Sensory Deprivation Heaven

Have you ever floated in a saltwater sensory deprivation tank? It's like heaven to me. The instant I step in that water, I feel more ease - though to be honest, it took a few sessions for me to get there.

I work at Still Point Wellness, one of the most beautiful, peaceful spas I've personally experienced, and floating is my favorite perk. As one who's attention spreads easily and habitually tracks a lot in my environment, shutting down the constant stimulus for an hour or two is good medicine. As one who's trained to sense her inner landscape and allow the body to unwind naturally, the saltwater flotation and the container of an hour or more alone supports the body in doing what it needs to let go.

Floating has helped me relieve pissy moods, tiredness and lethargy, physical pain and soreness, confusion and tension. It's a balm for tired muscles and an over-working mind.

I believe it works well for folks who are able to track their physical and emotional experience, let it be, and let it move. And I believe that if the first session is difficult, it may be worth trying again. I had one session where I was experiencing a subtle sense of old pre-verbal somatic trauma - not totally congnizant of what it was or why I was uncomfortable until later that evening when I was being held by a dear friend. It felt as if I hadn't been held at some point as a baby, and my body was unconsciously holding on to that experience. Thankfully I was able to process through it with my friend's support, and I haven't had that kind of discomfort in a float since.

I've also had the experience of the room outside the tank feeling too bright after being in total darkness for so long. I've remedied this by using just the light of the electric candle and turning off the room lights, so it's still quite dark as I clean up after the float. I haven't needed this so much lately, but it helped when my nervous system was more activated. When I'm highly activated and feeling more sensitive, turning down the sensory input helps - less sound, more gradual lighting changes, less flickering light (often from LEDs), and so on. Floating helps me feel more regulated, calm, clear-headed, slower, and relaxed in my body.

Are you considering floating? It may support you if...

• You want the outside world to go away for an hour or two

• You want quiet, peaceful time alone to feel your body and emotions

• You want to clear your mind

• Inward reflection with no sensory input sounds marvelous

• You want to be held in a dark, safe container with the timing handled by someone else

• You want the benefits of saltwater and magnesium to relieve tight, achy muscles

Here's a few other tips that may support your experience:

• Go in without expectations

• Keep your face upright - getting highly concentrated salt water in your eyes is terrible!

• Otherwise listen to your body and see if you can let it move and shift naturally - there's no need to be rigid

• Come out of the tank if you start to feel nauseous or too uncomfortable - you can always rinse off and go back in

• Let the spa attendants know when you schedule the appointment if you tend to run hot or cold, and if you like the tank on the cool or warm side - the water temperature has a range that they can adjust to your needs

• Still Point has two different sized tanks. I personally like a lot of space, so I prefer the large tanks, but the small ones are still highly beneficial. If you prefer more containment and don't care to move around and stretch out your limbs so much, the smaller tanks may be better for you.

• If you think you may feel claustrophobic, try the larger tanks, and prop the hand towel between the door and wall to let a little bit of light in for at least part of the session as you learn to settle.

• Go in with an empty stomach, though not hungry, unless you're ok being with the possible discomfort of hunger.

• Go in non-caffeinated, unless you really need it to stay awake. You might feel restless or unsettled if you're caffeinated.

• Allow for extra time in your day if you can - it may be supportive to meditate in the lounge, journal, or go for a walk to integrate the session before driving off to your next appointment.

• Receiving a massage and/or craniosacral therapy session before or after your float can be tremendously supportive to further unwind and heal. I don't believe one is better than the other - float before or after a massage - and it's up to you what feels best. If you'd like to receive a session from me and float before or after, I'm happy to talk with you to find out which order would be more supportive. I'm available to work with you at my office off Merrimon or at Still Point Wellness - whichever makes sense for your schedule and budget. My office is just 7-10 minutes away from the spa.

• Read the further details Still Point provides for your float, and watch the video they send in the confirmation email.

Click here to book a consult or session with me at my office at 206 Merrimon Ave

and

Click here to schedule a float and/or session with me at Still Point Wellness

May you unwind with ease.

May you feel safe in your body.

May you find your Heaven.