The Importance of Connection in the Absence of Contact

Over the past couple of weeks, things have moved from mitigation to near lock down across major cities in the US and across the globe. The CDC has advised postponing or cancelling events with over 100 people, schools across the country are sending students home and going digital, as are most major companies.

These precautions are necessary in the effort to stop what has proven to be a highly contagious viral Coronavirus (COVID-19) from progressing further.

Although we may be currently dealing with shock, overwhelm, fear and uncertainty during this acute phase of the chaos, I am here to remind everyone of our need for human connection even if we aren’t able to do so in the same physical space.

It won’t come as a surprise when I say that we, as humans, are social creatures. Our ability to communicate through a variety of languages, both verbal and nonverbal, to connect with one another empathetically, to share stories and create inspiring narratives is a major part of what makes us human. It is also a significant part of what fuels us and what has allowed us, as a civilization, to push so many boundaries in art, science, design and technology.

It might feel like our society has moved into the digital realm overnight. However, this has been a trend over the past few years. We now have not only an opportunity, but an obligation, to make this move bold and effective.

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Going digital is not about convenience in this case. It is in fact about maintaining connection with one another. This connection however, does not come as naturally over digital channels. The way you show up in a zoom call, or a Skype, or face time can very often be distracted and disconnected. Perhaps you are multitasking, playing with a pet or checking your other methods of communication while you are logged into a virtual meeting room.

Presence on digital channels must be practiced with as much intention as you might in person.

In response to this need, in business and in our personal lives, I will be:

  • Designing digital presence programing over the next couple of weeks.

  • Sharing concrete and actionable tips/dos and don’ts for virtual communication and presence.

  • I will be hosting 45 minute live seminars about once a week during this pandemic focused on Virtual Presence and how to communicate effectively via virtual methods

A few tips you can start practicing immediately:

  • Take a moment to set up your surroundings before you log into the meeting room

  • Anchor yourself in the present moment through breath work and physical grounding

  • Show up with your full presence, share in that moment of magical, tech-enabled connection!

Virtual Presence, like any other presence, is a muscle we must develop now. If we do not, our technology will only continue to exacerbate the feelings of isolation and disconnect that have become an epidemic of their own, in our increasingly complex societies.

Rachel Cossar