Mindfulness Outreach Initiative

03/12/2026

Step away from the pace of everyday life and join us for a quiet weekend of practice at the peaceful St. Benedict Center in Schuyler, Nebraska, from May 14–17.

This silent retreat, Realizing Freedom: Acceptance and Liberation, explores how mindfulness helps us meet experience with openness and understanding. Through meditation practice, Dharma reflections, and periods of silence, we cultivate a continuity of mindfulness that supports insight and freedom in the midst of daily life.

The weekend includes guided meditation, periods of silent practice, and teachings that help deepen awareness, steady the mind, and encourage a wise relationship to our experience. Whether you are new to meditation or have been practicing for many years, the retreat offers a supportive environment to slow down and reconnect with what matters.

Spaces are still available. Visit the MOI Retreats page to learn more and reserve your place for this weekend of practice and renewal.

https://mindfulnessoutreachinitiative.org/retreats/

03/12/2026

Join 30 Days to a Steadier Mind with Johnathan Woodside.

For some time now, I’ve been offering a weekday meditation practice called the Month-Long Meditation Challenge. While the practice itself has remained steady, I’ve realized the name no longer reflected what we’re actually doing together.

So I’ve renamed this offering:

30 Days to a Steadier Mind
A Month of Practicing Ease with the Mind You Have

Nothing essential has changed about the practice. We still meet on weeknights for 30 minutes of silent meditation. There’s a brief check-in at the beginning, and on Fridays there’s time for questions and reflection after the sit.

What has changed is the clarity of the invitation.

This practice isn’t about challenging yourself, fixing the mind, or achieving particular states.
It’s about learning how to relate to experience with steadiness, ease, and kindness, one day at a time.

Over the years, I’ve seen how regular, simple practice can support:

emotional balance

greater clarity

and a more workable relationship with thoughts and emotions in daily life

The new name reflects that more honestly. If you’ve been looking for a way to practice consistently, without pressure or striving, you’re warmly invited to join us.

Learn more or join the next month here:
www.johnathanwoodside.com/steadier-mind

09/29/2025

Thank you to all our dear retreatants who sat the MOI September Weekend Retreat, “𝐀𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭: 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭” This Insight Meditation retreat was held at St. Benedict Center in Schuyler, NE. and began on Thursday, 9/25 and ended on Sunday, 9/28. The retreat was taught by MOI guiding teacher, Johnathan Woodside. To all our retreatants, our inspiring Dharma friends, thank you for practice. We hope your time with MOI was fruitful.

08/25/2025

𝐀𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭: 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭
September 25–28, 2025 • St. Benedict Center, Schuyler, NE

Are you craving deeper connection—within yourself and with the world around you? Join us for a transformative weekend of insight meditation, the healing power of Metta, and community rooted in compassion.

**𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬**

Immerse in the practice of lovingkindness (Metta), nourishing your heart and fostering unconditional care.

Retreat in noble silence, gently supported by alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation.

Exclusive, small-group setting—only 20 spots—ensures personalized guidance and deep connection.

Sliding-scale pricing (Sustaining $485 / Mid $415 / Base $345 USD) with a $200 non-refundable deposit to hold your space. Your contributions reflect your gratitude and ability to pay—and support MOI’s mission to provide insight meditation retreat opportunities like this.

Held at the serene St. Benedict Center, just ~60 miles from Omaha/Lincoln, offering comfort, simplicity, and space to rest.

**𝐀 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞**

Thursday: Arrive, settle in, and begin with a briefing and evening talk.

Friday–Saturday: Deepen practice through quiet meditative routines, Dharma talks, nourishing meals, and individual meetings.

Sunday: Gentle closing circle after mindfulness sessions and lunch, carrying forward what you’ve cultivated.

**𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧?**

Anyone longing to cultivate self-compassion, peace, and genuine connection.

Beginners or experienced meditators—our supportive environment welcomes all.

Those who sense something profound stirring, ready to open their hearts.

** 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐲 "𝐘𝐞𝐬" 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬? 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲!**

Click here to register: https://mindfulnessoutreachinitiative.org/retreats/

(Remember: only 20 retreatants—spots are limited!)

Spread the word: tag a friend who’d cherish this, share this post, or simply like to support mindful expansion.

Let’s practice lovingkindness—toward ourselves, toward others, and toward the world. See you there. ❤️

06/05/2025

MOI September Weekend Retreat:

🌿 Weekend Lovingkindness Retreat – Sep 25–28 🌿
Details: mindfulnessoutreachinitiative.org/retreats
Space for only 20 retreatants – registration now open.

Join us this September for a special Lovingkindness (Metta) retreat with Dharma Teacher, Johnathan Woodside. Over the course of this long weekend, we will gently and courageously turn toward the heart—cultivating kindness, compassion, and spaciousness through the powerful teachings and practices of Metta.

This retreat invites us to explore how kindness can serve as a pathway to deep healing—especially in the wake of betrayal. Whether the wounds are fresh or long-standing, Lovingkindness meditation helps us reconnect to our inner dignity, release the burdens of resentment, and remember what it means to be whole again.

🌸 Forgiveness is not forgetting—it’s remembering without hate.
🌸 Kindness is not weakness—it’s strength rooted in clarity and care.

If you’re longing to soften, to heal, and to open the heart again—this retreat is for you.

✨ Beginners and experienced practitioners welcome.
✨ Space is limited to 20 participants. Early registration encouraged.

01/16/2025

Take a break from the busyness of life and join us for a rejuvenating silent retreat at the peaceful St. Benedict Center in Schuyler, NE, from January 23–26, 2024. Through guided meditation, quiet reflection, and inspiring talks, you’ll gain practical tools to cultivate clarity, ease, and balance in daily life. Open to all, whether you’re new to meditation or have years of experience.

Spaces are still available—confirm your spot this week! Visit the MOI Retreats page, to learn more and reserve your place for this unique weekend of renewal and connection.

01/15/2025

Take a break from the busyness of life and join us for a rejuvenating silent retreat at the peaceful St. Benedict Center in Schuyler, NE, from January 23–26, 2024. Through guided meditation, quiet reflection, and inspiring talks, you’ll gain practical tools to cultivate clarity, ease, and balance in daily life. Open to all, whether you're new to meditation or have years of experience.

Spaces are still available—confirm your spot this week! Visit MOI Retreats page, linked below, to learn more and reserve your place for this unique weekend of renewal and connection.

2025 Weekend Retreat Schedule:• Jan 23rd – 26th — Space for 20 retreatants• May 1st – 4th — Space for 20 retreatants• Sep 25th – 28th — Space for 20 retreatants Registration Payment Instructions MOI Weekend Retreat Sustaining – $485.00 USD Mid – $415.00 USD Base – $345.00 USD...

01/04/2025

Dear Friends of MOI

It is with a heartfelt mix of gratitude and reflection that we announce a significant transition for Mindfulness Outreach Initiative (MOI). As of January 2025, MOI will be closing its physical location at 3015 Pacific Street. Our last Dharma talk will be offered on Tuesday, January 7th. While this change signals the end of a cherished chapter, MOI will continue to offer three weekend meditation retreats each year at the serene St. Benedict Center in Schuyler, NE, as long as there is interest. Beyond these retreats, MOI’s public offerings will come to a close.

Since Johnathan Woodside began teaching in Omaha in 2011 and founded MOI in 2012, his vision has touched countless lives. Through his dedication and mentorship, many in the Omaha metro area have discovered the transformative power of the Dharma and developed lasting meditation practices. We are deeply grateful to all of you—our community of meditators, supporters, and friends—who have helped bring this vision to life. Your presence, enthusiasm, and generosity have been the foundation of MOI’s mission.

Although MOI is transitioning, the spirit of mindfulness and self-inquiry continues. We warmly invite you to stay connected for updates on upcoming retreats, which remain a cornerstone of our commitment to supporting your practice.

Additionally, we encourage you to stay connected with Johnathan Woodside as he continues to teach and share the Dharma in his unique and inspiring way. His work extends beyond Omaha, and we are excited to see his teachings flourish in new and profound ways.

Thank you for being an integral part of the MOI community. We hope to see you at a future retreat and look forward to continuing this path of mindful living together.

With deep gratitude and best wishes,
Mindfulness Outreach Initiative

09/12/2024

September 26th Weekend Retreat

If you haven't yet registered and paid to attend our September weekend retreat, our cut off is fast approaching. There's still some space available, so we are making one last announcement to encourage you to join us for this amazing meditation experience.

The theme for this Insight Meditation weekend retreat is the practice of Lovingkindness Meditation Taught by Johnathan Woodside Meditation and held at the St. Benedict Center in Schuyler, NE, this retreat, is sure to be a transformational and healing experience. The retreat begins on Thursday, September 26th at 6:00 pm and concludes on Sunday, September 29th at 1:00 pm.

For more details and to secure your spot, follow the link provided below. Embrace the opportunity to deepen your practice, align with wisdom, and foster a compassionate spirit.

To register and make your payment visit This Link:
https://mindfulnessoutreachinitiative.org/meditation-instruction/weekend-retreats/

We look forward to practicing with you!

09/09/2024

Weekend Retreat: September 26th

If you’re considering joining our September weekend metta retreat, please let us know by noon tomorrow (9/10). Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in a weekend of loving-kindness practice, cultivating a deep sense of compassion, peace, and connection with yourself and others.

We need to hear from you as soon as possible if you'd like to join us. You'll find more information on our September retreat below, along with links to follow to secure your spot—we’d love to have you with us.

https://mindfulnessoutreachinitiative.org/weekend-retreats/

- Johanthan Woodside

2024 Weekend Retreat Schedule:• Feb 22nd – 25th — Space for 20 retreatants• May 16th – 19th — Space for 20 retreatants• Sep 26th – 29th — Space for 20 retreatants Registration Payment Instructions MOI Weekend Retreat Sustaining – $485.00 USD Mid – $415.00 USD Base – ...

08/28/2024

Dear MOI Facebook followers,

We hope this message finds you well on your journey towards inner peace and liberating insights. We are immensely grateful for the incredible support and love you have shown us here on MOI’s page.

If you're passionate about discovering the transformative power of mindfulness and wish to explore the profound teachings of the Buddha, we wholeheartedly invite you to Like and Follow our founder, Johnathan Woodside’s personal page.

You’ll find regular encouragement and inspiration to nourish your daily meditation practice and deepen your connection with the present moment. If you’re not already familiar with Johnathan’s unique and pragmatic approach to practice, now is the perfect time to experience his insightful instruction and discover greater peace and wellbeing.

Simply click the link below to set out on this new adventure:
Johnathan Woodside Meditation
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094601442628

Thank you for being an integral part of MOI’s journey so far, and we look forward to sharing this exciting new chapter with you!

With boundless gratitude, on behalf of Johnathan and everyone at MOI.

08/27/2024

“Each day I move toward that which I do not understand. The result is a continuous accidental learning which constantly shapes my life.”

— Yo-Yo Ma