive home! Why were people so stupid? After I taunted her for a minute or two, I realized what I was doing. I could easily have chosen to simply let her pass, but decided that it was my job to “teach her a lesson.” I regained my sanity, stopped pumping my brakes and purposely slowing down, and resumed my normal speed. A few minutes later as I turned into my complex, she honked, flipped me “the bird,” and sped off on her angry way.
Later, I thought about how easily I slipped between being peaceful and happy to becoming angry and confrontational again. A few days later I noticed that my rear left tire was flat. There was a huge screw in the tire and I wondered if the woman from the car had come back and angrily put that screw in my tire. It was possible, but intuitively I felt that this was not the case. I did not feel like she had come back to “teach me a lesson.” I was just unlucky and ran over a screw in the road. There are practical hazards that exist in our world. Occasionally shit just happens and we shouldn’t take it personally. Still, some part of me drew a screw to my tire that week and I knew it had to do with the energy of getting so irritated by my perception of “ so many stupid people screwing with me!” I spent way more time focusing on the negative instead of the beautiful rainbows. Now, I would be spending $250.00 on a pair of new tires.
Growing up in New York and getting a drivers license included defensive driving classes. The focus on assuming “you need to prepare and watch out for the worst in people” was part of avoiding accidents. This was considered wise, and we were “rewarded” for thinking this way. On the positive side, this has made me an excellent driver. I have avoided many problems on the road and to my knowledge never caused an accident. On the negative side this, “everyone is a potential idiot” has found its way into other areas of my life. It is easy to get annoyed with people and situations and to become judgmental about all of it. Focusing too heavily on “how things should be” and how everything should be done the “right way,” takes a lot of energy. Being discerning is a valuable skill, but being overly critical of others is carrying healthy discernment too far. The same can be said for being overly critical with ourselves. My day with the rainbows made me aware that we always have a choice to lighten our perspective and become less cynical. It takes some practice to do this and old habits can be hard to break, especially when we see them as part of our “cultural heritage.” The reward is I am feeling happier more often, and taking what other people do less personally. Releasing some of my judgements has allowed me to see more rainbows. This positive shift in my viewpoint is allowing me to discover beauty and harmony in all kinds of new places.
Jim Ventura 2-2010
Notes:
This was a piece I did way back in 2010 when I was about seven years into writing my Snake Oil column. I haven’t even looked at it in years and it was published thirteen years ago! While my writing has very much improved, I can teeter back and forth still with occasionally letting myself get overly irritated!. (This is why I push this on so many of my clients ‘PERSEVERANCE;’ is quite often the wise road in almost all things). I really thought that indeed this was a gem. Good writing is often words and images that take the reader on on a ride, often with ups and downs and inevitably makes you feel something. I think this story will resonate with a lot of people. And my new feature on youtube is now a live read of my current columns starting this month: story time at (J Ventura Snake Oil) you can find in the search on YouTube.com.
The summer is here. Many people all over the US are happy and excited. We here in Phoenix sometimes feel that way about summer but it is usually connected with trips and some time during the summer months to get the hell out of this 115 degree inferno! I am taking one (or two) trips each month over the summer, so I have four planned so far. I am getting closer to becoming the Phoenix ideal: a Snow Bird (that means living here winter and much of fall, and gone for the most part all of the summer). Perseverance Jim, perseverance, so close...
In spite of my travels, it’s mostly just a few days away each time, I am continuing to work this summer. It is nice and cool with my new AC unit for both me and my in-office clients and of course with phone sessions you can choose to be as cool as you desire in your own home! If you’re currently on this mailing list, there is a $5 discount off all 45, 70, and 90 minute sessions, and in-office clients can take an additional $5 off my rates for cash or check payments. Email is always the best way to reach me and book for your next session this summer. I also still have my new client special promotion, more info later in the newsletter.
Cheers, Jim V
Part of my areas of metaphysical study and the work I do both for myself and with empowering my clients was many years of studying and applying some the works of author Dick Sutphen. He was noted for his unique, empowered, and self-actualized perspectives that often made some people in the New Age field of the 80s and 90s either love him or walk out on his seminars! He was “very tell it like it is” and also very spiritual at the same time. Here is a short piece about to consider about guilt:
Guilt
“Guilt is the primary manipulation people use to entrap one another, especially within families and other close relationships. There are only two reasons for someone to want you to feel guilty: either to control you or to hurt you. Neither is worthy of your consideration. Think about some of the common lines used to trigger guilt: ‘How can you treat me like this?’ It was your fault that I was upset and didn’t get enough sleep!’; I’ve been waiting by the phone all week for you to call.’ But if you feel guilty, don’t blame them-blame yourself for allowing someone to manipulate you.
There are three kinds of guilt: 1. Current Guilt, such as not spending enough time with the kids or not calling your parents as often as you think you should; 2. Long-standing Guilt, such as guilt over leaving your ex-mate, or guilt over refusing to allow your ailing father to move in; 3. Philosophical Guilt, such as not tithing to a church or giving to a worthwhile charity when you feel it is your responsibility.
After you’ve felt guilty long enough to balance the emotion with your actions, you can feel okay with yourself. But the common pattern is to repeat the guilt-inducing actions all over again, in a never-ending spiral. If you’re going to do something about this most useless emotion, do it. If not, file it away, labeling it ‘experience,’ and get on with your life.”
Dick Sutphen The Oracle Within
“In a futile attempt to erase our past, we deprive the community of our healing gift. If we conceal our wounds out of fear and shame, our inner darkness can neither be illuminated nor become a light for others.” Brennan Manning
Snake Oil Radio
Thursdays at 3:30 pm (there will be two live broadcast this period)
My next live broadcast of Snake Oil Radio will be Thursday, July 13th at 3:30 p.m. mountain (Phoenix) time. The July show will be on the 13th with a live column read and discussion. Each 45 minute show will expand on my current column’s subject matter. It will also offer an opportunity for you to chat with other listeners in the chat room with comments and your thoughts about the topic of discussion. If you miss the live show, you can catch any of my previously recorded shows on the website’s archive. You can also catch Snake Oil Radio on itunes and similar locations for podcasts.
To hear a live show, all you need to do is be at a computer and tuned into: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Jim-Ventura or on your phone. You may also access it by going to the site and 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 IF the show is offering that (please check, many of my column shows don’t).
“When you are living the best version of yourself, you inspire others to live the best versions of themselves.” Steve Maraboli
New Client Special 2023
January 1st thru October 31st, 2023 Special:
$10-15 off listed rates for your first 45 minute session, 70, or 90 minute session! Debit and credit card payments get $10 off for 45, 70, and 90 minute sessions. Local in-office clients can get an extra $5 off for cash or check payments for sessions. If you want to buy a new client a thoughtful gift of a session for a friend or family member you can also take advantage of these rates!
“Take risks: if you win, you will be happy; if you lose, you will be wise.” Anonymous
Regular Client Program
My Regular Clients enjoy working with the many different types of oracles I work with for enlightenment. But a good portion of them work with me in the form of an enlightened counselor, and life coach. Discussing what you are going through or working on at each time is definitely healing but also allows added insight from my many years of navigational consultations and the wisdom of working with a very old soul!
One of the best programs I have been doing for 24 years now is my Regular Client Program. The program is designed to benefit my clients at multiple levels. Clients who enroll in the program come in every three months for personal sessions (monthly, or every other month sessions are also an option). This can also be done for out-of-area clients by phone. Session prices are discounted for Regular Clients. The focus of the program is on consistent work in developing your intuitive abilities, learning how to navigate more effectively through life by using the signs and signals that are all around us, and conquering fear-based programming permanently. We also get to work with all the many different oracles I currently work with! My Regular Client Program has resulted in some tremendous spiritual evolution for hundreds of people over the years. Some of my Regulars have gone on to do spiritual counseling, or similar types of work and some are healing and guiding others personally and professionally. The progress I have seen over the years among the majority of my Regular clients has been phenomenal. It is wonderful to see the spiritual, physical, and emotional progress I have assisted in motivating. So many of my Regular clients have dramatically changed the way they now view life and are enjoying a more enlightened point of view. You too can join this program as well, just ask.
More about the Regular Client Program... This program was designed to create an easy, cost-effective way for my clients to progress in their spiritual development.
When we are consistent at attending to our body/mind/spirit, we naturally move through life with more harmony and greater joy. When our spiritual awareness is heightened and fine-tuned we are often happier which helps us to enjoy all aspects of our lives, including occasional personal challenges because we see them as inevitably beneficial. We can truly assist the people around us. Human beings learn by example. Your intimate partnerships, friendships, family, and children benefit when you are in a good space.
The Regular Client Program makes it easier to prioritize keeping your spiritual, emotional and even physical “garden” free of weeds. In China, the professional soothsayer is a reverent and dignified calling. It does not attract the sort of suspicion it does in the western world. In fact, in most eastern cultures, seeing an oracle reader is a sign of wisdom, success, and prestige. If you have an interest in increasing these attributes and working with a highly-skilled navigational consultant, then the Regular Client Program may be right for you.
My current rates for 2023-2024:
Full session (70 minutes) $120.00. Shorter session (45 minutes) $90.00. Extended session (90 minutes) $145.00. 15-20 minute short phone sessions $40
Regular Client Program discounted rates for 2023-2024:
Quarterly (every three months) Regulars:
Full 70 minute sessions $90.00 shorter 45 minute sessions $65.00 Extended 90 minute sessions $110.00. 15-20 minute short phone sessions $20.
Every other month Regulars: Full 70 sessions $85.00. Shorter 45 minute sessions $60.00. Extended 90 minute sessions $105.00. 15-20 minute short phone sessions $20.
Monthly Regulars:
Full 70 minute sessions $80.00. Shorter 45 minute sessions $55.00 Extended 90 minute sessions $100.00. 15-20 minute short phone sessions $15.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PREPAY 3 OR MORE SESSIONS YOU RECEIVE AN EVEN BIGGER DISCOUNT.
Prepaid three quarterly sessions: (3) - 45 minute sessions $180. (3) - 70 minute sessions $245. (3) - 90 minute sessions $290.
Prepaid three every other month sessions: (3) -45 minute sessions $170. (3) - 70 minute sessions $230. (3) - 90 minute sessions $270.
Prepaid three monthly sessions: (3) - 45 minute sessions $155. (3) - 70 minute sessions $215. (3) - 90 minute sessions $255.
* Regular Clients get to choose whether they will come in for a full, 45, or extended session. You may vary the length of each session each time you come in for your appointments, and still keep your discounted rates.
* I will contact you a few weeks before your next appointment by email or phone for scheduling. If there is a need for a few weeks delay or to come in sooner or for an extra appointment, this is also an option.
* Sessions can be used for all of the different readings I offer, transformation sessions, reality change sessions, or personalized instruction on how to read oracles yourself.
* Regular Clients can purchase gift certificates for sessions to give to friends and family at their discounted rates.
* If at any point you decide to come in more often or less often, or even exit the program, simply let me know. I have worked with clients who have come monthly for two years, then switched to quarterly, etc...Clients who exit the program can still come in randomly for sessions, although they will be required to pay current non-regular client rates.
“When I hear somebody sigh, ‘Life is hard,’ I am always tempted to ask, ‘Compared to what?” Sydney Harris
Here’s my contact information to make an appointment for a session, or information on current classes: Email: Venturasag@yahoo.com (best method for contact).
Phone calls: (602) 957-3035 text only: (602) 349-0746
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.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jim-Ventura/110567902293371?ref=hl
I have a few other media channels other than my monthly radio shows and Face-Book:
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel (approximately once a month 6-11 minute videos) at J Ventura Snake Oil.
Instagram at Venturawords (Astrology updates and other insight on reels)
Tik Tok (animalspeaks) where I do short but powerful 3 minute videos about how to use animal totems!
All personal sessions/readings for 2023-2024 are: Full (70 minutes) $120.00; Shorter session (45 minutes) $90.00; Extended session (90 minutes) $145.00 (Two people can split an extended session back to back for $150.00 total although no other discounts will apply). Mini phone session 20 minutes $40. 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. Purchasing 3 prepaid sessions also brings sizable discounts. Some examples; 3 prepaid 45 minute monthly sessions is $155 total or about $52 a session. 3 prepaid quarterly 70 minute session are $245 or about $82 a session.
