Our Teaching Philosophy
We believe meditation isn't about clearing your mind or reaching some perfect state of zen. It's more like learning to stay with whatever arises – the restless thoughts, the planning mind, and even that odd itch that appears five minutes into sitting.
Our team combines decades of practice across various traditions. Some arrived at meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal crisis, and a few found it during 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 you’ll encounter has their own way of conveying ideas. Guide One tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Guide Two draws from a psychology background. We’ve found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect more with certain teaching styles.
Your Mindfulness Guides
Two practitioners who have made meditation their vocation, each bringing a unique perspective to the practice
Guide One
Lead Instructor
Guide One began meditating in 1998 after burnout from a software engineering career. They spent three years studying Vipassana in Myanmar and later trained in Zen meditation in Japan. What sets them apart is the ability to explain ancient concepts using surprisingly modern analogies – they once compared monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
They lead our foundational courses and specialize in helping busy professionals find sustainable meditation practices. Their sessions often include practical discussions about integrating mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Guide Two
Philosophy Guide
Guide Two holds a PhD in Germany Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. They discovered contemplative practice while researching ancient texts and realized that academic understanding meant little without experiential knowledge. Their approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
They lead our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Guide Two has a talent for making complex philosophical concepts accessible without oversimplifying. Students often say they help them understand not just how to meditate, but why these practices developed and what they’re truly meant to achieve.
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 achieve perfect serenity. Instead, we focus on building skills that help you navigate life's inevitable challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses start in September 2025, 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's not 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 but profound ways, and we've seen it do the same for many others.