Our Teaching Philosophy
We see meditation not as clearing the mind or reaching a flawless state of Zen. It’s about learning to stay with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the busy planning, and even that peculiar itch that appears a few minutes into sitting.
Our team combines decades of practice from multiple traditions. Some arrived at meditation through academic philosophy, others after personal difficulties, 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 you encounter has their own way of conveying ideas. Arin Kalidas tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Nova Satsuki draws on a psychology background. We’ve found that different approaches click with different people, so you’ll likely feel a stronger resonance with some teaching styles.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who's made meditation their life's work, each bringing a unique perspective to the practice
Arin Kalidas
Lead Instructor
Arin began practicing meditation in 1999 after burnout in the tech world. He studied Vipassana in Southeast Asia for several years and later trained in Zen meditation in Japan. What sets him apart is the ability to explain ancient ideas through surprisingly modern analogies—he once likened a restless mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and focuses on helping busy professionals develop sustainable meditation routines. His sessions often include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Nova Satsuki
Philosophy Guide
Nova combines her PhD in United States Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative practice while researching ancient texts and realized that academic understanding means little without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Nova has a gift for making complex philosophical concepts accessible without oversimplifying them. Students often say she helps them understand not just how to meditate, but why these practices developed and what they’re truly intended 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 2025, 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.