The Village Heart is a monthly connection gathering offering guided exercises, small-group conversations, and opportunities to practice authentic relating.
We focus on cultivating presence, honest expression, and supportive community where participants are invited to explore connection at a deeper level while always honoring personal choice and boundaries.
This is a space where you can slow down, be yourself, stretch gently beyond your comfort zone, and experience the nourishment of being seen, heard, and supported in community.
Come as you are, and leave feeling more connected to yourself and others.

All are welcome. No experience needed.

Upcoming Events:

The Village Heart - An Afternoon of Authentic Connection
Sale Price: $25.00 Original Price: $35.00

Sunday, March 22nd, 2024

2 pm - 4:30 pm

At the Oakenshield Cottage in Village Homes

2417 Oakenshield Rd, Davis, California

You are invited to join us for an evening of heart-to-heart connection, where we go beyond the surface and dive into the essence of our shared humanity.

Whether you are seeking to make new friendships, deepen existing relationships, or just explore new ways of connecting, The Village Heart offers a space for curiosity and exploration.

Here’s what you can expect:

Guided Connection Activities: These include moving through the space with others, partner exercises, and group activities that encourage meaningful interactions and new ways of relating to one another.

Opportunities to Explore and Stretch Comfort Zones: Whether you are sharing, listening or engaging in somatic practices, every exercise is an invitation to stretch just beyond your comfort zone in a safe and supportive environment. Each participant is free to choose their level of engagement at all times and opt out of any exercise.

Reflective Sharing and Group Dynamics: We’ll explore different ways of connecting in small groups or pairs, always with the invitation to speak from the present moment and lean into what's authentically true for you.

Together we’ll enrich our capacity for honest expression as we build a sense of safety in community.

Come just as you are, challenge yourself by choice, and leave feeling understood, inspired, and a part of something truly special.

Tickets: $25 by March 18th/$35 after

Space is limited and early registration is recommended. If for any reason you are unable to attend after purchasing a ticket, you are welcome to use it for a future Village Heart Gathering within 2 months. (This is a monthly event.)

Use the discount code FRIEND to save $10 on two tickets!

I attend the Village Heart regularly. Each month we connect with each other through community building exercises and playful games where we are invited to speak openly and to be witnessed. The space created makes us comfortable to show up authentically and be vulnerable with people we don’t know. I always leave the gathering with a full heart and calmness, feeling more connected to my community and myself!
— Kelly
The highlight for me was being able to dance in the center of the circle in front of people! This is something I NEVER could have done before, I would have felt too shy. I think having a fully regulated nervous system helped me be able to do this.

This group played a huge role in re-wiring my nervous system! I work from home and spend a large portion of my life only interacting with people online. I didn’t realize how much anxiety I had accumulated around being with others in person. This felt like a safe and fun way to reintegrate back into society and back into socializing…and I want more!
— Julia
I think Kirsten is a gifted leader, attentive to group process and individual needs, and I look forward to further meetings and further insights.
— Laurie
Authentic Connection Exercise

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a dating event?

No, this is not specifically a dating event. However, when we have the opportunity to connect on deeper levels with others who are drawn to authentic connection, it’s quite possible that you could end up making a new friend, collaborator, romantic connection or life partner.

What’s the age range of this event?

We’ve had participants range from 19 - 86 years old, but the general range tends to be 30’s - 60’s. The Village Heart is a space to share the joy of being human at any stage of life.

Can I bring my child along?

This particular event is intended to just be for adults. Ideally we would have another version for kids happening simultaneously but we aren’t at that stage yet.

Is it okay to show up late?

We encourage you to arrive a few minutes early as we tend to start right on time. If you are running late, we hope you will still join us.

Is there anything sexual that will happen at this event?

No. Participants at the Village Heart remain fully clothed and engage with each other in safe, consensual, platonic ways. Some exercises do include physical contact. You are always at choice and nothing is required.

Is the Village Heart Safe for chemically sensitive people?

We ask that all participants refrain from the use of perfumes, fragrances and other scented products, but we can’t guarantee that it will completely scent free.

A monthly Authentic Connection event - Davis, CA
An Afternoon of Authentic Connection

Email: Kirsten@Kirstenelise.com to join our mailing list and to be notified of upcoming events.