Our Teaching Philosophy
We believe meditation isn’t about emptying the mind or reaching some perfect state of calm. It’s more like learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, and even that odd itch that shows up five minutes into sitting.
Our group brings together decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some of us came to meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few simply wandered in 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 meet communicates concepts in their own style. Samir tends to use everyday life analogies, while Elena draws from her background in philosophy. We’ve found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect more with some teaching styles than others.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who've dedicated their lives to meditation, each offering a distinct perspective on the practice
Samir Rao
Lead Instructor
Samir began meditating in 1999 after burnout from a software engineering career. He spent three years studying Vipassana in Southeast Asia and later trained in Zen meditation in Japan. What sets him apart is his ability to explain ancient concepts using surprisingly modern analogies—he often compares 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 frequently include practical discussions about integrating mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Elena Morozov
Philosophy Guide
Elena combines her PhD in Western Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative practice while researching classical texts and realized that academic understanding means little without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Elena has a gift for making complex philosophical concepts accessible without oversimplifying. Students often say she helps 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 peace. Instead, we focus on building skills that help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges with more awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses begin in September 2026, 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.