Floating with my thoughts

25 January 2013

I had the opportunity on a recent trip to Portland, Oregon, to visit a flotation tank and experience the sensory isolation of a 90-minute float.

I didn’t really know what I was in for, but my friend Shannon Wilkinson told me it was great. Shannon and I have been friends for a dozen or so years and I’ve learned to listen when Shannon says something is great. (Within reason. She thinks climbing Mount Hood is great. And I know that’s not for me.)

Anyway, I was a little trepidatious, but I went for it. And I’m so glad I did.

It’s a little hard to describe the experience, but I’ll try. Each flotation tank had its own dressing/showering room. In utter privacy, I undressed and showered, then entered the tank. Once I sat down in the heavily salted water, I started floating. Effortlessly. The temperature was the same as my skin and once I turned off the subtle blue light and got myself situated on a floating neck pillow, I felt amazingly comfortable. It was like being in the most comfortable bed imaginable. I felt completely supported and safe.

The space was utter blackness. There was no difference when my eyes were closed or open. A few sounds did leak in, so I didn’t feel completely alone. But it was a very enjoyable, solitary experience. All the sounds my body made were heightened. (At one point, I coughed, and it sounded like an explosion.)

While I floated, I just let my mind wander. I went in with the intention of doing some thinking about my business. And that’s how it worked out. In fact, I had some revelations around a topic that I’d be chewing on for years. It was the perfect precursor to further thought and action. (For example, in the days after the float, I added a service offering called The Heirloom Explorer.)

When the end of the 90-minute session arrived, music was piped into the tank. I got out, showered all the salt off, got dressed, and enjoyed the mellow feeling of complete relaxation.

As soon as I was finished, I was ready to do it again. Curious? You can check out this list of flotation tanks around the world to see if there’s one near you.

Tagged with: floating, happiness, relaxation