Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as a way to empty the mind or reach a flawless state of calm, but as learning to sit with whatever arises—the wandering thoughts, the planning impulses, and even that odd itch that tends to pop up five minutes in.
Our team blends decades of practice from various traditions. Some began with academic philosophy, others through personal hardship, and a few found meditation during college and stayed. What unites us is a dedication to teaching meditation as a practical life skill, rather than a mystical pursuit.
Each guide brings a unique way of explaining ideas. Kai Nakamura tends to use everyday analogies, while Mira Kapoor draws from a background in psychology. We’ve found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect more with certain teaching styles.
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 software engineering career. He spent three years studying Vipassana in Myanmar and later trained in Zen meditation in Japan. What sets him apart is the ability to explain ancient concepts using surprisingly modern analogies—he once compared monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals establish sustainable meditation practices. His sessions often include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Mira Kapoor
Philosophy Guide
Mira 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 scholarly understanding means little without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Mira has a gift for making complex philosophical concepts accessible without oversimplifying them. Her students often say she helps them understand not just how to meditate, but why these practices developed and what they’re really meant to accomplish.
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 start 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 transformed our lives in subtle yet profound ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.