Mindfulness Outreach Initiative

Johnathan Woodside

Johnathan is the Guiding Teacher of Mindfulness Outreach Initiative and a consultant at various locations in Omaha NE where he encourages greater self-awareness through stillness and dynamic meditation practices.

Mark Wiesman

Mark Wiesman is a mindfulness teacher with 35 years of experience and practice in Insight Meditation and Tai Chi Chuan. His education as a veterinarian and his interest in science is also evident in his practice and teaching

Anne Savery

Anne’s mindfulness practice began when she started practicing yoga over twenty years ago. In 2012 she began her Insight instruction that has since continued to deepen her practice. Her educational background as a public school teacher and administrator has furthered her interest in developing compassionate communities.

Kyle Sorys

Kyle works as an interfaith chaplain, providing spiritual care to those who are distressed and suffering. Kyle is passionate about mindfulness meditation and has participated in numerous silent retreats where his expertise shines.

Carlos Figueroa

Carlos Figueroa has been practicing Insight Meditation since 2015 and has discovered a commitment and dedication to daily meditation practice that is marked by kindness and compassion. With a personal interest in providing support, understanding, and care to those who’ve experienced great emotional and physical difficulty.

Katie Hupp

Katie Hupp is Mindfulness Certified and has studied mindfulness insight meditation since 2012. She has facilitated workshops and follow-up exercises aimed at creating a culture of mindfulness in the Writing Centers at Metropolitan Community College. She has also attended 'Sitting in the Fire: Training to Teach Mindfulness in Prisons' at San Quentin prison.

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Since learning and practicing meditation with Mindfulness Outreach Initiative, I am now better able to accept situations and not judge them as being good or bad. In times of anger or complete frustration, I typically take a few moments to step away and observe the situation. I check in with myself, observing how my physical body is reacting. I focus on my breath as it never betrays me - it flushes out my true emotions. Focusing on my breath has been a great technique as it helps guide me back to calm.

Dawn Daniel-ConlonClient Services Account Manager with an Omaha based Teleservices Corporation

Working with Mindfulness Outreach Initiative has been just as beneficial to me and my practice as it has for my players. It began a renaissance in my practice, and it has been vital in my happiness. I am as happy now as I have ever been in my life. My joy comes from having a mindfulness of what I can control and an awareness of what I cannot. My joy comes from the stability, from the balance that I have mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually. My practice in mediation stirs the concoction that is my life.

Coach Terrence O'Donnell Head Boys Basketball Coach and Social Studies Teacher at Omaha Bryan High School.

I cannot say enough about Johnathan and what he has given to our veteran population. In a very clear, direct way, Johnathan has taught veterans with PTSD simple techniques (through meditation, skills of mindfulness and yoga) to manage their symptoms and come to have greater awareness. These are powerful tools, useful for anyone, but particularly for those veterans wanting to explore methods other than, or in addition to, medication, support groups and psychotherapy. Johnathan has a wealth of experiential wisdom, which he conveys in an easy to understand manner, always encouraging his students to explore these lessons for themselves. I would recommend Johnathan and the Mindfulness Outreach Initiative for any novice or level of experience, professional organizations, clubs, groups or individual.

Erinn Kathleen Tighe LCSW, PTSD Social Worker/Former Prisoners of War Advocate, Department of Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System.