A Ritual For When You’re Trying to Zoom With A Friend But The Wifi Sucks
After three dropped calls and two attempts at different platforms we were both about to lose it. It has been months since we last talked so Rev. Micah and I were super excited for out virtual coffee date, but tech challenges were wasting precious time.
Rev. Micah joked, “Do you have a ritual for when the wifi sucks?” But I took it seriously, of course.
I closed my eyes, invited us to both take a deep breath, and said something like: “You know, though our virtual connection is weak and unreliable, I’m grateful that our human connection continues to be so strong and resilient. May we always remember which connection matters most.”
And then we kept talking, surprised by the smiles suddenly on our faces, a little less preoccupied with what wasn’t and a lot more grateful for what was, letting go of the time that was lost, embracing the time we still had.
Nothing causes collective panic and existential dread quite like someone freezing on a Zoom call.
Notice
Pause for a moment whatever conversation you’re trying (unsuccessfully) to have. Notice any irritating or unwelcome feelings that might be present.
2. Breathe
Take a big long breath. Good News is you don’t really have to see or hear each other to share in this together.
In through your nose
hold for a few seconds
out through your mouth
3. Shift
Remember that there are worse things in the world than bad wifi.
Someone say something like this: