Zoom is a marvel. In our Evolutionary Collective meetings, I can see 49 of us on one screen. When someone says something cool, lots of us are nodding. And the us includes folks from many parts of the world, people who know how to connect deeply with other human beings.

On Wednesday and Friday, I had a problem. After the breakout groups ended (we’re randomly paired with another person) my video disappeared. And the “Start Video” button didn’t respond. (Sigh)

I have some computer knowledge but it’s closer to none than lots. Both times I left the meeting, turned my laptop off and back on, unplugged and replugged my webcam, and returned. On Wednesday I had video, on Friday I didn’t.

And then there’s this weekend. Over Saturday and Sunday the Core group of the EC are meeting for a total of 12 hours. I had reached out to a techy friend in the group for help but so far he hadn’t found a solution.

Towards the end of our first breakout session yesterday, I was holding my breath. “Please, may my face appear when we get back to the large group!”

No such luck. My little rectangle was black – just “Bruce Kerr” showing. (Sigh again)

I left the meeting. I tried the previous strategies, plus rebooting my router. I pressed the F10 key. Still black.

I tried coming back on my phone. The “Start Video” button wouldn’t respond.

Three people in the meeting were searching for solutions. In the background of my head there was a touch of despair. I knew that late in Sunday’s meeting (today), I was to lead a small group of us in an exercise. No video … no leadership. And I had given my word to lead. (A lot more sighing)

Our job as EC participants is to update Zoom to the latest version before a meeting starts. I had done this. I noticed the screen had looked a little different. There was a “Leave Meeting” button at the top, beside one that said “OK”. I didn’t pay attention.

It was looking like all I could do for the weekend was listen and see people. I couldn’t speak, participate in the practices, or be seen. Then Mimi, one of the participants, mentioned in the group that Zoom had updated and there was now an “OK” button on the screen. She thought it had some importance.

I pressed the “OK” button.

And there was my face!

It turns out that there was a short message beside the button that said the session is being recorded. Oops. Hadn’t seen it.

So … it appears that my problem has been solved. I would like to be a totally alert human being but clearly that’s not the case.

I give myself credit. I’ve worked very hard since Wednesday to find a solution. I delved into issues that are definitely not my strong suit. And I didn’t give up.

***

It’s humbling

But it’s “OK”

Thank you, Mimi