The Hearth Circle
A somatic and mindfulness-infused talking circle for women
hearth /härTH/
noun
1. A place where people have gathered to warm themselves in shared community.
2. Traditionally, a physical fire around which they sat to share truths, stories, griefs, and memories. Not to solve them, but to let them be spoken and witnessed together.
The Hearth Circle exists to honor our voices. This is a unique space to release what you’ve been holding, where we simply listen, honor, and let be. As a group, we don’t need to seek understanding or clarification, but simply to hear, to be heard, and to take up deserved space without pressure. Silence is just as welcome and powerful. Nothing is ever forced. We stay within our bodies. We let what flows, flow.
How to Join:
Because this container is intentionally kept small and intimate, new Hearth Circles open organically as interest gathers. If you are craving a quiet, safe place to speak your truth, you are welcome to fill out this brief Interest Form. This adds you to a private waitlist, and you will be the first invited when the next circle opens.
What to Expect
Each gathering follows a gentle, predictable rhythm:
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Somatic-Sensory Grounding: Guided awareness and mini somatic tools are woven into the circle to help us arrive in our bodies and feel comfortable sharing. No advanced techniques or physical exercise is involved.
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Uninterrupted Witnessing: Each woman is given dedicated, uninterrupted time to speak. To ensure absolute safety and autonomy, this container is non-interventional and non-touch.
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Integration & Belonging: Whether you’ve been on the island for a lifetime or a month, you are welcome in this shared space.
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Spatial Respect: Gatherings take place in grounded floor seating where each participant holds her own personal cushion space throughout the session.
Gathering Details
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When: Monthly on a Wednesday at 5:00PM. Each gathering lasts 60-75 minutes.
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Location: A peaceful, private home studio built for women's spaces, located on the Kaumana side of Hilo above the hospital. (Directions shared upon registration).
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Comfort: We will be in an air-conditioned studio (supplied by the sun), on an elevated wooden floor with zabuton cushions and soft blankets for comfort.
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Accessibility Note: The space is not wheelchair accessible. Due to the nature of the floor, we utilize floor seating; chairs are not available.
The Hearth Circle is for you if...
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You want a quiet, reflective space to speak without being fixed, advised, or physically touched.
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You can comfortably remain in your own seating space and honor silent witnessing.
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You are looking for a structured talking-witnessing circle, and understand this is not a therapy, crisis, or clinical support group.
About Your Facilitator
The Hearth Circle is created and facilitated by Michelle Gallagher Escobar. Combining somatic grounding practices with structured group witnessing, Michelle’s focus is holding a steady, predictable container where members can speak their minds safely without the pressure of performing, advice-giving, or physical boundary blur.
Membership & Investment
The Hearth Circle is a closed seasonal container to support deep trust, continuity, and safety.
Once the circle begins each season, it will remain closed for the full season. Because safety deepens over time, single-month enrollment is not offered. Advance registration is required.
Upcoming Seasonal Membership: The total cost is $100 for a 5-month season.
Group Size: Intentionally limited to 12 women per circle.
Interest Forms are open.
We are gathering applications for new seasons, as multiple circles may be running simultaneously. Submitting an Interest Form is the only way to be notified when a new circle is formed.
Click here to complete the Interest Form
Please review our Hearth Circle Terms & Agreements.
"I feel joy each time I join our Hearth Circle, in community with other women. It is a time of reflection and self care as well.
I usually start with some nerves, as the level of vulnerability I enjoy bringing to our circles calls this forth in me. But through the body scan those nerves begin to settle. I take time to connect with my whole body, inside and out. This sacred pause is something I rarely have the time or space for in my day to day life as a Mom, wife, and Administrative Coordinator for Oregon Health & Science University. I love how this space, our circle, eases my anxieties and gives me permission to simply be myself for a while. Michelle’s soothing voice and gentle pace guide us and we know she is our strong and grounded facilitator. Her presence, grace, and commitment to this space is why I keep coming back."
-Marley
Mom, wife, and Administrative Coordinator
"I am so grateful for the time and energy Michelle has provided us for the last 3 sessions of mindfulness, and tuning in, to our bodies, and minds. Michelle created a safe space for us to gather in her beautiful home, the ambiance was so delightful! Michelle provided us with soft music, a large comfortable space, the air was perfect, the music, and the candles provided a soothing vibe that made relaxing so much easier. When Michelle would speak, her voice was very calm, and soft, and she directed us in a way that helped us move through the body scan with intention and ease.
As a single mother of 2 boys, ages 17 & 19, and a 5th grade teacher, I feel overwhelmed a lot of the time. Having someone like Michelle, that gives us space, and a reminder that it's okay, to be a woman that carries a lot, and can share her story. Mahalo."
-Rockelle A.
“Having the space to breathe and pay attention to my body with the guidance of Michelle has been a rejuvenating experience. I feel energized and refreshed from her body scans, which helps ground me from daily stressors of life and work. Through this intentional practice, Michelle uses a calming voice and cadence that welcomes a peaceful state of mind. I leave her sessions feeling lighter, open, and incredibly grateful to connect with myself and others.
-Malia
Teacher”
