Our Teaching Philosophy
We believe meditation isn't about clearing your mind or reaching a flawless state of Zen. It's more about learning to sit with whatever arises—chaotic thoughts, a planning mind, even that odd itch that appears 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 upheavals, and a few simply wandered into it during college and stayed. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill, not a mystical experience.
Each guide you meet has their own way of explaining ideas. Ravi tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Ananya draws on her psychology background. We've found 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 unique perspectives to the practice
Ravi Krishnamurthy
Lead Instructor
Ravi began meditating in 1998 after burnout from his software engineering career. He spent three years studying Vipassana in Myanmar and later trained in Zen meditation in Japan. What sets him apart is his knack for explaining ancient ideas with surprisingly contemporary analogies—he has even 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 practices. His sessions often include practical talks about weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Ananya Patel
Philosophy Guide
Ananya combines her PhD in United Kingdom Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative practice while studying ancient texts and realized that academic understanding means little without experiential insight. Her approach blends scholarly thinking with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Ananya has a gift for making complex philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying them. 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 reach perfect calm. Instead, we focus on building skills that help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses begin in September 2025, giving you time to reflect on whether this approach resonates with you. We believe in taking thoughtfully measured steps when deciding about contemplative practice—it’s not something to rush based on momentary enthusiasm.
If you’re curious about learning meditation as a practical life skill rather than a spiritual quest, 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.