So, yesterday was an experience. My first floatation tank session! It never quite went to plan. For those unfamiliar: known as a sensory deprivation tank, it’s a large container, with shallow water filled with epsom salts . You float, and the idea is that you are void of all distractions. Just alone, in the darkness with your thoughts — ostensibly for the ultimate relaxation and meditative experience. I expected to transcend to a new reality, to tread an unbeaten path, to emerge from myself, while going into myself. So what went wrong?

The floatation tank I used yesterday at the ‘London Floatation Centre’ in Canary Wharf

I get in, pull down the lid, and turn off the light. Sure enough, I’m floating. I feel pretty uneasy about feeling somewhat dis-orientated and I become VERY aware that I’m in a dark container, butt-naked. I can’t hear anything and I’m now drifting from the edges — not sure what speed or direction. I casually reach for the light switch — it isn’t there. I open my eyes — it’s pitch black and instantly they begin to sting from the salts. A ‘crap-I-need-a-towel-immediately’ type sting that the right amount of shampoo would do to you.

I sit up, and I’m reaching around with both arms outstretched, no idea what way I’m facing. I can’t find the light switch, and even if I did — I wouldn’t be sure if it’s the emergency button instead, only to then have the staff run in to save this naked man from an elaborate bathtub. With a growing panic, I decide to abort mission and get out. I reach up and push — the lid doesn’t budge.

Am I not pushing hard enough or am I now at the other end of the container? The panic grows. My eyes are burning. Just as I feel myself on the verge of calling out in desperation — I land upon a switch. Is it the light switch or the emergency switch? Unsure, I push it. The light comes on. The lid opens, and I’m blinded. As my vision returns, I see them. There stands the BBC News crew and my penis is immediately beamed live to 26 countries worldwide. My testicles remain submerged.

Ok, so there was no BBC News crew, and it was the light switch I happened upon thankfully. Having rubbed the salts from my eyes with my towel. I turn around, and head right back into the container for a second go.

The rest of the experience was pretty darn enjoyable, although where as I hoped the floatation tank would serve as a ‘fast-track’ to enter a deeper meditation — I found I was still plagued by the same issues I usually encounter: the monkey-mind running wild, and generally over-thinking the practice. I found it difficult to ‘let myself go’ as I felt a need to stay aware of where the light switch was. I managed the odd moment or two of relaxation and detachment from my thoughts, but ultimately I left calmer, but a little disappointed. 30 minutes after getting home, I had a nagging feeling that I want to go back…

Now, don’t let my experience deter you — I’ve heard from many how the experience is often incredible, and that it does take a few sessions to get used to what is a very new experience. A person I met yesterday, on his 9th float, described his amazing experience of feeling intense relaxation and perspective. He explained how he pictured himself as a log, bobbing along a river, in the sun — it gave him perspective, and a deep appreciation for being a literal part of this world. “How was it for you he asks?”. “Interesting” I respond. “… your first time?”. “Indeed”. He gave a knowing smile.

All this said, I know this was my own un-ease at play, my own claustrophobia which otherwise rarely makes an appearance and I have every intention to improve my meditation, floating included. I believe in running towards what scares you, and so I shall be returning in the coming weeks. Might keep the light on for the next session mind. That’s one way to ensure I see the light…

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