Snake Oil

Chalk it up to my spiritual unmoorings, general gullibility, or optimism...I am someone who's always hoping one of these miracle cures will be all-that. Thanks to the Internet and other research venues--and I guess I'd thank my dark side, that lingering doubt that leads me to do the research in the first place--for I can debunk humbug like a blonde cutting through bad pick up lines.

Swinging back the other way, however, it's hurtful to my spirit to always find the cure-alls do not perform. Newsflash, to my soft spirit: INFOMERCIALS LIE. Sometimes, even more painful to admit, gurus, shaman, ministers of all cloths, etc. are underneath it all (and ohhh I feel so jaded even writing this) hucksters.

"Oh, the pain! the pain!" As the good Dr. Smith so often cried, on "Lost in Space."

I've not invested my fortunes nor my life energy in too many shams, scams or thank-you-ma'ams. I've been bit by the bug more than once, however, and I am very susceptible. It's good to know you're gullible (isn't that a paradox?) and that you are just the type cult groups hunt for: one who dives deep. That is to say, whenever I am so moved, I throw off every reservation along with my towel, suit and common sense and run screaming mad off the high dive....and THAT is to say, I have a problem with wholeheartedness. It has happened to me in work, love, and religion, and I know I am not alone in this weakness.

But enough personal disclosure. This likely reads like reprehensible porn to anyone who balks at public reflection.

Here's my sieve for the snake oil:
Are they trying to sell me something? That is, somewhere in this journey, cleansing, life-altering yahoo they're promoting--is there a dollar sign? ...even as a footnote?

That is now my universal bullshit meter.
Thus, I can dismiss all infomercials, car dealers, etc. straight-away.

It is not so very effective with all-things-spiritual, and I am constantly refining it.

Pointers welcome.