Creating an Uplifted Shambhala ‘Zoom’ Environment
Creating an Uplifted Shambhala ‘Zoom’ Environment
Relating to your Home Environment
When gathering on platforms like Zoom, we have an opportunity to co-create a Shambhala practice environment by joining together our individual households into one ‘virtual shrine room’.
Essentials:
- Establish a good seat. Use a gomden or other meditation cushion or a good chair.
- Take time to tidy up your space ‘360-degrees’, especially the area behind you that will be visible on camera.
- More light on your face, less light at your back. If you are sitting in front of a window, you may be completely ‘washed out’ by the light coming through the window. Good lighting in FRONT of you helps everyone see your face and eyes, which is so important for skillful communication.
Nice if you can:
- Many people choose to place a calligraphy, thangka, ikebana or other auspicious items in their background.
- Ideally, your webcam would be directly at ‘eye level’, allowing you to connect with the teacher and other participants in a natural way. Think of the camera as another person.
Relating to Technology
The various features of Zoom and your computer are powerful tools for connection. As with everything, the best way to build confidence is practice!
Essentials:
- Be sure your speakers, monitor and mouse are in good working order. Make sure any mobile devices you’re using are fully charged/plugged in.
- Practice with Zoom and/or any other software or hardware ahead of time. Zoom tutorials can be found by Clicking This Link.
- Please use headphones or earbuds if you have them for best hearing and speaking quality and to help eliminate background noise.
- Close unneeded applications on your computer such as extra browser tabs and other programs. This will allow your Zoom to function at its best.
Nice if you can:
- Explore Zoom ahead of time with an online friend! Arrange a ‘Zoom playdate’ ahead of time to practice using the various features together.
The Art of Good (Zoom) Conversation
Controls for relating with other participants, teachers and hosts are mostly at the bottom of the Zoom window.
- Be sure to mute your mic as soon as you sign on and whenever you are not This minimizes background noise and distractions for others. The mute/unmute button is located on the lower-left corner of your screen for most Zoom screens (upper right for ipads).
- Consider turning off your video (also on the lower left of the Zoom screen) while you are eating, scratching, talking with someone else in the room, or anything else that might be distracting to others. You will still be able to hear what’s going on and relate to the Chat feature.
- If you want to speak ‘live’ in the Zoom call, physically raise your hand so that the host can see you. You may also use the “raise hand” feature that is available by clicking on the ‘Participants’ button at the bottom center of your screen. This will open a menu that contains the ‘Raise Hand’ button. (Be sure to UNMUTE your mic before you speak, and MUTE it when finished.)
- When you are speaking, let others know that you are finished by saying one of these sign-offs: “That’s all.” “I’m done.” “Thank you.” so that everyone knows you have finished your comments.
- Use the ‘chat box’ to send messages to Everyone or specific people.
NOTE: Direct messages to specific people are ‘private’ during the Zoom call. After the call is over, however, Zoom generates a ‘chat log’ that displays ALL comments to the Zoom administrator/Host. If you wish to say things that are TRULY ‘off the record’, it’s best to email, text or use some other platform for sending those messages.
