Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as a goal to empty the mind or reach a flawless zen state. It resembles learning to stay with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning brain, even that odd itch that appears a few minutes into practice.
Our team combines decades of practice across varied traditions. Some arrived at meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal struggles, and a few discovered it in college and stayed. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical skill for everyday life, not a mystical pursuit.
Each guide brings a unique way of explaining ideas. Alex Rao tends to use everyday life analogies, while Priya Shah draws on her psychology background. We’ve found different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect with some teaching styles more than others.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who’ve made meditation their life’s work, 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 studied Vipassana in Myanmar for three years and later trained in Zen meditation in Japan. His strength lies in clarifying ancient ideas through surprisingly contemporary analogies—he once likened the monkey 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 frequently include practical discussions on weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Priya Shah
Philosophy Guide
Priya combines her PhD in United Kingdom Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative work while studying ancient texts and realized that academic insight means little without experiential knowing. Her approach marries scholarly understanding with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Priya has a talent for making intricate philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying. Students often say she helps them grasp not only how to meditate, but why these practices arose and what they aim to achieve.
Why We Teach This Way
After years of practice and guidance, we’ve learned that meditation works best when it’s demystified. We don’t promise enlightenment or claim you’ll reach perfect calm. Instead, we focus on building skills that help you face life’s inevitable challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses begin in September 2026, giving you time to reflect on whether this approach resonates with you. We believe in taking a thoughtful pace when deciding about contemplative practice—it isn’t something to rush into from 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 but meaningful ways, and we’ve witnessed it do likewise for many others.