The Hearth Circle
A talking & witnessing circle for women
hearth /härTH/
noun
1. A place where people have gathered to share truths, stories, griefs, and memories. Not to solve them, but to let them be spoken and witnessed together.
The Hearth Circle is a unique talking-witnessing circle that exists to honor our sovereign voices as women. Because of the deep sharing that takes place, this specific circle comes with trauma-sensitive boundaries. Each woman is given the freedom to release what she's been holding, and as witness to this release, we simply listen, honor, and let each individual stand in her own story. This is a circle to hear, to be heard, and to take up space without strings attached. Nothing is ever forced. We stay within our own bodies. We let what flows, flow.
The result is very rare and powerful medicine.
How to Join:
Because this group is intentionally kept small and intimate, new Hearth Circles open organically as interest gathers. If you are craving a special space to speak your truth while honoring the purpose of the container, you are welcome to fill out the interest form below. 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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Uninterrupted Speaking and Witnessing: Each woman is given dedicated, uninterrupted time to speak. To ensure absolute safety and autonomy, this circle is non-interventional and non-touch (offered or invited).
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Somatic-Sensory Mindfulness and Grounding: Guided awareness and mini somatic and mindfulness tools are woven into the circle to help us arrive and stay centered within our bodies and feel comfortable sharing. No advanced techniques or physical exercise is involved.
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Spatial Respect: Gatherings take place in grounded floor seating where each participant has 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 designed for women's spaces, located on the Kaumana side of Hilo above the hospital. (Directions are shared with participants).
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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 circle to speak without being fixed, advised, or physically touched.
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You can comfortably remain in your own space and honor silent witnessing.
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You are looking for a simply-structured talking-witnessing circle
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Whether you’ve been on the island for a lifetime or a month, you are welcome here.
The Hearth Circle is not...
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A casual hangout
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A clique
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A co-created space
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Networking
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Spiritual guidance
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Mental health therapy
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Crisis support
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A discussion group
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A relationship-building experience
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A space for codependency
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A space to fix, judge, debate, compare, or rescue
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A place to solicit comfort or feedback.
The Hearth Circle is an intentional complement to:
The Den, a loosely structured gathering with peaceful space for both contemplative silence and natural conversation.
Feminine Embodiment Oasis, a fully guided somatic-mindful sanctuary with zero participant sharing.
Her Blue Body Women's Retreat, a beautiful blending of all offerings combined with guided ocean therapy and wholesome food.
Private Somatic Sessions, for deeper, individualized nervous system support.
While participation in all offerings is not required (and not possible for those who are off-island), women who attend all will experience the full depth, purpose, and benefits of Wild Women Hawai'i. You are welcome at one or all, and you will never be pressured to join more than you are comfortable with.
About Your Facilitator
The Hearth Circle is created and facilitated by Michelle Gallagher Escobar. Combining somatic-mindfulness 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 boundary blur.
Membership & Investment
The Hearth Circle is a closed seasonal group to support trust, continuity, and safety.
Once the circle begins each season, it will remain closed for the full season. Single-month enrollment is not offered. Advance registration is required.
Upcoming Seasonal Membership: The total cost is $60 for a 3-month season.
Group Size: Intentionally limited to 12 women per circle.
Interest Forms are open for 2027.
Applications are being accepted for new circles and 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. 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. 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