An Abundance of Potions

Day 3 – Crisis is a Magnet

Good morning to all 179 readers. If there is something practical you’ve been doing to take care of yourself and others, I’ve love to hear about it—just hit reply. You are more than welcome to share these newsletters. —J


Today’s challenge: Start a group video chat.

Crisis is a magnet. It pulls all the filings in one direction, aligns attention and purpose, syncs the rhythms of your life and the lives of others.

When you learn of people acting recklessly, unwilling to give up their familiar ways, putting themselves and the public in danger, out of denial, or selfishness— You can see yourself in them. You can see that you were here, too, going about your business as usual, just days or weeks ago. Doing so, you mix, into your anger, a dose of understanding.

When you learn of others, who are days or weeks—even months or years—ahead, emerged from their own crises with humor and gratitude, with a stronger sense of love and community, adapted to change— You can see that someday, you will be here too. And you mix, into your fear, a dose of hope.

Before all this, getting together was, in some ways, more complicated. Schedules conflicted: Dates, travel, events—physical gatherings had to be planned well in advance. Now, all these same friend and family groups are, most likely, home. Crisis is a magnet. Take advantage of its pull: Start a group video chat.

Many of the major messaging apps and services already support group video chats. If you’re not sure how to start one, you'll find brief instructions for a few of them below.

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” (Victor E. Frankl)


How to start a group video chat in ...

Apple FaceTime: Tap the round contacts the top of an existing group conversation, then tap “FaceTime” in the dropdown. Or, start a FaceTime with one person, then tap “+” from within the call to add more people.

Facebook Messenger: Inside an existing group conversation, tap or click the video camera icon in the top right corner. Or, start a video chat the same way with one person, then tap the “Add Person” icon to add more people (phone/tablet only).

WhatsApp: Inside a conversation, tap the video camera icon in the top right corner. Once you’re connected, tap the “Add Person” icon in the top right corner to add more people.