Our Teaching Philosophy
We don’t view meditation as clearing the mind or attaining a flawless state of Zen. It’s more about learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, and even that peculiar itch that shows up five minutes into sitting.
Our team blends decades of practice from different traditions. Some came to meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few discovered it in 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 has their own way of conveying ideas. Mira Desai tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Jon Carter draws on his psychology background. We’ve found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect more with certain teaching styles.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who’ve made meditation their life’s work, each bringing a distinct perspective to the practice
Mira Desai
Senior Instructor
Mira began meditating after moving on from a demanding software engineering path. She spent time exploring various practices, including Vipassana and Zen, and has a knack for translating ancient concepts into relatable, modern ideas—she often compares the mind to a browser with too many tabs open.
She leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation habits. Her sessions frequently include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Jon Carter
Philosophy Guide
Jon blends a PhD in United Kingdom Philosophy with over fifteen years of personal meditation practice. He discovered contemplative work while researching ancient texts and realized that academic insight means little without lived experience. His approach bridges scholarly understanding with practical application.
He guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Jon has a gift for making intricate philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying them. Students often say he helps them grasp not just how to meditate, but why these practices arose and what they aim 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 more 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 time to thoughtfully decide about contemplative practice—it isn’t 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 yet profound ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.