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15 Things You Need To Know About Floating Meditation Before You Try It Out

I'm telling you right now, you're not going to be an enlightened Buddha.

Jennifer Kustanovich

Feb 08, 2020

The State University of New York at Stony Brook

326

15 Things You Need To Know About Floating Meditation Before You Try It Out

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I went floating last night and it was a crazy experience. No, it wasn't a psychedelic one, I didn't meet a celestial being or past ancestors, but I was able to inhale, exhale, and be with myself.

I try to practice meditation regularly, but I know I need to recognize my present moment more. It's a challenge and hasn't come easy to me. But I'm not giving up on finding my zen state of mind.

I went to The Float Place in Patchogue, NY, but there are floating spas all over! Float tank mediation is known for its incredible benefits, including, but not limited to, mental clarity, physical relaxation, and anxiety and depression relief. The sensory deprivation tank filled with a thousand pounds of Epsom salt is the ideal environment to just let go and find your happy place.

The idea of being alone in a dark small space can sound terrifying but don't worry, I got you.

Here's your floating 101:

The first 10-15 minutes will feel like forever

Who knows what I was doing the first handful of minutes because it took some time for me to get comfortable in the pod. I honestly didn't know if I was going to survive the full 90-minute session!

Your neck may ache

I had no idea this would happen, but your head wants to be supported and your muscles don't understand that they are floating. I was given a thin foam pillow to help relieve neck tension. It also helps to focus on your body awareness. Tense up all your muscles, breathe in, hold your breath, and release all the tension.

Use band-aids

If you have a cut or two on your body, make sure to cover it up with some vaseline and a band-aid before the salty waters get to it.

Don't come in with crazy expectations

I'm telling you right now, you're not going to be an enlightened Buddha.

If you didn't know, salt stings your eyes

If you need to itch, make sure to wipe your hands with a clean, dry towel before rubbing your face.

It's a little intimidating, but try to relax and use a visualization practice

You're in a pitch-dark, confined space with you and only you. There are no distractions from the outside world, so if you're as anxious as I am, this can be a little freaky. Focus on visualizing your happy place. An even better technique is to visualize a color or bright light, which will help you hone in on the present moment.

Put your arms over your head

Trust me, you won't regret it.

You can hear yourself blink and maybe even your heartbeat

I kept blinking just so I could hear the motion.

It's dark, like really dark

I had my eyes closed for most of the experience, but if they were open, I would only see darkness.

The time apart from the world will feel different

It could be refreshing, lonely, or peaceful depending on how you take it, but, at the end of the day, it'll feel different.

Remember two words: inhale & exhale

Focus on your breath to help you get into a meditative state of mind and focus on the now.

Do not shave the day before

Salt and your freshly shaven skin are not a match made in heaven.

You may get a little sea sick

There's a chance you can feel a little knocked around afterwards, but those feelings will pass once you're out of the tank.

Bring a journal so you can write about your experience, thoughts, and feelings afterwards

After my session, I was invited to a calming room that had coloring books, journals, color therapy glasses, and more. These were great tools I used to help decompress and gather up my thoughts.

It takes practice

Like meditation, floating takes practice. You may not feel its beneficial effects the first time around, but with time, you will master it.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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15 Things You Need To Know About Floating Meditation Before You Try It Out

I'm telling you right now, you're not going to be an enlightened Buddha.

The first 10-15 minutes will feel like forever

Your neck may ache

Use band-aids

Don't come in with crazy expectations

If you didn't know, salt stings your eyes

It's a little intimidating, but try to relax and use a visualization practice

Put your arms over your head

You can hear yourself blink and maybe even your heartbeat

It's dark, like really dark

The time apart from the world will feel different

Remember two words: inhale & exhale

Do not shave the day before

You may get a little sea sick

Bring a journal so you can write about your experience, thoughts, and feelings afterwards

It takes practice

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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