Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga is a very complete system. It creates a powerful synergy between the body, the mind and the spirit. I have taught a thousand classes over the last 17 years and have become very familiar with the incredible life force energy that exists within each person that can be brought forth in simple, easy to understand, step-by-step ways. When you understand how a technique affects your brain, body and nervous system, you will feel more open to try it. Through regular practice, we build self knowledge, endurance, capacity and resilience. The effects are amazing! These practices can provide us with both grounding and embodiment as well as transcendence. This unfolding can continue for your whole life. The right size efforts, done with good form, repeated over time will yield growth!
“A spiritual path should not feel stiff, stifling and serious. Be relaxed and real, apply yourself with sincerity and let the process unfold before you.”
The Form
Kundalini Yoga is a form of yoga that uses a combination of Pranayam (breath work), Asana (posture), Kriya (movement sets), mudra (hand positions), mantra (yogic words), drishti (eye focus), bandha (inner muscular engagement), deep relaxation, and meditation to create a state of increased energy and vitality, mental balance and subtle insight.
Pranayam- Proper breathing with awareness is a simple yet transformative practice. There are many patterns, both simple and complex, that direct one’s breathing in order to create intentional states in the mind and body. Examples of benefits associated with breathing are: increased energy, relaxation, release of stress and emotional tension, and increase in clarity.
Asana-Physical postures done with awareness allow us to release tension from the body, increase the strength of our muscles that support comfortable and correct posture and allow us to awaken and channel subtle life force energy.
Mudra- Our hands can make many shapes that complete a subtle circuit of energy with our brain, and also serve as a resting focal point in our meditation.
Mantra- “Man” means mind, and “Tra” means projection. Mantras are generally ancient yogic words that we can repeat either silently or aloud to create a variety of harmonious inner states. Mantra also serves as a focal point in meditation. We “tune-in” for every class session with the Adi Mantra.
Drishti- Focusing the eyes reduces that busyness of our mind and stimulates that higher glands that are in charge of regulating our mood.
Bandha- Utilizing regular inner muscular engagement gives us strength, supports proper alignment and helps us to channel subtle energy. The three areas that we practice engaging are the pelvic diaphragm (floor), the thoracic diaphragm, and at the base of the neck.
Kriya- Kriyas are movements done in a specific sequence which will have a predictable affect on our mind/body. The word means, “completed action,” and indicates a set with as few as 1 and as many as tens of movements. Kriyas range from beginner to advanced.
Meditation-Meditation is a way of creating a coherent state in the mind and body using focal points. The focal points will include a combination of breath, eye focus, hand position, posture, mantra and sometimes movement. All meditations are done with awareness and generally holding a sort of inner attitude or intention.
How Quickly Positive Effects Accrue From Practice of Meditation (from Meditation as Medicine by Dharma Singh Khalsa)
3 minutes: Increased blood circulation begins, distributing enhanced neuroendocrine secretions throughout the body.
7 minutes: Brain patterns begin to shift from the static of beta waves, to calmer alpha waves, and ultimately to deep-relaxation delta waves. Simultaneously, the magnetic force surrounding the body increases in strength.
11 minutes: The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems begin to accommodate increased energy.
22 minutes: Anxiety-producing thoughts in subconscious begin to clear.
31 minutes: Endocrinological balance is achieved, as is balance of the chakras of the ethereal body. This balance persists throughout the day, and is reflected by changes in mood and behavior.
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Testimonial from Emily
Anna's classes have been instrumental in my path to healing. The depth of knowledge and commitment she brings to her teachings inspire a deeper relationship to both self and others. Her intuition always seems consistent with the pulse of the Universe. I am constantly amazed by her accuracy of intention, and how it aligns with what is happening directly in my life. Anna has taught me that even in the darkest of hours, if I can get on that mat and tune in, the work of kundalini will always bring me closer to a grounded self, my true intentions, and my highest calling. - Emily G.
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Testimonial from Michaela
Anna's classes are deeply transformational, healing and nurturing. Each time I attend a class, I feel utterly changed in the most positive way. Our community is deeply blessed to have such a wise and heartfelt teacher who leads yoga with LOVE and COMPASSION. Anna has an intuitive gift to speak to what is most prevalent for me at the time and to choose the aligned Kriya. I cannot emphasize enough how much I enjoy her classes and her authentic, beautiful, kind-hearted spirit. In deep gratitude! - Michaela B, Homer, Alaska
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Testimonial from Macky
After practicing kundalini yoga with Anna Raupp for the past few years I can feel a significantly increased capacity to be with the stressors of life. The exercises build strength in the body, while the breath work and meditations are potent tools for resourcing for the nervous system. Anna is a brilliant wordsmith whose insights and reflections are as nourishing as the exercises themselves. - Macky
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Testimonial from Jeanne
I have been attending Anna's Kundalini Yoga classes for about ten years. Anna's kundalini yoga classes have been an important physical and spiritual inspiration for me. She shares thoughtful and insightful information while using breathing, meditations and yoga Kriyas that always make me feel like I have shifted into a different state of being. I highly recommend Anna's class to people of any age or physical ability. - Jeanne P.
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Testimonial from Marcella
I recall my first class with Anna and being amazed at what an excellent Kundalini teacher she was. She would help me know I could stay in those poses just a bit longer while nudging me towards concentrating on mantra and focusing on my drishti. Towards the end of class, during Savasana, I felt I was floating there carefree while listening to her play the gong. Walking away from that class I was renewed and determined to continue with a daily practice. That was some 12 years ago, and many classes later. I so enjoy having her as a teacher. She picks out the best music, kriyas, and meditations all because she knows the healing benefits yoga brings. It’s definitely evident that she has truly mastered her art drawing deep inside, and then sharing that light, in hopes of helping others reach deep inside themselves too. - Marcella S.
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Testimonial from Michelle
I really enjoy Anna's Kundalini yoga classes. Anna has a lovely, gentle persona that allows me to be comfortable. Her directions are clear and she offers alternatives that might fit my body better. Her classes have deeply enriched me, and I have grown confident in being able to practice yoga outside of class so that it is a regular part of my life. - Michelle C.
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Testimonial from Anna
I can't imagine adjusting to winters in Homer without Anna's Kundalini classes. We are so fortunate to have such a proficient practitioner here in our community who is so willing to share and care and grow her own practice and self as she guides us in our own journeys of development and unfolding selves. - Anna Meredith
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Testimonial from Devry
Anna is an extremely gifted kundalini yoga teacher and practitioner. I have had the privilege of working with her for almost a decade. Her gentle and pivotal guidance has allowed me to discover a deep peace and significant strength within myself. I always walk away from her classes feeling changed, usually much lighter and brighter than when I entered. I feel it is remarkable to have a teacher of her caliber in a community of our size. - Devry Garity
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Testimonial from Jenny
Anna's classes are a gift. She brings a gentle care and thoughtful wisdom to each word and movement. I love how she reaches beyond the yoga world to incorporate other writings and teachings. Her classes are wonderful medicine for body, mind and soul, so needed in these times. - Jenny Bernard
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Testimonial from Crane
Anna's classes in the community are one of the real magical treasures I am eternally grateful for. It never ceases to amaze me how in sync with life in the moment and thoroughly grounding they are in such a consistent manner. The way they unify the emotional into the practice is just the right balance. - Crane Jackinsky
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Testimonial from Emily
Anna's classes incorporate multiple elements like a beautiful thread woven through a garment. You will be guided through the seasons with intention of heart, breath and body. The Kriyas will challenge but also prepare you for what is ahead, not even knowing the next step, in a gentle but intentional way. A chant, or song might be woven through that can spark something within that you didn't know was dormant. Practices are beautifully curated for each yogi, finishing feeling cozy, ready to take on your day. -Emily Sloth
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Testimonial from Kammi
Anna is absolutely the best kundalini yoga teacher! She is kind, grounded, and has a fierce commitment to helping her students become the most compassionate versions of themselves by utilizing the tools of Kundalini yoga and other embodied practices. - Kammi Matson
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Testimonial from Kathy
I have always enjoyed Anna’s classes and continue to be stretched ( physically and emotionally) by them. - Kathy Robinson
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Testimonial from Jahnie
Anna’s yoga classes have been a transformative journey for me. Her traditional style and soothing voice leave me feeling happy, calm, balanced, and grounded after every practice. It's more than just yoga; it's a holistic experience that nurtures my sense of self and wellbeing. - Jahnie Wednesday
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Testimonial from Michelle
I’ve so enjoyed Anna’s Kundalini classes! She leads a welcoming and supportive group. - Michelle LaFriniere