Big assumptions are the often-unspoken beliefs that help us make sense of the world. We begin forming them in childhood through our earliest interactions, and they guide how we move through life, often without our awareness. While they once served to protect us, over time these assumptions can become like bubbles — fragile enclosures that seem to keep us safe but actually prevent us from responding to life as it unfolds.

Breaking a big assumption is a passage into unknown territory. When we begin to question and test these long-held beliefs, we invite foundational shifts in how we see ourselves, others, and the systems we are part of. The work doesn’t have to happen all at once — small experiments can help us discern where our assumptions still hold true and where they keep us limited, stuck in patterns rooted in the past.

In this Circle, we will reflect on the role big assumptions play in shaping our lives and communities, and consider what becomes possible when we pop the bubbles that confine us. Together, we’ll explore the courage it takes to cross into the unknown and the new capacities that emerge when we do.

Circle Lab: Popping the Bubble of Big Assumptions
Tuesday December 2nd, 2025
4 PM – 5 PM PST
Free & Online

What Is Circle Lab?  

Circle Lab is a space to pause, reflect, and connect with peers who are navigating the complexities of creating impact in their organizations and communities. Each month, we’ll explore a thought-provoking question related to leadership, collaboration, and change.  

At Open Circle, we’ve always believed in the power of community to drive meaningful change.