Messy Hearts Circle is a small group sharing experience we host and facilitate, both in-person and online, for people navigating life’s many dualities—between cultures, expectations, identities, and different versions of themselves.
It’s structured, confidential, and guided by clear agreements that prioritize psychological safety, consent, respect, and care.
Circles follow a simple structure:
• Guided prompts tied to a theme (reflection can be silent, written, or spoken)
• Gentle connection / communication exercises
• Sharing in turns (one person at a time, with no cross-talk)
• Closing prompts to help you leave grounded and clear
No. Sharing is always voluntary—you can pass at any point. Listening is full participation.
That said, this is a sharing-based experience. The circle works because people do choose to share, and the room comes alive when people speak from their own experience. We will encourage you to share something when you’re ready—even if it’s just one sentence.
If you truly don’t want to share anything at all, it might not be the right fit—and that’s totally okay.
No. There’s no fixing, diagnosing, or advice-giving. This is not therapy or life coaching.
And while it can feel supportive, it’s not continuous support. Each circle has a different theme and ends after about two hours. You can attend as many or as few circles as you want, and you’ll likely meet different people each time.
You’re not expected to be eloquent. Some people speak briefly, some speak more, some mostly listen. The structure helps because you’re not trying to perform or compete, you get a prompt, you can take a moment, and you can share briefly, or pass.
For some people, this can also be a gentle way to practice speaking in a small, respectful group.
It can get real, but it’s not doom-and-gloom. It’s also not a space for trauma dumping.
We use lighter prompts and creative exercises too, so the room can feel warm, human, and genuinely enjoyable. You’re not coming to be “fixed”, you’re coming to feel more connected and less alone.
Not really. It’s not debate, and it’s not everyone talking at once.
We share one at a time with no cross-talk, no interrupting, no jumping in with your own similar story, and no advice. That structure creates a rare experience: being fully listened to, and listening without performing.
It’s especially for people living between cultures, identities, or expectations.
While Messy Hearts Circle is rooted in Middle Eastern / SWANA diasporic nuance, it’s open to anyone who resonates and can respect the agreements. The space is secular, culturally aware, and explicitly queer-affirming.
People often leave with something quiet, steady, and surprisingly practical:
• Feeling less alone and more understood
• More clarity about what’s real for them right now
• Language for things they haven’t been able to name
• A calmer, more grounded internal state
• A sense of connection to themselves and to others
You’re also getting a container: clear agreements, thoughtful prompts, gentle facilitation, and a structured format that keeps the space grounded and respectful.
In-person circles are currently hosted at Delight Factory in Brooklyn. Please see their website for the space’s Code of Conduct
Soon. Online circles will follow the same agreements and structure, adapted for Zoom.
In-person circles are typically 4–8 people.
About two hours.
Just yourself. If you like, bring:
• A notebook and pen (optional)
• A water bottle (optional)
Tea/snacks may be available at in-person circles, depending on the night.
Try to arrive on time so we can set agreements and begin together. If you expect to be late, it’s best to reach out ahead of time.
What’s shared in the circle stays in the circle. People can share their own experience after, but not identify or repeat someone else’s story.
If you have access needs (mobility, seating, sensory, etc.), reach out before registering and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Most attendees tend to be adults in a wide range, but all participants must be 18+.
We understand that life happens, and we’ll always do our best to accommodate you.
While we can’t offer refunds, we may be able to transfer your spot to a future circle, depending on availability.
Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the event are not eligible for transfer.
• Navigate to the Attend a Circle page and check the available circle dates
• Choose one that suits you and sign up using the registration form
• Then follow the payment instructions and sign the agreements form to complete your registration
While I’d love to do that, I can’t! So instead I’ve created a video explainer series that hopefully makes things clearer and answer all of your questions! You can find the YouTube playlist above and here.
Email us at hello@messyheartscircle.com