top of page

Hearts Alive In-Person Women's Circle 
Pinole, CA (East Bay)

Are you looking to connect with a supportive community of women in the San Francisco East Bay area?

Do you: 

  • Crave deep, authentic connections with local women?

  • Feel lonely at times despite having a busy social or professional life?

  • Desire a stronger sense of local community and belonging?

  • Long for a safe space to speak, be heard, and show up as your true self without judgment?

  • Seek opportunities for mindfulness, spirituality, and personal growth?

  • Enjoy sharing and hearing stories about family, career, relationships, and personal journeys?
     

Hearts Alive is a monthly in-person women's circle hosted in Pinole, California, serving women across Pinole, Hercules, El Cerrito, Richmond, and the greater East Bay area.


About the Hearts Alive Women's Circle

Founded in January 2024, Hearts Alive offers a confidential, comfortable, and sacred space for women to build lasting friendships. Through intentional circle-sharing, participants gain self-insight, collective wisdom, and a profound sense of relatedness. Every voice is heard, valued, and respected.



What to Expect at Our Gatherings

Our circle combines structured reflection, mindfulness, and community building.
 

  • Sacred Space & Altar: Prior to each meeting, our meeting space is prepared with elements of ritual centered around a physical altar (or outdoors on the deck, weather permitting).
     

  • Mindfulness & Movement: Meetings include guided breathwork, acu-yoga, meditation, or gentle stretching to ground the group.
     

  • Guest Presenters & Workshops: One gathering in each four-part series features a local guest presenter offering modalities such as sound healing, breathwork, tarot, runes, or seasonal wellness. Participants are also welcome to pitch offerings to the group.
     

  • Circle-Sharing Principles: We follow traditional sharing guidelines to maintain safety and respect—one speaker at a time (using a talking piece), active listening from the heart, no unsolicited advice, and strict confidentiality.
     

Event Details & Location
 

  • Location: Quinan Street Project, Pinole, CA (Contra Costa County / SF Bay Area)
     

  • Frequency: 6-Monthly Gatherings
     

  • Upcoming 2026 Session Dates (Tuesday Evenings):

    • September 8

    • October 13

    • November 10

    • December 8

    • January 12

    • February 16 
       

  • Group Size: Intimate setting limited to 6–12 participants.
     

  • Refreshments Provided: Hot tea selection and light snacks provided. A community potluck is planned for the final gathering.
     

Meeting Schedule & Flow
 

  • 5:45 PM – 6:00 PM  |  Arrival & Gathering

    Arrive, settle in with tea and snacks, and find your seat on a cushion, chair, or yoga mat. 
     

  • 6:15 PM – 8:00 PM  |  Circle Experience

    Guided meditation/movement, opening check-ins, group discussion, short break, guest presentation or themed activity, and closing check-out.


Registration & Investment
 

  • Cost: Sliding scale $175 – $400 for the full 6-session series (installment plans available upon request).

    • Paying on the higher end helps sponsor local sisters who require financial assistance.

    • ​Scholarship Seats (Qty. 2 available): $100
      Two scholarship spots are available on a first-come basis to ensure the six-month circle remains accessible. Reserve a scholarship seat via this payment link.

  • Open/Closed Format: To build trust, the group closes to new members after the second session, with exceptions for direct referrals if space permits.

​

​

​

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
 


Where is the women's circle located?

The Hearts Alive women's circle meets at the Quinan Street Project in Pinole, California. It is easily accessible for residents across West Contra Costa County, including Hercules, Rodeo, El Sobrante, San Pablo, Richmond, and El Cerrito.
 

How much does the 4-week women's circle cost?

Participation is offered on a sliding scale from $150 to $400 for all four sessions. Payment can be split into two installments, and financial aid options are available upon request.
 

Can I join if I've never attended a women's circle before?

Yes. Hearts Alive welcomes women at all stages of their journey, whether you are brand new to women's circles or have participated in intentional community gatherings for years.
 

Reserve Your Spot

Ready to build deep, meaningful connections right here in the East Bay?

DSC_1750.jpg
PXL_20240719_020247510_edited.jpg

A note from Suzanna:

How Circle Has Changed My Life

Being in circle with council-style circle principles at play was something I first experienced in 2018 at a weekend yoga retreat. I have since sat in circle several more times at subsequent retreats, a Berkeley women's circle, at retreats I have hosted and most recently via the Hearts Alive Women's Circle initiated in 2023.

Here is a (no doubt, growing) list of reflections on what circle has done for me:
 

  • Provides me with a sense of connection different than what I experience with my spouse, friends, relatives and coworkers.

  • Gives me a sense of authentic community via in-person connection / support close to home while living afar from my family of origin.

  • Offers a platform where I can vulnerably voice my dreams, hopes, challenges, setbacks and wins without interruption, advice or consoled.

  • Gives me the opportunity to support others via witnessing them show up vulnerably, resulting in the realization that I am not alone in life; that others in circle share the same wishes and struggles. This reference point helps me to realize I am not alone in my journey and we have so much more in common than we do not.

bottom of page