Floating, it’s not just for bobbers.

“During a float, you step into a quiet, warm, private spa called a float tank and lay back in water in which 1000 lbs of Epsom salts have been dissolved. The water is more dense than the Dead Sea, so you will float right on top. You will be fully supported, and you will expend no physical energy to stay afloat. The water is kept at a constant temperature of around 95 degrees, which feels warm at first but soon becomes almost imperceptible. When you choose to turn out the lights, your eyes can rest in a comforting darkness that is the same if you open or close them. External sounds are kept to an absolute minimum through extensive soundproofing, earplugs, and the design of the tanks themselves.

Without the need to pay attention to changing stimuli, keep yourself vertical, navigate traffic, or have a conversation (unless with yourself), resources which are otherwise devoted to these and other tasks are free for use in problem solving, creative exploration, learning, or simply meditation, rest, and relaxation. Floating is a 90 minute savasana in a powerfully relaxing environment. Gentle music indicates when the end of the session has arrived.

Emerging from a float is an experience in itself. Senses are sharpened, the mind is refreshed, and the world may appear more vibrant. The feeling is often one of peace, relaxation, happiness, and calm attentiveness. The effects of floating last for hours to days afterwards, and have the potential to last much longer.” – Floatshoppe.com

So yeah basically,  Life is tough and dealing with problems at work, home and in the bigger world can cause us to lose sight of the beauty and positivity that life offers in every moment. Floating is a way to pause all those stressors and enter a state of deep relaxation. This brief pause allows your brain to rest, recharge and enter a theta state, a slower rate of brainwave, normally experienced during deep meditation, just before falling asleep, when waking up, and during sleep.

Float tanks cut off all sources of sensory experience: sound, sight, smell, and touch and allows the body to turn down it’s “fight or flight” stress responses. Essentially , floating helps lower cortisol levels and calm the nervous system, bringing the immune and hormonal systems back in balance.

I am all about slowing down, so I was so excited to take advantage of this gift. The establishment immediatly offerd a very relaxing atmosphere, very zen like, with fresh flowers on all the tables, bonsai trees and candles scattered about the room did well to bring the elements of nature indoors.

I was greated by Zane, he was the owner. A young gentleman, I’d guess around 26 and I thought, “How cool it would be to own your own business at such a young age AND it be something as cool as a Floating.

So how this works is your float tank is in a room with all the necessities for a proper experience.There’s are towels, a robe, a shower, with shampoo, conditioner, body wash. Why a shower? Even though the water in these float tanks is cleaned and recirculated after every float it is still hygenically suggested to rinse off before entering the tank. And then it’s nice to rinse off the salt and freshen up afterwards. There are disposable flip-flops, if you feel the need. Ear plugs which I have found helpful. I have tried with and with out and I feel I do have a better experience with the ear plugs in. The goal of this is to cut off all sensory stimulation and sound travels through water very well. Having the plugs in not only kept out the water but any other exterior noise.

I highly recommend floating. The benefits are too numerous not to try it. I promise, if you open up your mind to the experience and give floating a try you will be hooked. And with the popularity growing I sure there’s a float center near you. I personally love the experience and can’t wait to do it again. Please,  let me know when you go and share your experience.

Until next time,

Float On