The Hearth Circle Participation Agreement (updated 2/27/26)
Welcome to the Hearth.
Thank you for choosing to share your time and presence with us. To ensure this remains a safe and receptive space for everyone, we ask that you read and agree to the following intentions and policies.
Registration Process:
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Complete the Hearth Circle Interest Form. This is required prior to registration
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Email from Michelle. If the circle feels like a mutual fit, you will receive a personal welcome email and registration information.
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Digital Signature: Following your booking, you will receive an email to provide your legal signature on these terms to complete your enrollment.
1. Nature of the Gathering
The Hearth Circle is a facilitated women’s gathering focused on guided settling, shared witnessing, and steady connection. This is not therapy, counseling, medical care, or crisis support. Participation is voluntary and self-directed. You are responsible for your own wellbeing during and after each gathering.
2. Confidentiality & Respect
The Hearth Circle is a confidential, non-judgmental space. What is shared in the circle stays in the circle. To maintain this, participants agree to:
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Maintain confidentiality: Participants agree not to share the personal stories, identities, or any private information of other members outside of the gathering.
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Listen without interrupting.
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Offer no advice, feedback, interpretation, or attempts to fix what another has shared. In this circle, we hold space for one another by listening and witnessing rather than solving or guiding. This applies during the circle, during breaks, and after the gathering.
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Refrain from proselytizing, teaching, coaching, debating, networking, or offering services
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Focus on your own experience when sharing.
Limits of Confidentiality
While confidentiality is central to this circle, it cannot be guaranteed in situations involving immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, or suspected abuse of a minor. In such circumstances, the facilitator may take appropriate steps, including contacting emergency support or relevant authorities if necessary.
3. Studio Environment & Etiquette
The studio is located in a private home in a safe neighborhood on the Kaumana side of Hilo.
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Floor seating only (blankets/cushions provided).
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Accessibility: The studio is not wheelchair accessible.
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Timing: Arrive on time; late arrivals may not be admitted once the circle begins.
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Fragrance: This is a fragrance-sensitive space. While cut lavender and fresh herbs are present, please refrain from wearing essential oils, fragrance oils, or perfumes.
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Dogs: Two small dogs live in the home. They will be moved from the studio if requested, but dander and fur may be present. If you have significant allergies, please consider this carefully before registering.
4. Registration & Attendance Policies
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Seasonal Membership: Your $60 payment secures your seat for the full three-month cycle. $15 of your $60 payment is a non-refundable administrative and registration fee which covers transaction costs and the administrative work of organizing the circle.
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Cancellation & Refund Deadline: Cancellations requested on or before March 22 will receive a refund of $45. Cancellations made after March 22 are non-refundable as the circle will be closed and your seat can no longer be filled.
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Commitment to the Circle: After March 22, all seasonal payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
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No Partial Refunds: Missed gatherings (due to illness, travel, or personal reasons) cannot be refunded, credited, or rolled over to future seasons.
5. Assumption of Risk & Release of Liability
By participating in The Hearth Circle, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
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Voluntary Participation: You are voluntarily participating in a group gathering at a private residence and fully understand the risks involved, including but not limited to slips, trips, falls, or other accidents inherent in a home environment.
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Assumption of Risk: You knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown, and assume full responsibility for your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.
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Release of Liability: You hereby release, waive, and forever discharge Michelle Gallagher Escobar, Wild Women Hawai‘i, and the owners/residents of the property from any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death, whether caused by ordinary negligence or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
6. Indemnification & Hold Harmless
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any and all claims, actions, suits, procedures, costs, expenses, damages, and liabilities, including attorney’s fees, brought as a result of your involvement in The Hearth Circle. You further agree to reimburse the Released Parties for any such expenses incurred.