The Need For Silence
There is so much noise in the world especially when you have children. Either they are playing loudly, arguing, crying, asking questions nonstop or they are playing on devices that are too loud or TV shows with high pitched characters and catchy songs.
The need for quite sometimes has me craving bedtime for my children, but even then, there is still noise. The barn dog barking outside, the muffled TV from the other room that my husband is watching, and the rustling around in the kitchen by my oldest who is looking for food. The noise persists.
I recently purchased a pair of Bose Quiet comfort II noise cancelling headphones, I use those while I work, to drown out the extra noise. I am also playing music, so there is still noise, selective noise, but still noise. I usually choose zen, yoga or binaural beats playlists on Spotify.
The Float Pod
I first heard of float pods a few years ago when watching the TV series, Fringe with actor Joshua Jackson. I have followed this man’s career after meeting him when filming the hit TV series, Dawson’s Creek during the summer of 1998, while I was an extra on the show. He was funny, down to earth, and spoke to the extras often, treating us as equals not the low paid grunts we were!
On the show Fringe, one of the main characters uses a water chamber with the use of psychedelic drugs, to open the mind by sensory deprivation to access hidden areas of the brain. This is a common theme in many sci-fi films and books. I believe, as humans, we feel that if we can go back to a womb like state, we may be able to uncover hidden areas of our mind, not usually found with all the noise and distractions in the world.
“Only those who risk going too far, find out how far they can go” – Dr. Walter Bishop, TV series, Fringe
Now Booking
Recently, True Rest Float spa opened a facility near me, my friends were eager to try. I was reluctant, thinking I would drown, I was also really freaked out by the closing pod, I am bit claustrophobic.
“Noway!” I told my friend.
She visited a few times with her mom and enjoyed it, but I could not be convinced.
As a belated 40th birthday surprise, my friends treated me to a day at a local spa that has a charcoal room, himalayan salt room, polar plunge bath, sauna, hot tub and a float tub. You spend an hour or more moving from room to room in your bathing suit enjoying all the amenities. I was nervous to try the float tub and was amazed at how easily you float. I have done science experiments with the kids and know that saltwater has a high buoyancy rate but this tub is super salty and super buoyant you would literally have to try very hard to drown in it.
I have since been back more than a few times even bringing along my 19 year old son, his girlfriend and my 13 year old daughter. If you are local be sure to check out Lava Wellness spa in Maumee Ohio, the owner Heidi, is amazing!
Submersion at True Rest FLOAT Spa
Just last Sunday, I decided, rather spur of the moment to try out True Rest float Spa, for a 60 minute isolated floating experience. I was told to arrive 30 minutes early to watch some videos, get a tour and familiarize myself with their facilities. A gentleman walked through the doors at the same time as me and after a bit of chatting over hot tea provided by the spa, I soon discovered it was his first time as well. He and his wife were curious about the floating experience and he was sent to be the guinea pig and report back to her.
Veni, Vidi, Vici
I hesitantly climbed in, pod open LED lights on, the water was warm, but cool at the same time. I reluctantly laid back releasing my fears and letting go as I floated in the briny liquid. My confidence increasing, I reach above me to pull shut the top, sealing myself into this watery chamber. Feeling even more brave I push the white button to shut off the LED light inside.
Darkness
It didn’t matter if my eyes were open or shut the view was the same, nothing.
Floating,
Drifting,
Disoriented.
The water now the exact temperature of my skin. It was hard to tell what parts of my naked skin were in the water or which ones were floating on top.
A magenta orb appeared creating a kaleidoscope shape, then disappeared.
Nothing,
Silence,
Alone,
Final Thoughts
The world is loud, and this experience now has me craving silence and submersion into a watery chamber. I would have never guessed that I would have felt comfortable and completely at peace in a dark enclosed pod, while naked.
But I was.
The only bad thing I have to say about my experience is that I feel I was misled. An add on Facebook mentioned that my first float would be discounted to half price. I was surprised to be billed the full price of $89 which came to $95.45 with tax. The attendant explained to me that they would only discount my first float to $65 if I paid for a membership right then. I was considering buying a membership but after I was misled, I begrudgingly paid the $95 and left and even though I also posted photos and videos on Instagram which was also supposed to offer me a $5 and $10 discount, I was charged full price. I plan to reach out to corporate and see if I can get to the bottom of this discrepancy.
I would highly recommend a floating experience, but I would suggest asking up front about the cost, before you leave feeling slightly bitter like me after what was supposed to be a calming, soothing experience minutes prior.
This post was not sponsored in any way, all opinions are my own. I urge you to try for yourself and submerge yourself in silence!
