Stasis September Float Notes
“Distractions are everywhere. A day spent thinking about what could happen,
should happen, or what might have been is a day missed.”
Shut Up Brain!
How many times do we get into the tank and spend those first moments trying to calm the mind? “Shut up, Brain!”
As we’ve noted in prior newsletters (if you missed it, it’s here: August Float Notes), a float tank is the perfect environment for inducing theta brainwave activity, similar to that twilight period between sleep and wakefulness. Because of this, we often leave the tank—having processed and integrated our thoughts and memories—with a profound sense of calmness.
But there can be more to floating beyond the experience of this basic, transitory state.
Floating provides an opportunity to actually meditate. As anyone who practices (or has tried to practice) meditation knows, effective meditation requires, well…practice!
In the 1960s, research investigated the brainwave activity of monks, watching as they entered deeper meditative states and eventually reaching the theta stage.
As the researchers tried to reproduce this in the lab, they quickly discovered that reaching this level of brainwave activity requires, in some cases, years of practice and discipline.
However, some can reach the theta stage in a float tank after a few sessions (once the “novelty” of floating has worn off). The next section outlines three basic meditation techniques to try in the tank.
“Shut up Brain!” In-Tank Meditation Techniques
By eliminating distractions, a float session can simplify and intensify the process of meditating. Here are three quick techniques to try.
1) Breath.
You can help keep your mind from wandering by focusing your attention on your breath. Inhale deeply and hold for a few seconds. Count as you exhale, and at the end of the exhalation hold for a second before your next inhalation. Focus on the feeling of the breath entering and exiting the body.
As thoughts arise, simply acknowledge them and let them pass. Pay attention to your wandering mind, then return your attention to your breath without judgement!
2) Body Awareness.
You can promote relaxation by doing a “body scan.” Start by noticing your toes, then your feet, your ankles, shins, etc. As you come to each body part, reflect on any tension you might be holding there, and let it release. Move through your entire body, shoulders, limbs, neck, face (jaw! ears!) breathing through each segment and letting it release until you reach the crown of your head.
3) Visualization.
You can use visualization during meditation to solve current creative problems or to imagine future goals.
Once in the tank and settled, connect to the scenario you wish to explore and experiment with the possibilities that arise. Think, “I’m just going to practice this visualization, and see what happens.”
With this approach, you need not struggle or become tense. Rather, make it your intention to explore these options. There is no end goal; there is no required result. Therefore, there is no way to “fail” at visualization!
Stayed tuned for the October Float Notes, where we go a little deeper into “breathwork!”
Exciting news! Deep Relaxation Breathwork is back at Stasis Float Center starting next Friday, September 13th!
We’ve teamed up with Safe Space Organization and @agraff.mindfulhealthcoach to offer this peaceful, donation-based class in our Salt Room. Join Allison as she guides you through a calming meditation and breathing session designed to help you truly unwind after a busy week.
Space is limited, so make sure to reserve your spot now before it’s sold out! Click here to book:
https://www.safespacecny.org/classes-activities
We can’t wait to see you there! <3
Free Floats for Referrals!
Have you enjoyed your floats, and told all of your friends how great floating is, but you haven’t gotten them in a tank? We feel ya, same!
To help you introduce your friends to the wonders of floating, every person you refer gets 20% off their first float, and for every 3 new floaters you refer, you automatically receive a free float!
Here’s how to make a referral (check out the pictures (.gif) accompanying this article):
1) Log in to your account at Stasis Float Center
2) In your profile, click the blue outlined button that says “Refer Friends for Free Floatation Therapies”
3) Click “Enroll” to generate your unique referral code. You’ll also receive a Welcome to the Stasis Float Center referral program email.
4) Share your code with friends and family. When they use your code to book their first float, they get 20% off, and you get credit for the referral.
5) Once 3 people use your code, you’ll automatically receive a free float credit!
Terms & Conditions: The referral is only valid for guests who have never used our services. New guests will need to create a new profile to schedule their first float. The 20% first-time discount will be applied at checkout, and is for solo floatation therapy sessions only. Free floats issued from referrals expire 30 days after issuance.
We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you and your friends at Stasis Float Center soon!
You totally deserve it.
Meet the Staff!
Cycling!
When he’s not working to make your float experience the best possible, you might find him out on his bike. Funny shorts, skinny tires, long rides…the works! One of Dan’s favorite rides is the climb up to Pompey. If you see him out on the road, give him room!
Glenn Runyan - Owner and Manager
Jake - Asst. Manager
STAFF FLOTATIONISTS: Dan, Lisa, Mary, and Melissa!
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Concept & Design: Dan S., Indentured Rockstar