Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as clearing the mind or attaining a flawless state of zen. It's about learning to stay with whatever arises—the busy thoughts, the planning mind, and even that odd itch that tends to appear a few minutes after sitting.
Our group unites decades of practice across varied traditions. Some discovered meditation via academic philosophy, others through personal challenges, and a few simply wandered into it in college and stayed. What unites us is a dedication to teaching meditation as a practical life skill, not a mystical pursuit.
Each guide has their own method of explaining ideas. Ravi often uses everyday-life analogies, while Ananya draws on psychology. We've found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll probably feel a stronger connection with some 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 practicing meditation 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 distinguishes him is his talent for explaining ancient concepts with surprisingly contemporary analogies—for example, likening 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 frequently include practical discussions on weaving mindfulness into work and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Ananya Patel
Philosophy Guide
Ananya pairs a PhD in United Kingdom Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice.
She encountered contemplative practice during studies of ancient texts and realized that theoretical understanding means little without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly insights with practical application.
She leads deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Ananya has a talent for rendering complex philosophical concepts accessible without oversimplification. Students say she helps them grasp not only how to meditate but why these practices arose and what they truly aim 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 attain perfect peace. Instead, we focus on building skills to navigate life's inevitable challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses begin in September 2025, giving you time to decide if 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 subtly but profoundly transformed our lives, and we've witnessed it do the same for many others.