Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as clearing the mind or reaching a flawless state of zen. Rather, it’s about learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the busy planning brain, and even that odd itch that pops up a few minutes into practice.
Our group blends decades of practice from diverse traditions. Some discovered meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheavals, and a few simply wandered into it during college and never left. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill, not a mystical experience.
Each guide you’ll encounter has their own way of explaining concepts. Alex tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Mira draws from her psychology background. We’ve found that various approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect more with certain teaching styles.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who’ve devoted their lives to meditation, each bringing a distinct perspective to the practice
Alex Carter
Lead Instructor
Alex began meditating years ago after burnout in a software engineering career. He spent three years studying Vipassana in Myanmar and later trained in Zen meditation in Japan. What sets him apart is the ability to translate ancient concepts into surprisingly modern analogies—he once compared the wandering mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation practices. His sessions often include practical discussions about integrating mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Mira Shah
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 scholarly understanding means little without experiential wisdom. Her approach bridges academic insight with practical application.
She guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Mira has a gift for making complex philosophical concepts accessible without compromising depth. Her students often say she helps them understand not just how to meditate, but why these practices developed and what they’re really meant to accomplish.
Why We Teach This Way
After years of practice and teaching, we’ve learned that meditation works best when demystified. We don’t promise enlightenment or claim you’ll achieve 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 make thoughtful decisions 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 transformed our lives in subtle but meaningful ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.