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Bright Desert Union

Introducing Our Meditation Guides

Seasoned practitioners who have spent years delving into the depths of contemplative philosophy and mindful practice

Our Teaching Philosophy

We view meditation not as emptying the mind or reaching a flawless state of calm. It’s more about learning to stay with whatever arises—the busy thoughts, the planning mind, and even that odd itch that appears after a few minutes of sitting.

Our team brings together decades of practice across different traditions. Some of us arrived at meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few discovered it in college and never looked back. What unites us 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 ideas. Alex M. tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Priya S. draws on her psychology background. We’ve found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect more with certain teaching styles.

Meditation practice space with cushions arranged in circle

Your Meditation Guides

Two practitioners who've made meditation their life's work, each bringing a unique perspective to the practice

Portrait of a meditation instructor

Alex M.

Lead Instructor

Alex M. began meditating in the late 90s after burnout from 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 the monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.

He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation practices. His sessions often include practical discussions about integrating mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.

Portrait of a meditation instructor

Priya S.

Philosophy Guide

Priya S. holds a PhD in [country] 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 guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Priya has a talent 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 really meant to achieve.

Why Our Approach Works

After years of practice and teaching, we’ve learned that meditation thrives when it’s kept practical and approachable. We don’t promise enlightenment or claim you’ll achieve flawless serenity. 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 choices about contemplative practice—it isn’t 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.