5 Simple Tips
FOR A BETTER ZOOM BACKGROUND
1
DOOR - Make sure it is not behind you.
If you have a door behind you, believe me, you are unconsciously wasting a huge amount of energy!
When we say "You've got eyes in the back of your head", we are usually unaware that these eyes are part of your nervous system's network, your Neuroception (1). For your nervous system (the Ultimate Gatekeeper of homeostasis), a door in your back is a potential risk that will keep a part of your brain's neurons in a constant state of alert, ensuring no danger comes to you from behind.
This constant vigilance consumes energy.
Why not channel this energy into a focused, centred state of grounding yourself and working more efficiently right away?
Sometime your are stuck ...
I couldn't avoid having these two openings leading to a storage space behind me. Therefore, I decided to block the flow to leak and cover them with a fabric that has a deep connection to my brand identity developed during my 25 years in India. This design, which I personally created and printed on more than 10,000 meters of fabric over the years, embodies a sense of dynamism and joy.
It also holds a personal resonance, evoking feelings of empowerment and sovereignty.
I know that these stripes have my back !
2
EYES - Meet them at the same level.
Beyond the mere annoyance of encountering distorted chins or foreheads, with their associated symbolic implications (focus on forehead versus jaw sending different symbolic messages to the viewer), lies a profound dimension of connection.
When we interact at eye level, a deeper quality of engagement emerges.
This elevated gaze fosters heightened clarity and a stronger sense of trust, ultimately dismantling the dynamics of power imbalance.
My laptop staggered on top of books until...
Recently I acquired this stunning white BENQ Monitor for its proportion, colour, and because it is an excellent companion for my MAC system in terms of connectivity and visual clarity.
The camera IdeaCam is also from BENQ and offers features like scanning and image rotation, adding a touch of fun to my setup, which matter more than we know..
However, what truly matters here is that I've adjusted its height to align with my eye level. These means that I don't to look up or down at anyone and vise-versa, no chins, nor forehead frontal views.
This adjustment creates an immediate sense of direct and trustworthy engagement, eliminating any visual power imbalances.
3
LIGHT - natural of course
Always prioritize daylight over artificial light, as it helps maintain the harmony of your circadian rhythms—an essential condition for our well-being—and enhances various physiological processes, including alertness, digestion, and sleep.
For background lighting, consider using a low-voltage artificial lamp (20W). This can define the spatial volume behind you, promoting a sense of security for both your nervous system and the viewer, while providing spatial clarity.
Positioning this light at elbow level serves to anchor and ground the energy. Since light is associated with Fire and Yang energy, symbolizing action, having it placed behind you offers support and reinforces the notion that this grounded and stable fire has your back.
Natural light is absolutely essential!
It respects your circadian rhythms and supports the production of melatonin, thereby enhancing the quality of sleep.
It also grounds your sense of space and time, providing a reassuring connection to the land you leave and to the progression of the day as the quality of light evolves.
The view of natural elements, even just a glimpse of the sky, serves as a biophilic element, fostering a connection with nature.
Additionally, the distant perspective offered by natural light is a welcome relief for our eyes, and if you were to ask any photographer, they'd agree that daylight is always the best for looking your best!"
4
PLANTS - Bring life in.
Ensure you have at least one PLANT in your background. The presence of greenery and foliage has a calming effect that reduces the production of stress hormones and regulates heart rate, fostering enhanced focus and patience.
By watering them we engage in “Social engagement” (2), in committing to a responsible exchange of service. Each plant has its own vibration signature, you might want to be curious about which plants feel, sense, and seem right for you in that particular space.
Our innate nervous system links greenery and plants with wealth and abundance, harking back to environments rich in water and animals that ensured our survival.
Functioning as a 'direct experience of nature,' one of the 14 principles of Biophilia in the Kellert-Calabrese model, the impact of keeping plants close by has been extensively studied and quantified."
Plants, absolutely!
There is a wealth of research confirming their ability to reduce blood pressure and heart rate, enhance mental focus and attentiveness, and foster a more positive outlook and overall happiness.
I carefully selected plants that cater to my specific requirements. I sought after a sense of softness, as evident in the gentle textures and shapes of their leaves. I desired a touch of creativity, represented by their somewhat unruly foliage structures. I envisioned them enveloping me, strategically placed on shelves, stools, and my desk, even hanging from above, each occupying a unique position within my line of sight.
5
WALL - What's there?
Choose 1 or 2 objects or art pieces to showcase, each holding profound and nourishing significance for you. As you make your selections, engage your curiosity about their meanings, whether they embody energies that currently support you, and how they align with your present work processes. By intentionally selecting these items, you establish a co-regulatory network between them and yourself.
Incorporate these objects into your day for moments of inspiration or release.
This meaningful connection will not only be sensed by you but also perceived by those who view your space, evoking a sense of unity and enhancing your credibility.
Trust the treasure Hunting!
Firstly I stumbled upon this Mexican kitschy "mermaid Frida Kahlo, angel " while browsing the South Melbourne market - A few days later, an image of a Sacred heart that would cradle her came to me and I realised that both of these powerful symbols would not only provide me with unwavering support but also align perfectly with my identity and branding.
I decided to paint the heart in a deep, vibrant red and the rays in a lustrous gold hue. This "tedious” process transformed into a potent, encoded intention displayed proudly on the wall behind me.
Notes:
(1) Neuroception - The term "neuroception" was coined by Dr Stephen Porges, the same researcher known for developing the Polyvagal Theory. Neuroception refers to the unconscious detection and processing of cues in the environment by the nervous system, specifically the autonomic nervous system, in order to evaluate whether situations are safe, dangerous, or life-threatening.
(2) Social engagement - according to Stephen Porges This is the highest level of the autonomic nervous system and is associated with feelings of safety and connection. It promotes social engagement, communication, and prosocial behaviours. When the individual perceives safety and connection, this system is active.