Your First Float
Before you take your first float, there are several things for you to consider. In a dark, quiet flotation spa, you will be floating in a solution of Epsom salts and water (more buoyant than the Great Salt Lakes and the Dead Sea) that is heated to skin temperature (93.5 F). You will have the feeling of floating weightlessly in space. Your experience will depend upon your state of mind and your expectations. Reactions have ranged from boredom to bliss with the most common response being a state of deep relaxation. Knowing what to expect physically will make your experience a truly satisfying one.
Generally much of the first float is spent getting use to this new environment. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the surroundings right away. Push your arms out to feel the sides of the float spa. You will notice that any motion projects your body around the spa. If you raise your arm out of the water, you will sink slightly. Be careful not to drip the very salty water in your eyes. If you do get salt in your eyes, use the small bottle of fresh water to rinse them out.
This was supposed to be a completely quiet place, but you may notice that this is not the case at all. On the contrary, it is a veritable din of sound, sound that originates in your own body. Your breath whistles through your throat, your veins sing with the rush of your blood and, as you relax a little, you hear the thump of your heart. In addition, your ears may ring, echoing the cacophonous world you have just left behind. You may find that the absolute darkness is not so absolute either. Small specks of light, even what seem to be "holes" in the spa may appear. These phenomena are occurring within the visual receptors of your eyes. There is nothing to worry about. In the absence of external stimulation, your body creates its own stimulation. In a short time, most of this internal commotion will subside and you will begin to relax. During the relaxation process, you may become aware of areas of your body that hold more tension and resist relaxation. Old injuries are often cushioned by the body's tightening of the surrounding muscles. Extra concentration is necessary to relax these muscles. Many people find that the back of the neck is an area of some special tension. Let your head fall back a little and relax. Don't worry about your head. It will not sink. You may want to experiment with different arm positions to help you relax. There are several: at your sides, straight up over your head, behind your neck, or folded on your chest or stomach. Finally, let's return to an initial point: The most important factor influencing your experience is your state of mind, so it is best to be open to the myriad of thoughts and memories parading through your mind. In our society, it is a rare pleasure to be relaxed and alone with one's own thoughts. |
ENJOY YOURSELF... YOU DESERVE IT !!