Wellness centers around the world promote the power of meditation, thanks to its ability to reduce tension and promote deep relaxation. Additionally, meditation practice increases mindfulness, which allows you to reshape your life goals and priorities. Floating and meditation go hand in hand, because the sensory deprivation tank experience is a peaceful, prime location to complete work related to self-reflection. And, since there is no limit to the number of float sessions you can book, you can adopt this therapeutic and meditative environment as either a frequent ritual or an occasional treat to your well-being. Continue on to learn all about the benefits of meditating – especially when paired with this progressive style of salt water therapy.
The Benefits of Meditation
Meditation is an ancient wellness technique that increases mindfulness to train your attention, awareness and compassion. Ultimately, to recharge with meditation can allow you to achieve a state of mental clarity and emotional stability. Those who meditate regularly may be able to:
- Enjoy deep relaxation, both mentally and physically.
- Reduce stress and anxiety levels.
- Reach emotional stability.
- Recognize thoughts and reach self-awareness.
- Boost focus and concentration.
- Increase positivity and acts of kindness.
- Work toward treating addiction.
- Lessen chronic pain issues.
- Achieve lower blood pressure.
- Experience sounder sleep.
Understanding Meditative Floating & Theta Waves
Meditation in an isolation tank is equally achieved during float pod therapy. Although most float spa locations traditionally host pods (an updated take on a tank), you can experience the same types of benefits. Generally, when you float, the removal of all external stimuli is an act of sensory deprivation, which is the removal of all outside distractions. As you enjoy serene and weightless relaxation, you can work toward entering a deeply meditative state.
Moreover, floatation REST therapy (REST stands for “Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy”) produces theta waves at a frequency that can allow you to experience Zenlike meditation, as your brain slows down and reaches a calmness that may be difficult to achieve elsewhere. To illustrate, during a float, theta waves, which are produced as we fall asleep or wake up, are associated with lucid dreaming, daydreams, creativity and meditation. Floating generates these theta waves, which can help you:
- Decrease negative emotions.
- Increase feelings of well-being.
- Lower your risk of stress-related illnesses.
- Produce positive neurotransmitters, like endorphins.
- Reflect on deep-rooted memories.
How to Achieve Meditation in a Float Tank
Float therapy can offer an organic meditation experience. Although practice ultimately enhances meditating in an isolation tank, pod, orb or cabin, the initial onset arrives naturally and oftentimes, with minimal effort. To illustrate, you can reserve a floating tank as a shortcut to meditation, as well as a path to relaxation. If you are new to floating for meditation, make sure to prepare for your first intentional experience. The steps include:
- Destressing prior to floating: On your commute to the float center, make it a point to mentally destress and let go of anything heavy weighing on your mind.
- Disconnecting from technology: Unplug from your computer, your tablet and your smartphone to help you get into the right headspace for a digital detox.
- Getting comfortable: Enter your float tank, or pod, and succumb to zero gravity in a way that feels natural to your body.
- Allowing mantras to surface: Hold on to any mantras that manifest. Repeat them and allow them to sink in as they arrive. You may notice several mantras floating to the surface throughout your session.
- Practicing your breath: Utilizing different types of meditative breathing can enhance your experience.
In your floating pod, you may waver between active (thoughtful) and passive (relaxed) floatation states. While actively floating, you can spend some time reflecting on your life and perhaps setting new goals. As you passively float, this may be a sign of your body’s need to reach deeper relaxation, so don’t be afraid to let go and relinquish control of your thoughts – particularly if you have a busy mind.
The Importance of Meditation, Flotation & Mindfulness
Many who unplug and meditate do so on a daily basis, while others prefer to meditate weekly or as the mood strikes. No matter your meditation preference, integrating a float studio into your practice can provide a safe haven for disconnection and reflection. In addition, sensory deprivation while regularly floating may increase mindfulness, allowing you a tranquil environment in which to work on your innermost self.
Along with visiting our South Florida Float8 Wellness Lounge outposts in Deerfield Beach and Fort Lauderdale for scheduled meditation float pod sessions, we recommend infusing your life with additional, complementary mindfulness rituals. These include:
- Practicing yoga: In addition to stretching, yoga helps you recharge and manage your breath, and also offers meditation.
- Eating a well-balanced diet: Consume plenty of plant-based foods that are both good for your immune system and the planet.
- Listening to soothing music: The right, subtle soundtrack can help ease your mind when you’re in the outside world.
- Showing gratitude: Giving thanks for the day, the food you eat, your job and the relationships in your life can help you maintain positivity.
- Spending time outside: Unplug and set some time aside every day for some gardening or yard work, a walk or a hike in the fresh air – with minimal distractions.
- Exercising daily: Performing cardio on a daily basis encourages deep breathing and can produce a meditative high, like a runner’s high (biking, swimming and bootcamp classes can also provide this release).
By dedicating time to meditating with floatation, along with a multifaceted wellness routine, you can make progress toward a more centered and intentional way of living – and thriving – each day.
