Do We Really Need a Video Call?
The Value of Voice-only in Times of Stress
By Kimberly Dark
During this time of social isolation, many of us have turned to video calls to resume not only our work, but our social lives, yoga and fitness classes, family connections. We may even be using video calling when we used to just make a quick phone call, or even connect online. We’re spending a lot of time sitting in front of the computer looking at other people — and looking at ourselves.
It’s time to question whether more is better when it comes to connecting across distance, and during times of duress.
After two weeks of social isolation, I participated in an online yoga class via Zoom with a teacher whose mentorship shaped my practice and my own yoga teaching. I practiced regularly in her studio and apprenticed with her as I learned to teach back in the 1990s. Decades on, we live in different states and while we have kept in touch, she doesn’t normally teach online. It’s been more than ten years since I’ve had class with her in person.
I’ve been feeling very lucky during this social isolation. I live in a beautiful natural surrounding where it’s easy to be outside and alone. I have supplies and, at the moment at least, plenty of what I need to live well. And yet, stress abounds. I worry for my son…
