Circles Within Circles: How Community Grows at the Intersections
In a world that often asks us to compartmentalize who we are, our community circles offer something different: a space to be whole.
As part of Intersectionality Awareness Month, we’re celebrating the ways our Ability Circles — Bear Circle and Owl Circle — create room for people to show up fully, honoring every layer of their identity. These circles are more than membership offerings; they are living, breathing communities rooted in shared experience, mutual care, and the power of storytelling.
Bear Circle: Strength in Stillness, Wisdom in Experience
Rooted in the teachings of the bear—symbol of strength, healing, and introspection — Bear Circle honors the lived experience of disability as a source of resilience and insight. Here, disability is not something to overcome, but something to understand, embrace, and grow from.
Members of Bear Circle are protectors of their own journey. They gather to share stories, reflect on life’s seasons, and support one another in navigating a world that often overlooks their wisdom. It’s a space where strength is redefined — not as pushing through, but as knowing when to pause, when to speak, and when to simply be.
Owl Circle: Holding Space with Grace
Guided by the spirit of the owl — keeper of knowledge, intuition, and quiet guardianship — Owl Circle is a sanctuary for caregivers. Whether caring for a loved one, a community, or a cause, members of this circle understand the deep emotional labor of holding space for others.
In Indigenous traditions, the owl is a bridge between worlds. In Owl Circle, that bridge connects members to each other, to their own inner wisdom, and to the quiet strength that comes from being seen and supported. It’s a place for reflection, renewal, and shared understanding.
Inside the Circle: Where Wholeness Lives
Whether you’re part of Bear Circle or Owl Circle, you’re entering a space woven with care, connection, and purpose. These circles are designed to support the full spectrum of your identity — not just one part.
What Members Receive:
Monthly themed virtual gatherings to reflect, share, and grow together
Story-based exploration of lived experience in all its forms
Community connection with others on similar paths
10% discount on Ability Company products
10% off Ability Explorations group trips
Early access to new product releases
Annual live event to celebrate our collective journey
The inspiration for Bear and Owl Circles comes from Jen and Trish, the Indigenous co-founders of The Ability Company, who bring their culture into these communities. While these circles are rooted in Indigenous symbolism, you do not need to be Indigenous to join. Bear Circle is open to anyone living with a disability, and Owl Circle welcomes anyone who is or has been a caregiver.
Why It Matters
Intersectionality reminds us that no one lives a single-issue life. Our identities — disability, caregiving, race, gender, culture, and more — interact in complex and beautiful ways. The Bear and Owl Circles honor that complexity. They are circles within circles, where each person is invited to bring their full self, and where community grows not in spite of our differences, but because of them.
This August, we invite you to step into the circle. Bring your story. Bring your strength. Bring your whole self.
Disclaimer - The Ability Company
The opinions shared in our blogs reflect personal experiences and viewpoints. They’re not meant to represent every journey or replace professional advice.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional advice. The Ability Company makes no guarantees about accuracy or completeness and is not liable for decisions made based on this content. Use at your own discretion.
