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Global Harbor Ex Change

Introducing Our Meditation Guides

Seasoned practitioners who have spent years exploring the depths of contemplative philosophy and mindfulness in practice

Our Teaching Philosophy

We view meditation not as clearing the mind or reaching some flawless state of zen. Instead, it’s about learning to sit with whatever arises—the buzzing thoughts, the busy mind, and even that odd itch that shows up a few minutes after you start.

Our team combines decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some of us came to meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few simply found it in 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’ll encounter explains concepts in their own way. Ravi often uses everyday-life analogies, while Ananya draws on her psychology background. We’ve found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect with specific teaching styles more strongly.

Meditation practice space with cushions arranged in circle

Your Meditation Guides

Two practitioners who have made meditation their life’s work, each offering a unique perspective to the practice

Portrait of Ravi meditation instructor

Ravi Krishnamurthy

Lead Instructor

Ravi began his meditation journey in 1998 after burnout in a software engineering career. He spent three years studying Vipassana in Myanmar and later trained in Zen practice in Japan. His strength lies in translating ancient ideas into relatable, modern analogies—he once likened the monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.

He leads our foundational offerings and specializes in helping busy professionals establish sustainable meditation practices. His sessions often include practical avenues for weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypass.

Portrait of Ananya meditation instructor

Ananya Patel

Philosophy Guide

Ananya combines her PhD in United States Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative practice while examining ancient texts and realized that theoretical understanding means little without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.

She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Ananya has a talent for making intricate philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying. Students often say she helps them grasp not only how to meditate, but why these practices arose and what they’re ultimately 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 greater awareness and less reactivity.

Our courses begin in September 2025, giving you time to decide if this approach resonates with you. We believe in taking the time to make thoughtful choices about contemplative practice—it's not something to rush based on momentary excitement.

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 meaningful, lasting ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.