As you know, water temperature in a float environment is an important part of the experience.  The idea is to have the water at skin temperature so that your body can ‘disappear’ into the water.   We set the water temperature around 94.9 F – a temperature where we find most people are comfortable – but we totally recognize that temperature is a personal thing. We do find that the seasons affect floaters’ perception of temperature, so as a rule of thumb, we usually make some adjustments for the seasons as well.

Here are some tips to help you feel the most comfortable while floating:

1.  If you know that you naturally run hot or cold, we may need to adjust the temperature for you a little bit.  Simply let us know if you need us to make an adjustment, and we will keep a note on your file.   Sometimes a point or two can make the world of difference.

2.  Reduce the temperature of your pre-float shower a little bit.  By more closely matching the temperature of your shower to the temperature of the float environment, the transition is so much easier.

3.  Find a comfortable body position and stay as still as possible during your float.  The air temperature and the water temperature in our float cabins are slightly different.  So, every time you move, your skin adjusts to the water and air temperatures.  So, if can find a comfortable position and stay there as long as possible, you will probably find that you feel warmer.

Hope these help!

Over the past few months, however, I have been playing with Intention setting before my floats. Have you heard the saying “where the thought goes the energy flows”? Setting an intention before your float can help to focus your energy to one area of your body or mind that you would like to shift, change, resolve, or explore further. Try setting your intention with a sense of curiosity as to what will be revealed. Let your mind explore the subject, rolling it around, looking at it from different angles. Be open to the thoughts that come. Relax into your intention – perhaps unrelated thoughts will come up that end up shedding light on your intention.

From the website https://mindfulminutes.com/intention-setting-101/

Intentions can be a clear and specific topic, or as simple as a word or phrase you’d like to align yourself with, like “open your mind and heart,” “love,” “softness,” “strength,” “compassion for myself and others,” “peace,” or “freedom.” Try to keep the intention positive, so instead of saying “stop being a coward,” or “spend less time alone,” choose the intentions, “be courageous” or simply, “community”.

Here are some thought-starters to help you get started in forming an intention:

•  What matters most to you?
•  What would you like to build, create, or nurture in your life?
• What would you like to let go of?
• Who would you like to forgive in your life?
• How do you feel when you are your happiest self?
• What makes you proud?
• What word(s) would you like to align yourself with?
• What fears would you like to release?
• What are you grateful for?

We would love to hear how this works for you, and if intention setting had a positive impact on your float practice.

When was the last time that you sat still and really focused on your breathing? Was it shallow and quick, or deep and slow? A good breathing technique will calm the mind, relax the body, relieve stress and act as a bridge to accessing the theta state. (the state between waking and sleeping)

One simple breathing technique that we suggest here is a measured breathing technique. Simply put is is as follows:

1. Allow your body to find its most comfortable floating position. Try putting your hands on your belly.
2. Relax your neck and shoulders and let your jaw relax.
3. Bring awareness to your breath, and notice its depth and pattern.
4. Breathe in slowly through your nose, sending your breath into your core and belly. Count to 4 on the inhale – feel your hands on your belly expand.
5. Hold the breath for a moment.
6. Now release your breath slowly and smoothly as you count to 7. Feel your belly draw towards you, belly contracting.
7. Repeat nine more times – try counting to 5 on the inhale, and 10 on the exhale for the next repetitions.
8. When you are finished, return to natural belly breathing – slow and deep.

Give yourself the space and time to breathe deeply during your next float and see what happens. We would love to hear about it!