We adapted to virtual classrooms, remote birthday parties, and online Zumba. Common work attire is now a nice shirt and workout shorts.

Not only are we struggling to adapt and avoid “Zoom fatigue,” have you noticed there is no set agreement on what we call all this URL activity? Are we meeting virtually, remotely, online or digitally, and what is the difference? Is it e-learning, distance learning, online learning, remote learning, blending learning or virtual learning?

The short answer: whatever you prefer. It is a bit of a Wild West out there. Let’s review:

Digital: a general term for technology and computers: digitizing a process.
Virtual: pre-programmed worlds, “virtual reality”, or using the Internet to replace live events.
Online: Software that interacts for you (online banking) or the most general term for connecting with others using the Internet.
Remote: refers to working from various locations without a central meeting place, remote workers or working remotely.

These terms and tools for connecting are ripe for a creative revolution. It’s not what you call it, it’s what you do with it. Instead of hosting a power point webinar, host a virtual cocktail party with the same topic. Use your modern elder wisdom+curiosity to step out of the little video box.

The key to avoiding Zoom fatigue is to involve your group in your own interpersonal style. Get everyone up to wiggle and shake, play music, share snacks, tell jokes in the chat, share word clouds of affirmation, pass a talking stick, get vulnerable, forget about how you look and focus on the heart centered connections as your #1 goal.

Go digital, virtual, remote or online with as many tools as you can to build a web of connection. Innovate. Lean into this massive wave of global interconnectivity and surf the web with your own unique style.

I decided to create a new brand of superheroes to lead the way. Imagine yourself as a Digital Diva, Virtual Virtuoso, Online Officiant or Remote Revolutionary. Bring your own special sauce, wear something fun, go outside, flip the camera to show your blooming daisies, be real, and stay weird.

The team at MEA Baja have been innovating during Covid with nothing more than their cell phones to keep everyone connected and offer great examples of making technology fun.

Digital Diva: Christine. The Queen of “Zoom bombing” with her signature glasses, cool outfits and flair.
Virtual Virtuoso: Teddi. His simple online meditations instantly take us to a quiet and centered place.
Online Officiant: Saul. The beauty of the desert, and the power of prayer come together through regular videos rituals at sunrise or sunset.
Remote Revolutionary: Chip. Whether recording while hanging upside down in his inversion chair or musing about ‘live streaming’ while standing next to a literal stream in the desert, his Joie de Vivre comes through.

Tell us about your own superhero moments of making virtual/online/digital/remote magic and let’s make liminal lemonade.

Kari Henley is an active MEA Alumni, consultant and founder of Community Without Borders.