Floating in a sensory deprivation tank... Whoa ! what a lifechanging experience !

I was interested in checking out what floating was after hearing about Joe Rogan's experience and the benefits he received from it (remember him as the host of Fear Factor, UFC commentator, stand-up comedian, radio personality, he does it all really). I thought it was all rubbish, but curiosity got the best of me.

# The Preamble

I never considered myself a spiritual person. I do not really like esoterics, never meditated or did Yoga. That being the reason why i doubted that floating would have any effects on me. Everything i read up on the internet had an esoteric touch to it, which made me abandon the idea rather fast again. But then i saw a VICE documentary about it and was immediately convinced i should give it a go. That's when I really decided to try out what an isolation tank could do for me.

I met up with two close friends, who already floated twice, for my first experience with floating. They have recently moved close to a commercial space now with 4 floating tanks. But when they went for their first time, the Facility they went to had only ONE floating tank operated out of the basement of a rather shady house. I have to admit, it would have felt sketchy going into somebody's house trying something out like this, but I'm really glad I did not have to. This Facility was looking very clean and professional and the people that run it were very friendly. They led me to a square sized tank to get my 60-minute session started. The tank looked somewhat like this. 

# The Experience

When I went inside the tank and closed the door behind me, I felt how warm the water was. They heat the water to the same temperature as your body and add epsom salt, which makes your body very buoyant (extra floaty). I was told me the water is filled with magnesium as well which is amazing for sore, tired muscles. I laid back in the water not knowing what to expect. I was initially afraid I would drown, but since the salt water kept my body so buoyant, I was easily able to float and relax with no issues. I really lost track of time when I was in there as if I completely separated from the craziness of reality. I noticed a "surring" that seemed to come from outside the tank, and could not really beep it out. When being deprived all of your senses, but the acustic one, you start to focus on that automatically. I felt very light and the tank was feeling very coasy. Making time estimates when being inside the tank is really tough, but it must have been like 45 minutes in when i noticed a change in the patterns my brain functions. I started randomly thinking about situations in my life from a rather dissociated stance. You can probably compare it to thinking about issues when smoking #marijuana in a way. I definetely learned something about myself, mainly that the issues that trouble me are not as big as i thought. I was in deep concentration when the door lifted again and i was suprised how fast 60 minutes have passed by. I was puzzled to see that floating has somewhat drug like effects in a positive way.

# The Epilogue

I really enjoyed my first experience with floating, and already have an appointment booked for next week.

Along with the surring noise, the only downside is that the air felt very dry and warm. Breathing could have been easier if the air was a little cooler. That seems to be adjustable although, and i will ask for a little cooler air next time.

Floating is an experience, not a service, and when I really need a break from the stress that accompanies life or need to think deeply about something I am going through, a float does my mind and my body good. I do notice my muscles really loosen up from the added magnesium in the water, so it's extremely refreshing after a hard workout or when I need my spine to align correctly. That along with the effects it has on the mind, that can truely be described as an outstanding experience. I heavily recommend it to anyone who needs to take a break from the daily stress and people who suffer from physical pain and even anxiety.

I will try to smoke a little bit of #marijuana the next time i enter the tank, just to see how the effects differ from being sober.

If you found this to be an interesting read, please consider checking out my DMT trip review :)
https://steemit.com/drugs/@supermeatboy/my-experience-trying-dmt-ayahuasca-for-the-1-st-time-or-traveling-with-highspeed-through-the-psychedelic-hyperspace

Have you guys ever floated ? Would you consider it ? Please share your stories.