Our Teaching Philosophy
We see meditation not as clearing the mind or reaching a flawless state of zen. It’s more like learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, and even that pesky itch that tends to appear five minutes into sitting.
Our team combines decades of practice across various traditions. Some began with academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few simply wandered into it during college and never left. What we share is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical experience.
Each guide you'll meet has their own way of explaining concepts. Kai Levens tends to use analogies from everyday life, while Mei Chen draws on her background in psychology. We've found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect more strongly 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 Levens
Lead Instructor
Kai began meditating in 1998 after burnout in 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 ability to explain ancient concepts using surprisingly modern analogies – he once compared monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our core courses and helps busy professionals cultivate sustainable mindfulness practices. His sessions often include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without bypassing reality.
Mei Chen
Philosophy Mentor
Mei Chen combines 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 understanding means little without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She leads deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Mei 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 emerged and what they are meant to accomplish.
Why Our Approach
After years of practice and teaching, we've found that meditation yields the best results when it isn't mystified. We don't promise enlightenment or claim you'll attain perfect peace. Instead, we focus on cultivating skills that help you meet life's inevitable challenges with greater awareness and calmer reactivity.
Our courses begin in September 2026, giving you time to reflect on whether this approach resonates with you. We value taking time to thoughtfully decide about contemplative practice—not rushing in on a momentary surge of 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 subtly but profoundly transformed our lives, and we've witnessed the same for many others.