Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation as more than clearing the mind or reaching a flawless zen state. It’s about learning to stay with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, and even that persistent itch that shows up a few minutes in.
Our team brings together decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some practitioners arrived at meditation via academic philosophy, others through personal upheavals, and a few stumbled into it in college and never left. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical skill for everyday life, not a mystical experience.
Each guide offers their own way of explaining ideas. Alex favors everyday analogies, while Priya draws on psychology. We’ve found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect more strongly with certain teaching styles.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who’ve made meditation a life’s work, each bringing a distinct perspective to the practice
Alex Rao
Lead Instructor
Alex began meditating in 1998 after burnout in the tech field. He spent three years studying Vipassana in Myanmar and later trained in Zen practice in Japan. What sets him apart is his talent for explaining ancient ideas with surprisingly contemporary comparisons—he once likened the monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation routines. His sessions often include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Priya Sharma
Philosophy Guide
Priya combines her PhD in United Kingdom Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative practice while researching ancient texts and realized that academic understanding means little without lived experience. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Priya has a talent for making complex philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying. Students often say she helps them understand not only how to meditate, but why these practices arose and what they’re ultimately meant to achieve.
Why We Teach This Way
After years of practice and teaching, we’ve learned that meditation works best when it’s demystified. We don’t promise enlightenment or claim you’ll achieve perfect peace. Instead, we focus on building skills that help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges with more awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses start in September 2026, giving you time to reflect on whether this approach resonates with you. We believe in taking time to make thoughtful decisions about contemplative practice—not rushing in based on momentary enthusiasm.
If you’re curious about learning meditation as a practical life skill rather than a spiritual pursuit, we’d be honored to guide your exploration. The practice has changed our lives in subtle but profound ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.