Floating Meditation Introduction

As meditation is arising and becoming more popular, new ways of meditating are too. It’s not easy for anyone to first sit down and quiet their thoughts but some quickly get used to it and easily enter that state of flow that is needed during meditation. Others take longer and struggle more, which is perfectly normal.

This just means the type of meditation that was learned, or the standard way of meditating simply doesn’t fit that person. There are so many different techniques than the standard ways to meditate that can make it a lot easier for people. One of these easier ways of meditating is floating meditation.

What is Floating Therapy?

For those who have never heard of it, floating meditation is usually referred to as floating therapy. Not everyone sees floating therapy as a type of meditation, some see it as therapy or a space to relax. It’s often advertised as a spa treatment as well. It’s up to the individual whether they use it for meditation or not.

It’s essentially a type of therapy that can be used for those dealing with emotional or physical issues but at the same time, it’s a safe space for anyone. It can be used and done by anyone for any reason that they choose.

How Floating Meditation Works

The actual floating happens in a tank, or pod, known as the sensory deprivation chamber. Having all your senses taken away can sound scary but it’s a way of desensitizing your feelings to help you go deeper into relaxation. The pod is filled with salt water to make it easy to float. It’s not filled all the way to the top to ensure space for your body.

The tank is not air-tight so there is plenty of air coming into the space. There is a door that is usually closed so that the area is darker but there’s an option to leave it open for those who struggle with claustrophobia. The intention is to have it dark, put earplugs in so that it’s completely quiet. There’s also an option to play soothing sounds with the earplugs if that makes someone feel calmer.

Why Engage in Floating Meditation

This state of relaxation, caused by deprivation of the senses, makes it incredibly easy to slip into meditation as there are fewer distractions for you to engage in. In the current society, everything is so fast-paced, and people must be so aware all the time of everything going on. That’s why it becomes incredibly important to have a space, that suits your needs, to completely switch off.

Floating meditation helps with this because unlike the standard meditation in a room, it’s void of all and any distractions. In a standard meditation, there are still things that can distract you or take you away from the present moment. It’s a lot harder to get distracted in a pod where everything, including your own senses, is stripped away.

The Benefits of Floating Meditation

Studies have shown that increasing the number of times you do floating meditation decreases the amount of stress and anxiety that a person has.

Floating meditation also lowers blood pressure, as with any meditation that a person engages in.
Floating meditation transitions the brain activity to theta waves, which helps increase creative energy and focus within a person.
Floating heals the body, mentally and physically, by giving it a much-needed break from the excess amount of productivity that a person is involved in.

Floating meditation increases the number of natural endorphins released.
There is a sense of zero gravity whilst doing floating meditation, which allows every single muscle in the body to relax.
Floating meditation allows you to enter consciousness quickly and stay for longer periods of time with no distraction.

Is Floating Meditation For You

This is a simple introduction to floating, to truly know the effects one must feel them for themselves. There are many reasons to engage in floating meditation, it’s all up to the individual, as to why they do it, and what they are seeking within their meditation practice. It can be used as a beginner space to get into meditating or a safe space to come back to time and time again.