The Hearth Circle

A 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 necessarily to solve them, but to let them be spoken and witnessed together.

The Hearth Circle is a simple, grounded talking circle for women. Included is 15-20 minutes of somatic grounding at the start to help our bodies settle, downshift from the day, and ease into the comfort of sharing.

How to Join:

If you’ve been craving a quiet, safe place to speak your truth among supportive women doing the same, we would love to have you join the hearth. Fill out this brief Interest Form

What to Expect

Each gathering follows a gentle, predictable rhythm:

Somatic-Sensory Grounding: We begin with soft, guided awareness to help us arrive in our bodies. No advanced techniques or physical exercise is involved.
Shared Witnessing: Each woman is given uninterrupted space to speak her truth without feedback or commentary.
Integration & Belonging: Whether you’ve been on the island for a lifetime or a month, you are welcome in this shared space.
This is a safe space to release what you’ve been holding. You can share what’s on your mind, or share a song or a poem, or you can choose to sit in silence and simply take up some much-deserved space. There is no shame, pressure, or expectations in your choice.

Gathering Details

When: Monthly on a Wednesday at 5:00PM. Each gathering lasts 60-75 minutes.
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).
Comfort: We will be in an air-conditioned room (supplied by the sun), on an elevated wooden floor with zabuton cushions and soft blankets for comfort.
Accessibility Note: The studio is located in a private residence studio and is not wheelchair accessible. Due to the nature of the space, we utilize floor seating; chairs are not available.

Our Next 2026 Season's Dates:

Wednesdays at 5pm:

July 22

August 26

September 23

October 28

November 25

Each gathering will last 60-75 minutes.

To keep the space comfortable and consistent for the women inside it, we commit to the full 5 months together. Single-month drop-ins aren't offered, and advance registration is required.

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 5 months. Because safety deepens over time, single-month enrollment is not offered.

Seasonal Membership (5 Months): $60 total

Group Size: Limited to 12 women per season.

Click here to complete the Interest Form to join the waitlist for our upcoming season.

Please review our Hearth Circle Terms & Agreements.

With warmth,
Michelle

Interest Form

"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”