Our Approach to Teaching
We view meditation not as clearing the mind or attaining a flawless state of calm. It’s about learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, and even that odd itch that tends to appear a few minutes into practice.
Our group blends decades of practice across various traditions. Some arrived at 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, not a mystical experience.
Each guide you’ll meet explains concepts in their own way. Arjun tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Meera draws from her 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 lifelong work, each bringing a distinct perspective to the practice
Arjun Iyer
Lead Instructor
Arjun 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 ability to explain ancient concepts through surprisingly modern analogies—he once compared monkey 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 life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Meera Shah
Philosophy Guide
Meera 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 insight. Her approach bridges scholarly knowledge with practical application.
She guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Meera has a talent for rendering complex philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying them. Students often say she helps them understand not just how to meditate, but why these practices developed and what they’re truly meant to accomplish.
Why This Approach to Teaching
After years of practice and instruction, we’ve learned that meditation works best when it’s demystified. We don’t promise enlightenment or guarantee perfect serenity. 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 the 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 changed our lives in subtle yet meaningful ways, and we’ve witnessed the same transformation in many others.