Facilitating FAQ

Using Zoom

For general questions please contact Zoom Support.

How can we improve the sound of the bell? Original sound to improve the sound of the bell, songs and chants. Instructions

If you are a regular facilitator, you might consider purchasing an external webcam for your laptop or desktop computer. The sound quality of the microphone is often much better than the small microphone that comes with your device, and the camera is more mobile. If you purchase from one of the standard manufacturers, you should not need to install accompanying software. Mid-price webcams do perform better than the cheapest models.

How do we cater for larger groups? Zoom Break-Out Rooms are a way of managing larger groups, especially when there is a Dharma Sharing element to your meeting and many voices to be heard. You might begin all together, and then split into separate, pre-defined “families” for sharing. You might like to have a co-host to manage the meeting rooms. Instructions

How can people join without an internet connection? You can join a meeting using a telephone. Instructions

Can we watch Thay during our sessions? You can share your screen during the session, whether it be books, the five mindfulness trainings, songs or videos by Thay and the monastics. We would recommend keeping the technology to a minimum until you and your Sangha is comfortable before exploring these possibilities. Instructions

Is it ok for people to join without video?

This is for each Sangha to decide for themselves. Our recommendation is to have the video on whenever possible, to allow a greater degree of connection during the meetings.

Can we use headphones or earbuds?

Headphones are not necessary, but can improve the online experience. During Dharma Sharing, it keeps the conversation private when you have family members or roommates in the same space.

If you use earbuds that have an attached microphone, you may need to raise the microphone nearer to your lips to be clearly heard.

Should we send out online practice guidelines?

This is up to you. Online practice is new, and we bring our habit energies when sitting in front of a computer with us. It might be helpful to remind members that this is a sacred space and to bring the same attitude they would have arriving to a Dharma Hall. Some groups have decided to put together guidelines for their members. Here is one example and another one.

How can we manage the technology and sustain our mindfulness during facilitation?

Some Sanghas have two facilitators, one managing the technology, while the other holds the space. You can also add desktop clocks and timers to your device, to minimize the effort keeping track of a session.

Is it possible to practice with songs online?

Yes, many groups use this form of practice. Some Sanghas mute participant microphones when doing this; others prefer to have the voices heard, in good humor, even though there is a delay between the singers.

Is it possible to practice walking meditation online?

This works in small spaces when we follow the Plum Village “slow walking” practice. Here, we take a single step for each in-breath, and a single step for each out-breath, aspiring to 100% mindfulness. When we notice our mind wandering, we stop moving until our body and mind are at one.

Some groups have explored walking outdoors with their cell phones, stopping at the middle of the walk to breathe together. This can offer an opportunity for members at some distance from one another to share a bit of their environment.

Experiment with these and other in person practice such as touching the earth to see what benefits your members.

How can we protect people’s privacy, particularly those who wish to remain anonymous?

As with local groups, this really depends on how each Sangha wishes to approach this issue. If your groups is looking for very high degree of protection The Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous offers these guidelines.