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Awaken Grief Support Program - Frequently Asked Questions

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General Program Information

What is Awaken, and how does it support grief?

Awaken is an online mindfulness-based grief support program developed by Heather Stang and designed to help people navigate grief with tools such as guided meditations, journaling prompts, mindful movement, and live support sessions. The program follows the Mindfulness & Grief System, a structured path to healing that has been featured in The Handbook of Grief Therapies.

Who is Awaken designed for?

Awaken is for anyone navigating grief, whether your loss is recent or something you’ve carried for years but haven’t fully processed. Some members join just weeks or months after a loss, while others come years later when they realize they need a compassionate space to tend to their grief.

What unites our members is a shared desire to mindfully care for their loss. They are people who value self-care, personal growth, and the power of support—understanding that while grief is personal, you don’t have to go through it alone.

No matter where you are in your journey, Awaken meets you with understanding, tools, and community to help you move forward at your own pace.

How is Awaken different from other grief support programs?

Awaken is not just a support group—it’s a guided path to healing that blends evidence-based mindfulness techniques with self-care and self-compassion. Unlike traditional grief support groups, which can sometimes leave people feeling more overwhelmed, Awaken is designed to offer hope and practical tools without relying on spiritual bypassing or toxic positivity.

Here’s what makes Awaken unique:

• A Structured Yet Flexible Framework – Based on mindfulness, self-care, and self-compassion, Awaken provides a clear path to help you navigate grief at your own pace.
• More Than Just Talking – While sharing is welcome, Awaken also offers guided meditations, movement practices, journaling prompts, and live classes, so you have tangible ways to process your emotions.
• Support Without Comparison – Grief is personal, and in Awaken, we don’t compare losses. Instead, you are met with understanding, validation, and tools to support your healing journey.
• Science-Backed, Not Just Comforting Words – Every technique used in Awaken is rooted in research and best practices for grief and emotional well-being, so you know you're engaging in something that truly helps.

Awaken is here to hold space for your grief, while also helping you gently move forward with self-care, resilience, and real support.

Is Awaken religious or secular?

Awaken is secular. While it acknowledges the spiritual aspects of grief for those who seek it, it does not enforce any specific belief system.

Membership & Pricing

How much does it cost to join Awaken?

After a free 14-day trial, Awaken costs $49/month. There is no long-term commitment, and you can cancel at any time. You can sign up for the annual plan at $490/year to get two months free.

Is there a free trial available? What does it include?

Yes! Awaken offers a 14-day free trial, which includes:

• Full access to live classes
• Mindfulness & Grief Course 
• Online community
• A free private onboarding session with Heather.

Do I need a credit card to sign up for the free trial?

Yes, a credit card is required to start the free trial, but you can cancel anytime before the trial ends to avoid charges. This is easy to do. Just click on your Avatar in the upper left hand corner and navigate to billing, or drop Heather an email.

What happens after my free trial ends?

If you decide to continue, your membership will transition to a $49/month plan or $490/annual plan, depending on what you chose. If you choose to cancel, you will lose access to the materials and live support sessions at the end of your subscription period.

Can I cancel my membership anytime?

Yes! You can cancel your membership at any time during or after your free trial. Awaken also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you decide the program is not the right fit for you.

What happens if I don’t log in for a while? Will my membership expire?

You need to actively cancel your membership. 

Features & Content

What kind of support & tools will I get?

Awaken offers a variety of ways to learn, heal, and grow—so you can engage in the way that feels best for you. Whether you prefer self-paced learning, interactive live classes, or hands-on activities, you'll find the support you need through our:

• Guided Meditations – Soothe your mind and body with practices designed to help you navigate grief with greater ease.
• Instructional Videos – Learn practical mindfulness and grief techniques in clear, step-by-step lessons.
• Journaling Prompts & Worksheets – Explore your emotions, gain insight, and find meaning through structured and creative writing exercises.
• Movement Practices – Gently reconnect with your body through yoga and mindful movement designed to release tension and support your healing.
• Live Coaching & Support Sessions – Get real-time guidance, ask questions, and connect with a compassionate community that understands.

With so many ways to engage, you can choose the path that works best for you—whether that's quiet reflection, active learning, or interactive group support.

How often are live sessions held?

Live grief support groups and classes take place throughout the week:

• Monday at 4 PM ET – Mindfulness & Grief Support
• Tuesday at 6 PM ET – Mindfulness & Grief Support
• Wednesday at 4 PM ET – Grief Journaling & Meditation
• Thursday at 5:30 PM ET – Yoga for Grief

What journaling prompts or guided exercises are included?

Awaken provides structured journaling prompts based on mindfulness principles. These prompts encourage reflection on grief-related emotions, memories, and coping strategies. Members can also engage in freeform journaling if they prefer.

Can I access past sessions if I miss a live class?

No, live sessions are not recorded to ensure privacy. However, many resources are available 24/7, including written materials, journaling exercises, and guided meditations.

Do I need any special materials or apps to participate?

No special materials are required. You can access Awaken from a web browser, and there are mobile apps available for both Android and iOS. Live meetings are held via Zoom.

How interactive is the program? Can I talk to Heather or other members?

Yes! Awaken is a highly interactive program that offers multiple ways to connect, share, and receive support. Live group sessions provide a space for real-time discussions, mindfulness practices, and Q&A, allowing you to engage directly with Heather and other members.

Beyond the live sessions, the community offers ongoing discussions where you can share insights, ask questions, and receive support from others who understand grief. If you have a question, you can post it publicly to benefit others or send a private message to Heather for a more confidential response.

Many members also form meaningful friendships within Awaken, finding comfort in connecting with others who truly understand what they’re going through. Whether you prefer group discussions, private conversations, or a mix of both, Awaken provides a welcoming and supportive environment where you can engage in a way that feels right for you.

Technical & Accessibility

How do I log in to Awaken?

You can log in via the Awaken website at community.heatherstang.com.

Awaken Mobile App

The Awaken community is hosted on Circle, a private and secure platform that allows you to connect with other members, join discussions, and access exclusive resources—all in one place. You can access the community through a web browser or the Circle app on your phone or tablet.

How to Get Started:

1. Download the Circle App – Available for iOS and Android. Simply search for Circle Communities in the App Store or Google Play and install it.
2. Log In – Open the app and enter your Awaken login credentials. If you haven’t created an account yet, check your email for your invitation to join.
3. Explore the Community – Once logged in, you’ll see different discussion spaces, live event listings, and resource libraries.

What Can I Do in the Awaken App?

• Join Live Sessions – Access scheduled live classes and discussions directly from the app.
• Engage in Discussions – Post questions, share experiences, and connect with other members in a supportive environment.
• Access Resources – Find guided meditations, journaling prompts, and recorded content anytime.
• Send Messages – Privately message Heather or interact with members through group discussions.
• Manage Notifications – Stay updated with new posts and live session reminders without feeling overwhelmed.

Troubleshooting & Support:

• If you have trouble logging in, click “Forgot Password” on the login screen to reset your credentials.
• If you don’t see the Awaken community after logging in, ensure you are using the same email address you signed up with.
• For technical issues, you can reach out through the Ask Heather & Tech Support section in the community.

The Awaken app makes it easy to stay connected, access support, and engage in your healing journey—anytime, anywhere.

Community & Support

What is the Awaken community like?

The Awaken community is a warm, welcoming, and judgment-free space where you can find support from people who truly understand grief. Here, you are met with compassion, not comparison—because we believe that the grief you carry is the hardest grief for you.

Our members are friendly, supportive, and deeply respectful of each person’s unique experience. Whether you choose to share your story, ask questions, or simply listen, you’ll find a community that holds space for you without judgment.

Are there discussion forums or support groups?

Yes, Awaken has community discussion forums and live group support meetings where members can engage with one another.

Is my participation private?

Yes, Awaken respects privacy, and all live sessions remain unrecorded. Members can choose how much they wish to share within the community.

Other Considerations

Can I join Awaken if I’m already in therapy or another grief group?

Absolutely! Many members use Awaken alongside therapy as an additional resource for healing.

How much time should I expect to commit each week?

Awaken is designed to be flexible. Most activities can be done in 5-10 minutes per day, making it easy to integrate into daily life.

What if I don’t feel comfortable sharing my grief experience?

Sharing is completely optional. You can observe, journal privately, or participate at your own pace.