Our Teaching Philosophy
We don’t view meditation as clearing the mind or attaining a perfect state of serenity. Instead, it’s about learning to be with whatever arises—uneasy thoughts, a busy planning mind, and even that odd itch that shows up midway through a session.
Our team combines decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some members arrived at meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal challenges, and a few wandered into 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 brings their own way of explaining ideas. Kai tends to use relatable, everyday examples, while Priya draws from a psychology background. We’ve found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect with specific teaching styles more than others.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who've made meditation their life's work, each bringing unique perspectives to the practice
Kai Nakamura
Lead Instructor
Kai began meditating in 1998 after burnout from a career in software development. He spent three years studying Vipassana in Myanmar and later trained in Zen practice in Japan. What sets him apart is his ability to translate ancient concepts into surprisingly modern analogies—he once compared the monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable mindfulness practices. His sessions often include practical discussions about weaving awareness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Priya Sharma
Philosophy Guide
Priya blends her PhD in United States Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative practice while studying ancient texts and realized that academic insight meant little without lived experience. Her approach bridges scholarly understanding with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Priya has a talent for making intricate philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying them. Students often say she helps them grasp 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 reach perfect inner peace. 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 time to make thoughtful choices 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 quietly transformed our lives, and we’ve witnessed it do the same for many others.