Our Teaching Philosophy
We’re not aiming to empty the mind or reach a flawless state of zen. Instead, it’s about learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, even that odd itch that shows up five minutes into sitting.
Our team brings together decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some came to meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few stumbled into it during college and never left. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical experience.
Each guide you’ll meet has their own approach to explaining ideas. Alex tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Mira draws from her background in psychology. We’ve found that different styles resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect more with certain approaches.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who have made meditation their lifework, each bringing a distinct perspective to the practice
Alex Rao
Lead Instructor
Alex began meditating in 1998 after burnout from a 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 talent for explaining ancient ideas through surprisingly contemporary analogies—he once compared monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation habits. His sessions often include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Mira Kapoor
Philosophy Guide
Mira combines her PhD in United States Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative practice while researching ancient texts and realized that scholarly understanding means little without lived experience. Her approach bridges academic insight with practical application.
She leads 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 understand not just how to meditate, but why these practices emerged and what they’re truly meant to accomplish.
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 peace. Instead, we focus on building skills that help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges with heightened awareness and reduced reactivity.
Our courses begin in September 2025, giving you time to reflect on whether this approach resonates with you. We believe in taking the time to thoughtful decide about contemplative practice—it isn’t something to rush 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 transformative subtlety and depth, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.