When people are initially told about floating or they see pictures of the pods, there is always an element of interest but this interest is typically tempered by some trepidation or uncertainty over the nature of the experience. In this post, I am going to list the most common concerns about floating and hopefully allay any fears you may have regarding your potential time in the pod.
This is the most common concern but happily the first thing
people say when they actually see the pods is how big and spacious they are! At
8ft long, 5ft wide and almost 5 ft tall, there is plenty of room in there.
Additionally, you are in complete control of the lid and since claustrophobia
is a fear of being in a confined space without any control, you should not have
any concerns in this regard.
2. It sounds pretty boring. An hour seems like a long time
in there
When the first research was conducted into floating, it was
believed that the mind would shut down without sensory inputs. What scientists
found was in fact the polar opposite. You actually have more creative thoughts
in the pod so it is not known as the Think Tank for nothing! One of the cool things
about floating is that it takes away the normal sensory inputs to free up your
mind to focus on what you really need to think about. Part of this sensory
reduction is that you lose sense of time and can fully relax and let your mind
go. This is not only very liberating but you will be surprised at just how fast
the hour goes and also how much ground your mind can cover in this time.
3. Isn’t it just like sitting in a large bath?
Most definitely not. There is no comparison between a bath
and a float. The weightless environment in the pod provides a previously
unknown level of physical relaxation while the reduction in sensory input calms
your mind, reduces feelings of stress and anxiety and allows you to reset your
inner balance.
4. I don’t like the dark – this isn’t for me
With all the lights out, it is indeed very dark inside the
pod while you float. Having the light out provides you with the full immersive
experience of floating but like the lid, you are in full control of the lights
so you can have them on if you wish. However, it is best to give it a go with
the lights out to fully disconnect and achieve a deep level of relaxation.
5. I can’t switch off. Wouldn’t floating drive me crazy?
If you feel like this, then floating is exactly what you
need! These days everyone needs some time to process everything and just get
away from the stressful demands of modern life. If you have a lot going on, a
float is a great way to gain perspective and focus your mind. You will be able
reorganise your thoughts to ensure you don’t become overwhelmed.
6. I really don’t have the time to try this
If you are this busy, you need to be kind to yourself and
ensure you do not succumb to stress. The beauty of floating is that it is just
one hour out of your day but you will leave feeling fully refreshed with a
fantastic feeling of wellbeing.
7. How hygienic is floating?
Again a very common concern. The pods at Float Level have a
very advanced filtration system which runs 3 times between floats. This, added
to the high content of Epsom Salts and a small dash of chlorine, ensure that
the water remains free of any nasties.
8. Why would I even need to float?
Floating is not just for people who need therapy or help
with any other sort of ailment. It can
help with a large number of ailments such as stress, anxiety, chronic pain,
fibromyalgia and recovery from injury to mention just a few. But floating is
about much more than that. It is a very powerful tool for deep introspection
and to reassess what is going on in your life as well as providing a deep state
of mental and physical relaxation, which frees your mind and relieves your
muscles and joints.
9. I don’t like being in water
Well… this one I can’t really help with. If you float,
you’re going to get wet so on this one, maybe floating isn’t for you!
10. I’m pretty sure I’ll have some sort of freak out in
there!
So we’ve all seen or at least heard about the Simpsons
episode when Homer and Lisa float. While visual and auditory hallucinations are
possible, they are rare, particularly during your early floats. There should be
no reason to freak out. The pod is a tool for relaxation so if you let go in
body and mind and trust the water completely, you will reach a deeply
meditative state without even trying. Quite the opposite to a freak out!
So, hopefully, the above has clarified some of the most
common concerns and opened your minds to the possibilities of floating. If you
would like to give floating a try, you can call the centre on 0161 637 5138 or
visit our website at www.floatlevel.co.uk
to book your session today.
If you have any further questions about floating, do not
hesitate to get in touch. My email is chris@floatlevel.co.uk.
