Our Teaching Philosophy
We don’t see meditation as clearing the mind or reaching a flawless state of zen. It’s more about learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, even that pesky itch that shows up a few minutes in.
Our group combines many years of practice across diverse traditions. Some came to meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few simply discovered it in college and never looked back. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical experience.
Each guide you’ll encounter explains concepts in their own way. Aarav tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Meera draws from her background in psychology. We’ve found that different approaches click with different people, so you’ll likely connect more with certain teaching styles.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who have dedicated their lives to meditation, each offering a distinct perspective to the practice
Aarav Desai
Senior Instructor
Aarav began his meditation journey in the late 1990s after burnout in his software engineering role. He spent time studying Vipassana in Southeast Asia and later trained in Zen in East Asia. He stands out for turning old concepts into relatable examples—likening the wandering mind to a dozen open browser tabs.
He leads our core courses and helps busy professionals cultivate sustainable mindfulness practices. Sessions emphasize practical strategies for weaving awareness into work and reducing stress without bypassing reality.
Meera Shah
Philosophy Mentor
Meera combines a 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 meant nothing without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Meera has a talent for making complex philosophical concepts accessible without oversimplifying. Her students often say she helps them understand not just how to meditate, but why these practices developed and what they’re truly meant to achieve.
Why Our Approach Works
After years of practice and teaching, we’ve found meditation is most effective when it’s demystified. We don’t promise enlightenment or perfect serenity. Instead, we aim to develop skills that help you face life’s challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses begin in September 2026, allowing time to consider whether this method resonates with you. We believe in taking time to decide thoughtfully about contemplative practice—not rushing into it from fleeting enthusiasm.
If you’re curious about meditation as a practical life skill rather than a spiritual pursuit, we’d be glad to guide your exploration. The practice has subtly but profoundly transformed our lives, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.