Float Concepts

What is "R.E.S.T." in a Flotation Tank?
In the flotation environment, by choosing to float with the door of this chamber closed and the light turned off, there will be no light, sound or gravity. By lying very still, we can disassociate the awareness of our bodies and the potential achievement is R.E.S.T. (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy). The restricted environment therapy is different if you choose to listen to music, meditation instruction or a book. Listening to something while restricting your other senses can give an environment of super learning, intense programming or a healthy distraction. Sometimes, that distraction is more annoying that fruitful, that gives you the opportunity to turn it off and float in a "pure nothing", a pure R.E.S.T.

We collect billions of external stimuli, unconsciously, throughout our lives. Dr. John C. Lilly discovered in 1956, that eliminating our external senses does not inhibit our lives, it enhances our perceptions. "A lazy person's meditation tool" is a nickname for flotation tanks. Being deprived of external stimulation enhances our ability to internalise, our minds become heightened and very stimulated. Even though we are in a aroused state of sensitivity, the decreased senses are almost absolute. To satisfy our minds hunger for stimulation, our minds internalise. Our internal bodies and minds can be explored with no distractions. The specific applications or treatments are endless: perfecting sport, increased awareness of tension being held in our bodies, fast paced leaning, meditation training, decreasing arthritis symptoms, chronic disease management etc. The endless specific applications are intriguing however, there are consistent reports throughout all literature and scientific research of positive "side effects": relaxation, sedation, euphoria, calmness, vigour, energy, pleasant memories and decreases in fatigue, anxiety, tension, depression, hostility, anger, confusion and unpleasant memories. The questions that continue to be asked are,

*( The belief that, "our body is the temple of our mind and soul", can not be observed by me as an RMT. I feel it is a very powerful aspect ,however, a RMT has a scope of practise involving physical effects. Many floaters use the tank for prayer, reflection and meditation. I can steer you with different literature and counsellors at this depth.)

What Do I Do In There?
Nothing. Sounds absurd but this is a „pure nothing". Flotation/R.E.S.T. is a very original environment that has to be experienced to be understood . Here are some simple INSPIRATIONS that might aid your own concept, discovery and comfort .

(**** VERY IMPORTANT**** Your float is your own experience. Play with possibilities and discover how you would like to float. These ideas that I suggest are my personal study and opinion. The subjective creations are yours to discover and make, do not listen to my experiences as the only ideas or the only inspirations.)

1) "ENJOY THE BOREDOM" ("The Time Machine Explanation") This is an opportunity to cut off your entire external world. This is an opportunity for nothing to happen. You will lose your sense of time. Generally, the "right side"of the brain hosts imagination, intuition, our potential "6th sense". It has no concept of time or space. The "left side"of the brain is the logical side. It calculates and decides with step by step processes. Most people are "left brain dominant", meaning our choices and decisions are calculated and our world is ruled by time and space management.

The tank "levels the field"of left brain/right brain stimulation.

Your "creative right side" can help you lose the "importance" of "how long you have been in the tank". If you choose to follow that thinking pattern, time becomes obsolete, you are now riding in "The Time Machine".

During your first potential three to five floats, people catch themselves wondering "what time is it?", "how long have I been in here?", "I swear I am in a different room, how long have I been sleeping?"or "I am bored, has Chris forgotten about me, gone home and gone to bed?". Check yourself with these thoughts. Your logical mind knows your appointment is an hour. Most reports are similar; people feel they have been in the tank for only 15 minutes and are surprised it has been an entire hour. They know they were not sleeping, what happened? Where did they go? I believe, they chose to be lead by their right side, potentially a feeling that has not been felt since they were children. Consider it a blessing, enjoy the freedom, enjoy the "Time Machine", enjoy being with you and not ONLY the things you do, be with yourself, "ENJOY THE BOREDOM".

2) DO NOT TRY, if you: "try to relax", "try to forget", "try to program better thoughts", "try to program better athletic performance"etc. you will go farther from the effect of flotation/R.E.S.T.. This is an opportunity, not "to try"; just BE, let the affects of floating happen effortlessly. I feel, if you give time for only you, the rest of the things you have to, "try at":

• might not be as important,
  
• they might be achieved effortlessly or
  
• they might be achieved instinctively.
  
  

Is There a Person Who "Should Not" Be Floating?
Experience has shown my clinic that whatever you take into your float is part of your float. Some have decided to try a float with an objective to work out conflicts or "spring cleaning your mind". The effect has increased confusion and potential anxiety. Please remember you are the ultimate and best coach for yourself. Can you have time for you and not your stress? Can you separate what you are carrying that day and who you want to be during your float? Is this a time that you would like to discover and exercise the skill of "how to take control".? The tank is a "tool" that emphasises who you are at that moment. If, being with yourself, in a "pure nothing", is something that is not attractive, please wait until that experience sounds like something you would like to explore.

What Will It Be Like for Me?
It is an individual experience. The most common reports are profound peace and relaxation, deep concentration and creativity. It will be different for you than it is for anyone else.

It will be different each time.

The power is in the NOW. I believe taking responsibility for your float is essential. No matter what is happening in your life, NOW is your time, those complications that fog who we want to be can be left outside the tank. If they persist, what better environment to meditate on them but in a world with no distractions.

Do I Need to Float More Than Once?
During your first float, there is the incredible environment of zero gravity that is very fun and perplexing for your mind. That new experience can last for the next 2 or 3 floats. Then, there is a choice. When your mind has understood the gravity free sensation, the flotation experience is your own creation, what do you want to make out of a pure nothing?. Some people find that something to fear, something unattractive, or that something is boring and some people find „that something" is a time to explore, create or just be.

Is There A Best Time to Use the Tank?
This is a matter of individual preference. Flotation could be a great way to start you day with "focus", or end the day with "relaxation". It is up to you. There is a great potential for deep relaxation. Many people enjoy savouring the peace and quiet before jumping into something hectic, however, there is a possibility of new interpretations of your hectic day, if it is interrupted by a pure hour and a half to yourself.

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