Our Teaching Philosophy
We see meditation not as clearing the mind or reaching a perfect state of zen. It’s more about learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, and even that odd itch that tends to show up a few minutes into sitting.
Our team combines decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some of us discovered meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal crisis, and a few simply wandered into it in college and never left. Our shared aim is to teach meditation as a practical skill for everyday life, not a mystical experience.
Each guide has their own way of conveying ideas. Kai tends to use everyday life analogies, while Mira draws from a background in psychology. 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’ve devoted their lives to meditation, each bringing a unique perspective to the practice
Kai Sharma
Lead Instructor
Kai began meditating in 1998 after burnout in 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 talent for explaining ancient ideas through surprisingly modern analogies—he once likened the 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 integrating mindfulness into work 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 academic understanding means little without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly 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. 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 attain perfect peace. Instead, we focus on building skills that help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses start in September 2025, giving you time to reflect on whether this approach resonates with you. We believe in taking the 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 changed our lives in subtle but profound ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.