The world is full of restaurants where people come to sit, to enjoy each other’s company, and of course to eat. Karma Kitchen is a little different. As one of the more public projects of Charity Focus, Karma Kitchen is a restaurant that offers individuals the possibility to be a server one day, and a guest the next. In this radical place, there is more laughing, more cheer, and more spontaneity than in most restaurants. Here one can come alone and leave feeling a part of a big family and an even bigger ideal – to live a life based on the generosity and service to others.

Vlad: How did Karma Kitchen begin and what is the basic premise behind it?

Karma Kitchen is an experiment in generosity. On the outside it looks like a regular restaurant, but the atmosphere is different; it’s friendlier, there is more human connection in the air and it leads to an elevated and festive atmosphere. It’s really quite wonderful and no two Sundays are the same. Each week the staff people are all volunteers except the cooks who work for the restaurant and get compensated.

Part of the idea is that this is a special experience for the volunteers. As a volunteer, you are serving the food, but you really want to have the feeling that you are connecting with people. In this attentive openness towards a customer, you might learn that someone has just come to town, or they are on their way somewhere. Maybe someone wants to sing a song, or an anniversary has just happened. There’s any number of things that can be revealed, and if something has been discovered about one of the guests that might be shared with the whole restaurant, the waiter might check with the guest and alert the maitre d’. So there’s this additional dimension where all those who are volunteering are alert to hidden possibilities.

Of course, for the volunteer, there’s also the experience of just trying to meet the basic demands of being a good waiter or dishwasher. It just so happens that at the restaurant [Taste of Himalayas], which is where Karma Kitchen is now, there’s a fellow named Juan who is the most extraordinary dishwasher. One time, as a volunteer, I was assigned that task. I was muddling along as best I could wrestling the dirty dishes, spraying them, and loading them into this commercial machine. There were two of us and sometimes we would fall behind. Then Juan would sweep in. We’d have to get out of his way because Juan is known as “The Hurricane.” Seemingly throwing dishes in every direction and making a big racket, but never breaking anything, he’d just completely take care of the whole mess. In the time that it would take me, or any ordinary person, to do 3 or 4 dishes, he’s done 50. It was really amazing.

Watching Juan showed me how much we miss in this culture by overlooking the maestros that exist in every field of endeavor. We celebrate the maestro who is the conductor of the orchestra, but no one like Juan gets celebrated. I watched Juan wash dishes. I actually watched very carefully, and I saw that he had mastered something to such a degree that it deserved my real feeling of respect and honor. So Karma Kitchen is a place in which one has all kinds of fresh impressions, like my impression of Juan. I think it’s because the basic premise is novel and unexpected. It’s really an exploration of what happens when you actually try to act from generosity and service.

Vlad: Why do you think it’s so popular? There is always a line out the door.

Well, you go there and it’s really fun. It’s really rewarding. I’ve met people and had some astonishing experiences as a guest. For instance, I met this woman, Susan Schaller, and heard her story—which is truly amazing. I could not believe I was sitting across from a person with a story that is the equivalent of the Helen Keller story. That’s my most dramatic experience in meeting someone new there. But people love it because it’s really enlivening.

Vlad: So everything is run by volunteers, what do you think motivates people to volunteer their time on a Sunday afternoon to work in a restaurant serving food and washing dishes?

If your wife has been trying to get you to wash dishes for years, and you’ve been resisting that and now you’re volunteering to wash dishes, that’s strange, isn’t it? [laughs] It seems that people are drawn to the possibility of giving something instead of just concentrating to getting something. And those who already have experienced that shift from “myself and what I want” to a focus on giving and sharing with others know the special feeling that can happen. The thing about Karma Kitchen is that it’s like a little laboratory where people are experimenting and trying to put something new into action. I think that’s what draws people. There may be a few people who just go there to get a meal because they don’t have any money and that’s ok, too, because often they end up coming back to volunteer and serve as well.

Vlad: Is the idea of a pay it forward restaurant spreading? I hear about other locations?

Karma Kitchen has been giving rise to some copies of itself. I think there is one in DC, in Chicago, and another one or two in the process of being born. Charity Focus projects have had a tendency to spread. Karma Kitchen is one of them, and there are several others. I think there’s a widespread interest in service and a feeling among a lot of young people that there has to be a different model from the selfish, capitalistic attitude of “I’m going to get mine and the hell with you.” Many people feel very deeply that something has to change, and that this change has to be in the direction of some kind of service to a greater good.

Charity Focus projects are like pure versions of this. They’re pretty radical about that, about carrying out their experiments without any focus on the bottom line—without counting the pennies. The interest is in a kind of selfless service. In something that is truly generous.

Vlad: So, they don’t worry about the bottom line?

The truth is that there has to be a certain amount of income or such projects would not keep working. It’s not as though money is ignored. But it’s not worried about—and Karma Kitchen has been more than supporting itself. It almost seems as if there’s a law, that if something is given with certain kind of purity—if something is truly generous—it always causes a reaction of gratitude. And when you feel grateful, the impulse is to give back. So the bottom line takes care of itself.

With Karma Kitchen, there’s not going to be a big worry. If in fact, people were not paying it forward, they would just close it. I don’t think there’s a big commitment to, “We’ve got to keep this going.” Instead, the attitude is “Let’s try this and see if it works. Let’s see what happens.” In Charity Focus’ philosophy, there is a willingness to fail.

Vlad: I ask the question about the bottom line, because I see this transition happening from a more capitalist model, at least around here in the Bay Area, to being more gift economy, and of course it brings up concerns in those that don’t have complete faith in generosity or in this law that you speak of.   

I think you have to verify it. If someone gives something to me, and if it’s a real act of generosity, I know how I feel. I know my impulse and response is that of gratitude and the wish to give back and reciprocate. Karma Kitchen is verifiably functioning. The money comes in—although it may fail in the future. The core people in Charity Focus, while they are very upbeat and full of hopefulness, have not abandoned their critical judgment. They are all very bright people, who look very carefully at things. They are going to be realistic, but they’re also capable of making these unusual leaps and trying things out. It’s how things can actually be tested rather than just thought about.

Vlad: For me, it really comes down to having faith in something that is very pure, Charity Focus is very pure around their intentions.

It would seem to me that purity is an ideal. In moments one might experience a pure impulse, and the next moment one may say, “Oh, I see how I could benefit from that, and I want to benefit from that.” There are moments when something actually pure might act through one, but to think that one can be pure—I would be extremely suspicious of that. For a lot of Charity Focus people, Gandhi is a great exemplar. There is a saying of Gandhi’s that, “if you wait until you are pure before you begin to serve, you will never begin to serve.” You have to start wherever you are and then maybe by following the path of service, you will move in the direction of more purity.

For more info visit:
KarmaKitchen (US), CharityFocus (incubator), DailyGood (news), Karma Tube (videos), HelpOthers (kind acts), Conversations (artists), iJourney (wisdom), MovedByLove (India), CFSites (technical)

Related posts:

1. Karma Clinic – A New Model of Economics and Health
2. The Gift of Generosity

What is an out of body experience?

An out of body experience (obe) is when the consciousness, meaning the individual himself, makes a transition from operating with his – her physical body to operating with the astral. Another way to put it is that person transitions from the physical, everyday reality into a parallel but different dimension. This dimension is more subtle than ours, but always there. It remains invisible to many of us because we lack the psychical perception to see into it.

Projecting into this parallel dimension is temporary, it can last from a few seconds to a couple of hours in rare cases, but inevitably we must return to the physical body. The process of moving into the astral dimension is dependant on the energetic connection between the physical and the astral body. This connection, sometimes called the silver cord, allows us to travel into the astral dimension and keeps our two bodies connected and safe. It also allows energy and information to flow between the two bodies.

Out of body experiences never causes the severing of the silver cord, but physical death is a process that involves the de-activation of the silver cord and could be called a “final projection.”

We tend to think of astral projection or out of body experiences as something supernatural and separate from the physical life. Something that only gifted or psychic people can do, but we all have this ability and go through this separation every night when we sleep and dream.

What is the difference between dreaming and having an obe?

The major difference is that dreams are illusory creations of the brain, whereas the obe is real, in the sense that it can be objectively shared with others like physical life. The average person goes through a partial disconnection while sleeping.  When we dream, our astral body hovers just slightly above the physical body. What is missing is the awareness and intention to fully project out. Even in a lucid dream, there is still a range of lucidity and some people are able to use the lucid dream as a springboard to go into an obe. The realness of the obe experience, makes it self evident that it is different from a dream. Out of body experiences become as real as our daily lives.

What are the benefits, why would somebody want to try this?

One of the most profound benefits is the loss of fear of death, common with near death experience. Fear is easy to manipulate and people that are afraid can be targets for malicious manipulation and influenced. Once we overcome that fear, we are able to make better and more rational decisions.

Attempting and having access to out of body experiences can set us on a journey of trying to understand this physical life. Because we have this glimpse into something unusual, a different world that most people are not aware of, we will come back with questions and a new perspective on life. We will be more curious and will want to share these realizations and experiences with others.

In other dimensions, just like in ours, thoughts and intentions have consequence, they attract things and people. This is sometimes called the law of attraction, and in the astral dimensions we are able to see this much easier and in a more immediate fashion. This is why it is so vital to monitor the quality of our thoughts, intentions.

As a result of out of body experiences, we become more perceptive, more psychic, and able to feel or see energy in ourselves and others. Because we realize the benefits of maintaining a healthy energetic pattern we become more aware of our own energetic and mental state.

We can step out of our physical and solid world and look out through another lens. By doing so, we can see ourselves and our lives from a different perspective and when we come back, our worldview is shifted and changed. The ramifications touch and inform all of our problems on earth. Many of the world’s problems come from the human-centered perspective that nature and life are things; they are to be used and then thrown away. When we see ourselves as consciousness that exists outside the physical body, this continuity and connection between ourselves, our bodies, spirits, and all living things becomes apparent. With this knowledge, life, the environment, and most other things in life become more valuable and precious.

Through out of body travels, we can see ourselves as a multi-dimensional consciousness in the process of evolution along with other beings. With this realization, we become more connected in a cosmic way to our fellow human beings.

What can I expect for my first time?

Beginners should be very motivated but not easily discouraged. On the other hand, you should be prepared to have an experience. Fears and anxieties are common, try to address these beforehand. Excitement may result in reducing the chance of getting an obe because the physical body will not be able to relax enough to allow the separation from the astral body.

Recognize the physical sensations such as tingling, vibrations, or pulsations. These are the first signs of an obe onset. Sometimes you may hear inter-cranial sounds that may appear to be coming from your head. These are actually generated in your non-physical or astral body. A partial or completely paralysis of the body also happens; do not be worried or panic. It is common to feel subtle energy moving or a part of your subtle-astral body to separate – such as an arm, or leg.

Is it dangerous?

No. People have obes nightly and it is quite natural. Becoming lucid of this process makes you safer and increases the connection between the physical and astral body. Because of the silver cord, you are still energetically connected to the body and there is no way for this connection to break or be cut. Your energy body is a perfect fit for your physical body. The terms in and out of body are analogies, and you are energetically still connected to your body at all times.

It is common for people to ask if they can get lost. Most people would like the opposite, they want to explore, but the moment they feel afraid, they are immediately zipped back into their physical body. There are many fears around obes but most of these are unfounded and exist to discourage exploration into the nature of reality and the self.

How do I do it? What types of methods are there?

Continuous consciousness projection is feasible when we allow our bodies to go into a deeply relaxed state – almost numb and heavy. Our emotions are also slowed and focused on the obe. Many people are constantly moving the body and when the physical body is too jittery, complete separation is almost impossible.

The most basic technique is to contract and relax the physical muscles. The intention should be to extend the period of falling asleep, and progressively relaxing the mind and the body, creating opportunities for having a spontaneous out of body experience.

In our daily lives, the energy body is crystallized and aligned with the physical body. Only in the periods before or after sleep does the energy body have a chance to shift out of this alignment. To make it easier to separate, we must be able to control the energy body to the point where we can reach a vibrational state where it is the most vital and energized. To accomplish this, it is helpful to develop our energy body.

There are many techniques but the main emphasis should be on moving the energy resolving any energy blockages in the body. To get to this stage, we must first become aware and sensitive enough to feel the subtle energy.

Another path is breathing techniques that alter the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide allowing us to relax the body completely while keeping our mind awake, focused, and relaxed. This state should not be confused with insomnia. Our energy body reacts to our emotions which is why it is important to go into this practice with calm and peaceful mind.

We may also try to have a target where we wish to travel. A person, an object or place, as long as it does not cross any privacy boundaries. A place that we are familiar with and attached to, will work best and we can wish and will the energy body to go there.

Yet another technique is to separate just one limb of the energy body, attempting to control that limb before attempting the entire body. Hypnotic self suggestions cal also be used.

Is there a good time, position?

It is possible to project anytime, in any position, but lying down on the back is preferred. The energy body naturally assumes that position and the blood-flow into the brain is evenly distributed.

For others, on the side or even sitting in a comfortable recliner is preferred. Ask yourself, when and how am I least likely to fall asleep and most likely to relax quickly.

Study these two conditions. As for timing, the most common is right before falling asleep. For others, it is the middle of the night, the afternoon, after work, or immediately after waking up. All of this depends on your profile and life habits.

To find out, it is best to experiment and be our own investigator and researcher.

Is obe related to psychic powers, such as clairvoyance and telepathy?

When people have obes on a regular basis, they tend to become more psychic. These abilities operate and are linked to consciousness and the projection of energy. If we are able to create a partial disconnection of our energy body, we open a channel for clairvoyance and other psychic information to come in. The better we are able to control and understand our subtle energy, the more we will be able to receive this type of information. Unblock stagnant energy in the body and working with chakras will greatly help facilitate the development of psychic powers.

Where can I find out more? Resources, books, etc…?

A great resource online is International Academy for Consciousness (IAC)  This organization offers training courses and publications. Here is an interview with IAC president Alegretti

Books:

Projections of the Consciousness: A Diary of Out-of-Body Experiences, by Waldo Vieira

Projection of the Astral Body by Sylvan Muldoon and Hereward Carrington

Robert Crookall

Wagner Allegretti

Astral Dynamics by Robert Bruce

Journeys out of the body by Robert Monroe

Reference guides:

Projectiology: A Panorama Of Experiences Of The Consciousness Outside The Human Body by Waldo Vieira

Related posts:

1. Out of Body Experiences & Astral Projection
2. My first OBE (out of body) experience
3. Meditation Techniques – Breathing Exercises For Beginners

See yourself in it: When you see yourself inside the scene that you wish to happen, you make it that much more powerful. Imagine seeing yourself in the exact mood, surrounding, and situation that you would like to happen, you can even bring in other people that will help you make this manifestation become reality. Clarity, focus, and realism are key.

Action: When you see the scene happening, try to create action, aliveness, and vividness. If there are people, they can be moving, talking, cheering, smiling. If there are no people, see yourself in motion, get some feeling into this mental movie and make sure you can actually feel the motion in your body, that is one sign that your body is going along with the mental movie.

Focused: Make sure that you clear your mind, before beginning this meditation. A clear mind is able to focus much more then a distracted and scattered one. It is the difference between a lightbulb that scatters light everywhere and a laser beam that hits a small spot with all it’s power – 100′ away from the source. You want your intention to be that focused, and clear so that there can be no doubt or confusion as to what you want to manifest.

Multi-sensory: Because life is perceived through all of the senses, the mental movie should mimic real life as much as possible. Therefore, if your intention is to have the perfect chocolate cake on Thursday, you should be seeing the cake, smelling the cake, tasting the cake. Meanwhile, imagine the feeling of holding that fork in your hand as you bring the first piece to your mouth. The more senses are involved, the stronger the intention will be.

Time: The frequency with which you repeat this meditation will also determine the speed with which it manifests itself. In my own life, if I want to attract something or somebody, I practice this meditation daily until the imaginary outcome becomes the real thing. Running through this exercise for the first time may take a while, but once it is well formed it becomes easy, quick, and much more clear. The power and effect increase dramatically with every repetition similar to practicing any other skill, the more you do it, the better you get.

Related posts:

1. The Law of Attraction – 4 Steps To Manifest Intention
2. Meditation Techniques: How to Use Visualizations To Your Benefit
3. Meditation Techniques – How to Get More Concentrated

Unlike the law of gravity, this law is subjective and its effectiveness is determined by several factors. The focus, concentration, clarity of the goal, ability to achieve the optimal state, and ability to let go will greatly affect the results of the manifestation of intent. I like to think of the law of attraction as a process that we all use, every day, some have greater conscious control over their abilities to manifest and others wield their power unconsciously. Here are the four basic steps that will ensure great success, self-awareness, and effectiveness in manifesting your intention:

4 Steps:

1. Set Intention: First, a focused intention must be determined, without knowing what you want, it is difficult to get it. While this may see obvious, many people have a general idea of what they want but are unable to get a clear and concrete image in their minds. At this stage, it can be helpful to write out or list your intention. For some it is easier to create a story, draw a picture, make a song, or dance. The method does not matter as long as the intention becomes clearly defined and focused.

2. Optimal State:  Second step in the process is to get into the optimal state – a relaxed body, clear and focused mind are necessary to have best results. There are many techniques, some of which are listed in the techniques section of this website, for achieving this and it is important to be aware of what works for you.

3. Make it Real: The third step is to make the intention convincingly real, vivid, and personal. If you intention is to get a good grade on a test, having achieved the optimal physical and psychological state, begin to feel, see, and hear yourself finishing the test with confidence. Imagine what it would feel like to get the grade you want. What are other people around you saying? What are you saying to yourself? Where are you located and what are you doing, is it bright, dark, loud, quiet? To make it personal, try adding people that can help you or that you greatly admire into the scene. Work and play with the image/movie until it is superbly fine tuned to maximize the “realness” of the intention.

4. Let it Go: Finally, as you hold this perfect/ideal scene of the desired outcome in your mind, imagine letting it go out into the world. By letting it go, you are practicing non-attachment and releasing expectation.

It is important to experiment and be playful with this process to find out what works best for you. My optimal process is to form an image, give it motion, add people, make it larger then life and put myself into the scene as I look down onto it. As I do this, I assess the “realness” of the constructed image by the quality and strength of feelings and sense of movement within my body. This process gives me a sense of power and control over my destiny adding to my self worth, confidence, and ability to succeed in the world.

Related Articles:

The Law of Attraction – Powerful Meditation Techniques To Manifest Intention

Training Your Imagery Muscle

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