Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as a way to clear your mind or reach some flawless zen state. It’s more about learning to stay present with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning brain, and even that peculiar itch that tends to show up a few minutes into sitting.
Our team blends decades of practice across various traditions. Some arrived at meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few stumbled upon it during college and stayed. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical experience.
Each guide has their own way of explaining ideas. Raj tends to draw on everyday analogies, while Aria leans on her psychology background. We’ve found that different approaches click with different people, so you’ll likely connect with certain 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
Raj Verma
Lead Instructor
Raj 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 using surprisingly modern comparisons—he once likened 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 on weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Aria Singh
Philosophy Guide
Aria 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 insight means little without lived experience. Her approach links scholarly understanding with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Aria has a talent for making intricate philosophical ideas accessible without diluting their meaning. Students often say she helps them grasp not only how to meditate, but why these practices emerged and what they’re truly meant to achieve.
Why We Teach This Way
After years of practice and instruction, we’ve found that meditation thrives when it’s demystified. We don’t promise enlightenment or claim you’ll reach perfect peace. Instead, we aim to build 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. We believe in taking the time to make thoughtful choices 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 pursuit, we’d be honored to guide your exploration. The practice has quietly transformed our own lives, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.