Bodymind August Float Notes
The mind is like an iceberg; it floats with one-seventh of its bulk above water.
This is Your Brain on Saltwater
What is our brain up to when we’re floating?
Very small electrical-voltages flow across our brains constantly, and the rate of this flow determines our state of mental awareness.
When we are most active, our brains are in gamma or beta states, with high-frequency electrical impulses. At the lowest frequency—the delta state—we are asleep!
In his book, The Book of Floating, Michael Hutchinson explains some theories of tank-inspired brain activity. He focuses on the theta stage of brainwave activity.
We all experience theta-wave activity twice a day as we move from wakefulness to sleep and vice-versa.
During this twilight theta stage we often have unpredictable, vivid, dreamlike mental images. These may include memories, reveries, free associations, and insights or inspirations.
But, we usually move through this stage quickly and either fall asleep or stretch and get out of bed.
Experiments have shown that floatation tanks are an ideal setting for inducing this state of theta brainwave activity, while not actually falling asleep. The tank allows us to generate large amounts of theta, yet stay awake!
So, we often leave the tank with a quiet body and tranquil emotions. Having processed and integrated our thoughts and memories in this twilight state, we may feel a profound sense of psychological well-being….
That is your brain on saltwater!
Check out next month’s newsletter for the connection between the theta state and meditation!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Michael Hutchinson’s The Book of Floating, can be purchased at the float center or online:
Amazon Link
Caffeine and Floating
No joke. We’ve got some serious coffee fiends at the float center. While you’re floating, activity at the front desk often wanders into a conversation about beans, grinders, espresso machines, french presses, pour-overs and the like.
Caffeine is among the most used drugs in the world. You yourself may use caffeine every day in your coffee, tea, chocolates, sodas, etc.
But we know that, generally, caffeine and floating do not mix!
Caffeine blocks the effects of the brain chemical that produces relaxation. For some people this will prevent them from experiencing the full benefits of their float.
So…what to do? If you’re highly adapted to caffeine (and you know who you are) moderate intake with sufficient time prior to your session may give you your normal sense of relaxation.
But, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, play it safe and skip it to increase your chances that your next float is your best!
Float Foundations
As announced in earlier newsletters, Bodymind has launched a program for new floaters—and casual floaters who aren’t yet members—to dive deeper into their floating practice.
We at Bodymind Syracuse believe that the more you float, the more you get out of floating. In support of this practice, we encourage you to take advantage of our “Float Foundations Starter Bundle.”
Congratulations to the floaters who have completed their first three floats! We are sincerely thrilled to have you here, and grateful to those who have made their practice more regular through a membership!
For more info about the Float Foundations Starter Bundle, follow the link below:
Float Discounts
You totally deserve it.
Meet the Staff!
He runs the float center, wrestles a 3-year old at home, and is a wonderful husband, but what does he do in that little bit of spare time?
Turns out, Glenn is something of an audiophile. He loves his vinyl, his high-end amplifiers and IEMs (“In-Ear Monitors,” you know, for the uninitiated)!
Glenn Runyan - Owner and Manager
Jake - Asst. Manager
STAFF FLOTATIONISTS: Colin, Dan, Lisa, Lori, and Mary!
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Concept and design by Dan S., Float Tank Surf Instructor