Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as an attempt to empty the mind or reach a flawless state of serenity. It resembles learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning tendencies, and even that peculiar itch that appears mid-session.
Our team blends decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some arrived at meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheavals, and a few wandered into it during college and stayed. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical skill for everyday life rather than a mystical experience.
Each guide you meet explains concepts in their own way. Alex tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Mira draws from her psychology background. We’ve found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’re likely to connect more with certain teaching styles.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who have made meditation their life's work, each bringing a distinct perspective to the practice
Alex Carter
Senior Instructor
Alex began meditating in 1998 after burnout from his software engineering career. He spent three years studying Vipassana in Myanmar and later trained in Zen practice in Japan. What sets him apart is his knack for explaining ancient ideas using surprisingly modern analogies—he once compared a restless mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and focuses on helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation habits. His sessions often include practical discussions on weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Mira Patel
Philosophy Guide
Mira 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 scholarly understanding means little without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges academic insight with practical application.
She guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Mira has a gift for making complex philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying them. Students often say she helps them grasp not just how to meditate, but why these practices developed and what they’re truly 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 reach perfect inner calm. Instead, we focus on building skills that help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses commence 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—it’s not something to rush into 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 transformed our lives in subtle yet profound ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.