**Frequently Asked Questions**

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to the questions we get asked most.

Don't see the answer you're looking for? Reach out to community@solmindfulness.com, we’re here to help :)

General

Does Sol cost money?
It costs money to join Circles.
You can listen to stories for free, but you must become a paying subscriber to join a Circle, which is how you will get the most out of the product.
There is a 2 week free trial. We suggest doing a minimum of 3 Circles during your free trial to get a feel for the experience.
Who can join Sol?
Sol is a safe space for those over the age of 17.
Our members span 160 countries and have different lived experiences, but all believe that our differences are our magic and come to Circle to connect more deeply to themselves and others so they can grow into their truest versions of self.

Circle

What happens in a Storytelling Circle?
Circles are live, guided, video experiences with up to 4 other members.
Members introduce themselves, then listen to one of our 100 prompt meditations to find a story from their past around a theme, share their story, listen to others, then end with reflections.
What are the Rules of Circle?
✦ No advice or feedback at any time
✦ Only speak when you have the talking piece
✦ We do not judge ourselves or others
✦ We tell stories and do not vent during the story round
Who’s in Circle?
At Circle start time, you are matched with up to 5 other members from around the world.
Many of our members have been active in our community for over 2 years and will help answer any questions that new members have.
When is the latest I can book a Circle?
The booking window closes 15 minutes before the Circle start time.
Can I choose the people I Circle with?
You can request to Circle with one other member by tapping the hand icon next to the person’s name on the pre-circle screen. You have a higher likelihood of getting matched with a member you requested if they also requested to Circle with you.
What if I don’t want to Circle with a specific member?
You can block that member by tapping the block icon on the top right of their profile page. When you block a member, they will not see you in the pre-circle screen and you will not see them. You will never get matched with them in Circle.
When can I enter Circles?
Doors open 5 minutes before start time.
Doors close promptly 5 minutes after Start time. You will be marked as a no show if you miss this cut off.
How do I enter Circles?
Through an in-app notification, a pop up, or by pressing “enter” on your upcoming Circle tile on the home page.
What if I can't make a Circle that I signed up for?
✦ Cancel at least 20 mins before your Circle to avoid being a late cancel.
✦ Doors open 5 minutes before and close 5 minutes after Circle time.
✦ 3x no shows or late cancellations will result in a 48 hr timeout from Circles.
Will I know the story prompt beforehand?
For our regular Circles you will not know the prompt beforehand. We believe this allows everyone to be spontaneous and speak from their heart, rather than performing, which allows for deeper connection.
Members do know the prompt beforehand for time slots with pre-selected prompts.
What are pre-selected prompts?
Time Slots that have a yellow badge on them with a prompt name are pre-selected prompts. If you join a timeslot with a pre-selected prompt, that means you are guaranteed to have the prompt shown in the yellow badge.
How often do you add new prompts to the app?
We have over 100 prompts in our system and add 2 new prompts every week.
I do not always have access to a quiet space. Can I still join?
Quiet spaces are essential to Circle, so as not to distract yourself or other members. We know that can be difficult to navigate, but we recommend getting creative! We’ve seen members do their Circle in closets, bathrooms, cars, or outside in order to create a better experience for themselves and the other members of Circle.
Why do I have to wear headphones?
Wearing headphones keeps others’ stories safe and creates a better audio experience for yourself and other members.
What is the difference between a story and a vent?
A story has a clear narrative with a beginning, middle, and end. It has an action and a reaction. It includes details of the space, interactions, and chronology of events that allows a listener to be on the journey with you. Venting often lacks a structured narrative or plotline and leans more towards one’s thoughts, emotions, or philosophies around the prompt.
Why is it important that we tell stories and do not vent?
Stories help us to relate to and learn from one another in a way that venting cannot. A narrative guides and focuses on learnings from our past. It uplifts us from any bad experiences and allows us to move forward. It helps us practice gratitude from past positive experiences. There is no growth in venting - it keeps us stuck in the past and does not allow us to learn or heal from our experiences.
What if I don’t have any stories to share?
You can always choose to be an active listener and pass the talking piece during the story round!
How do I record a story for the Story Feed?
All stories in our feed come from Circle. You can choose to 'Always Record My Stories' in the app settings screen or decide when you enter Circle in the Circle Settings screen. After Circle you can choose to make your story public or private. Public stories are curated for the feed.
Can others hear my story when I record it?
Others can only listen to your public stories. Circles are never recorded in full. Storytellers can only record their own stories. Then the storyteller may choose to keep it private or make it public to share it with the community.
English isn't my first language.
Don't worry, English is many of our members’ second or third language! Circles are in English, but know that you will not be alone. As we grow we will add more languages :)

Subscription

What do I get as an unsubscribed member?
You can listen to all public stories, without limitations. However, all storytellers will remain anonymous.
What would I get with a subscription?
As a Member, you will get unlimited access to Public Circles and stories with storyteller info.
As a Member Plus, you will get unlimited access to Public Circles and stories with storyteller info and the ability to create a Private Circle.
Can I pause my subscription when I go on vacation?
Unfortunately, we can’t pause your subscription through the Apple platform at the moment. If you cannot access Yoni Circle for a few months, the best way would be to unsubscribe and resubscribe when you’re ready.
All your account information (stories and connections) will remain as is on your profile and be ready for when you return.
What happens to my recorded stories if I unsubscribe?
All of your recorded stories, private and public, will remain even after you unsubscribe. You can always edit your story settings, whether you are subscribed or not.
What happens to my connections if I unsubscribe?
All previous chats, group and individual, will remain. Free account members cannot establish new connections but can still chat with connected members.
Can I pause my Circle Streaks?
No, not at the moment.
What happens when I delete my account?
Please note that if you delete your account, this will not automatically unsubscribe you and you must unsubscribe via your phone’s settings in order to stop being charged.
If you delete your account, all account-related content will be deleted. That includes Circle histories, pictures, group and direct chats, all of your private and public stories, and your streaks.
If you plan to join the community again and want to access your stories and Circle history, please do not delete your account, as we will not be able to retrieve anything for you once this action is completed. We recommend that you keep your free account if you plan on accessing your stories and Circle history in the future.