So it is your first time. You're about to step into the void of your first float tank, to find your own personal inner universe, but before you do, you want to know what to expect. You've come to the right spot. We've put together a list of 7 amazing first time float tips directly from the float master, the creator of the float tank John C. Lilly.
Before we dive into John Lilly's float tips, lets get caught up on what the float experience is like at Vibetality. Step # 1 Booking A Float:
We try to make this as seamless as possible. All you need is a name, an email, a phone number and a CC to reserve your float. If this is your first time at Vibetality we highly recommend the "3-Float Intro Float Package", and check out our FAQ on floating with us.
Step #2 Preparing for your float the day of:
Make sure to not drink caffeine for 6-8 hours prior to your float. This will help you calm your mind immensely, and allow you to get the most out of your float. Try to not shave the day of your float, shaving can leave your skin feeling slightly raw and the salt water may cause a stinging sensation. We recommend coming in for your float free of any expectations. The best floats happen when you don't expect anything, and no two floats are ever the same.
Step #3 Arriving for your float:
Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to arrive. You won't have the best float if you're rushing into your appointment late. Arrive at least 15 minutes early for your first float, so that we can walk you though the float process, and answer any questions you might have.
Step #4 Pre-Float Shower:
Before you get in the tank you want to take a thorough shower. Use this time to begin to set the tone, and intention of your float. We have soap, shampoo, and conditioner- if you want to use the conditioner, hold off until after your float is over.
Step #5 Questions:
We are experienced floaters, ask us any questions you might have. We will try to give you every tip possible, but if you have a question lay it on us, it may make a huge difference in your float experience.
Now lets take a look at some of john Lilly's floating tips.
#1 - "Expect the unexpected, in the inner domains. Allow that
which occurs spontaneously to develop to your current limit of tolerance."
We view this as the most important tip of all. Don't go into your float with expectations, let each float be its own experience and you'll be thrilled with your progress each time you leave the tank.
#2 - "Floating is a chance to quite literally unplug from the
karmic merry-go-round and re-center ourselves. Take advantage of this!"
Floating is about letting go, and detaching from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Don't fall victim to your email, social media, or phone contacts. Turn your phone off when you arrive, and let your experience of detaching and centering yourself be an uninterrupted hour of real mental bliss.
#3 - "Let go, do not carry the outer consensus reality into the
inner reality."
Don't let your life outside the tank, disrupt your progress inside the tank. While floating, thoughts of or from the outside world will sometimes distract you. Make it a practice to let them go, and let your float continue in the "inner reality"
#4 - "Floating is a method of attaining the deepest rest that most
of us have ever or will ever experience."
Once you've developed a floatation practice, you'll be amazed at how good you feel after a float. 1 hour of floating has been show to equal 4 hours of deep sleep.
#5 “Before immersion in the tank it is wise to do either yoga
or gymnastics or some other form of exercise to attenuate the need for
movement.”
People often have their best floats when they have taken a yoga or vibration class just prior to their float. Letting go of any physical energy that our bodies are holding onto is a great way to prepare yourself for the float tank.
#6 "The depths of the mind are as great as the depths of the
cosmic outer space. There are inner universes as well as outer ones."
You may be completely blown away by the potential of your brain during a float tank experience, try not to let this amazement pull you away from the experience you are having, just let it be.
#7 "Floating can and should be a window into newness, uniqueness, and a penetration deep into new domains of the mind."
With practice, floating can become a powerful tool for creativity, new ideas, and connecting existing ideas and finding new answers. With time, and consistent float experiences freeing your mind from the "burdens" of external stimulation, will allow you to process your thoughts in new and unique ways.
