Thursday, 1 August 2013

Float Your Cares Away

The last couple months I have found that my mind has been running more than usual. I have been consciously repeating positive affirmations to avoid getting into a negative mind space. Living in the city is a constant attack on the senses. It has taken me a little while to get used to living on the 16th floor of an apartment building, when before I was in living in a small town of 3,000 people. I find I look out my window in my room to the street below and there is always movement. Sometimes I find I get overwhelmed with the life of a city dweller and I look to the forest for comfort, reconnect with nature and disconnect from technology.

Sometimes I am not always able to escape to the forest when I want to. But recently, I became introduced to The Float House. It is a locally owned independent business and was opened in May of this year. I went for the first time yesterday and it was an incredible experience. I took a cramped bus ride down to the Cordova Street location after leaving work in an air conditioned building. The streets were busy and I did my best to dodge the smokers along the way but I made to the peaceful sanctuary of the Float House!  
After one of the co-owners, Greg, gave me a briefing of the “float” I was ready for the unknown. The float tank is a place of sensory deprivation. No sights, no sounds, just you and yourself! I made my way into the body temperature water, it was amazingly warm and nourishing. I don’t believe I have ever floated like that. The Epsom salt water fully supported my body, I was weightless. I noticed my breathing slow down and become deeper. In the tank I found it easy to let go, relax and unwind. I was in a deep meditative state which I believe is very healing. During the float I noticed that my physical body just melted away. I was just a consciousness.
After the float I left and walked down the same street but this time it was different. I was in pure bliss. Completely detached from any thoughts or judgements, I was just an observer. I usually feel this similar bliss after a yoga class but it was about 100x heightened after my float!
I will be making floating a regular addition to my meditation practice. Next step, the Dead Sea!

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