Floating is known as floatation therapy or sensory deprivation. You get into a tank with highly concentrated Epson salt water and float on the layer of water. My friend shared her experience and recommended it to me, and I was intrigued to try it out! 

This is what my tank looked like:

I am not that tall, so this tank was perfect for me. The facilities I chose gave an option of three different tank sizes. This is the most popular one, but they have one bigger size for those who are claustrophobic. 

Excitedly, I booked the session for 90 minutes (I wanted to get the most out of it). I expected to listen to meditation music while in the tank, but this wasn’t the case! The experience is meant to be done in complete silence. So as I stepped into the tank and lay there, I got uncomfortable. I could see nothing; it was completely dark, I could smell the water and feel the salt, but that was it! My emotions were all over the place for a few minutes. Thoughts like; Am I going to be lying here for 90 minutes? Why is this tank not big enough? There is so much I need to do, and I choose to be here! As these thoughts immerged, I said out loud: STOP MATINA! 

I conversed with myself and reminded myself of the wonderful tools I could step into. So, that is exactly what I did. I started focusing on my breath and taking deep breaths. I reminded myself that I wanted to experience this and would give it my all. 

Another reminder I used was: I am NOT my thoughts; I am having these thoughts and have the power to change them. 

These two tools helped me calm my nervous system, and I got to be the observer of my thoughts, as if I was watching a movie in my head that was changing after a few minutes, like changing the TV channel. 

After a while, I was in a meditation state and surrounded by greenery. Beautiful big trees, grass everywhere, me walking with bare feet and enjoying being in nature. This scenery made me feel connected with myself and deeply grateful for my journey. 

Once I woke up again, I felt stiff, so I started stretching my body to wake myself up again. The lady had said that once the 90 minutes were done, they would put on some meditation music, but as I was still hearing nothing, I knew that time wasn’t up yet. What I didn’t know was how much time was left! So, I started observing my thoughts again. 

The feeling of being uncomfortable started rising again. This time it came from not knowing how much time had passed and how much was remaining. I felt I had no control! Once again, I was able to redirect my thoughts and focus on my breath again. Then I reminded myself that I chose this and am exactly where I need to be. Be with me and give me the space to be! 

Finally, the music turned on, and I slowly made my way out of the tank. After this experience, I went into the mediation room and started journaling. This was the perfect time, as ideas were literally flowing out of me. As I wrote them down, I could sense my body's calm and relaxedness. The most significant benefits that I experienced from this experience were:
 

• It made me feel rejuvenated
• More in connection with myself
• Ability to choose and shift my thoughts

If you look up floating therapy or sensory deprivation, you will read about many different benefits that are associated with this experience of floating; I will mention three of them:

1. Enhanced relaxation and sleep: Floating stimulates the production of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, leading to improved mood and better sleep quality. It can also help regulate sleep patterns and reduce insomnia.
2. Mental clarity and creativity: Sensory deprivation allows the mind to enter a meditative state, enhancing mental clarity, focus, and concentration. Many people report experiencing increased creativity and problem-solving abilities after floating.
3. Improved mindfulness and self-awareness: The sensory isolation experienced during floating can deepen mindfulness and self-awareness. It encourages introspection and allows individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and inner experiences.

The famous poet Rumi says: “Listen to silence. It has so much to say.”

Would I ever float again? Hell yes! I would go for the 60 minutes instead of the 90 minutes and gradually work myself to be comfortable at the 90-minute experience. Why? Because I believe that silence is the answer to hearing my thoughts and raising my vibration to love, joy, peace, and enlightenment. 

Keep mastering your self-image so that your unique light can outshine the world! 

With love and gratitude!