I had heard about isolation chambers while studying the artists Bruce Nauman and James Turrell. They had done some work ith sensory deprivation chambers, but a lot has evolved since then.
I have been listening to the Joe Rogan podcast backlogs lately. He talks a lot about the isolation tank, and even has his own. He speaks highly of them so I began looking into it again.
In my brief research and also listening to and reading testimonials, it seemed that my experience could be anything from a very relaxing nap to a full on psychedelic experience. Many stated that the experience could shake loose some cobwebs and get to the heart of things that might bother you. This aspect made me a little nervous to try it. Would I discover i was crazy? Would I discover some underlying problems i have never addressed? Despite all this I felt it was worth the chance.
I'll get some of the logistics out of the way first. The place I went to was very nice and the guy was very calm and professional (The place is called Cloud Nine Floating Center in Boulder). Two other people were there with me for appointments.The guy working decided to take us all back and tell us what we needed to know at the same time. Unfortunately, the two people with me were a little dim and kept asking questions he had clearly answered and gone over. Oh, well.
Once I had the room to myself, I placed in the foam earplugs, rinsed off in the in-room shower, and began to try to fully relax. I also made sure to take my contacts out. These are all things explained to you in the introductory talk. Each room had towels, robes (if needed), a shower, and a tank. They also had the calming light from big salt lamps.
Once ready, I got into a tank that looked like a spaceship or a time machine.
It's got about 10 inches of water with tons of Epsom Salt mixed in to help you float in the water. About 1/3 of my body stayed above the water. Once I got in and shut the door, it was pitch black.
Once I got comfortable and allowed myself to completely relax, it was very enjoyable. It took a few minutes to finally relax, though. Your body has to get used to the new environment. Turns out, it takes a but to get comfortable when there is nothing to feel.
As far as noise was concerned, I could hear some noises from the neighboring businesses, I wasn't too bothered by them. It was like hearing a few distant thuds and bumps. I imagine if I wanted to really trip out on silence I would need to find a more isolated place.
At first I wondered what I should be thinking about. I felt I should think of profound things, but that's not where my mind wanted to go. I was forcing it for a little, but after awhile I completely chilled out and allowed my mind to wander. After a bit I wasn't sure if I was dreaming or not.
That was the craziest part, but at no time was I freaked out or scared. I just couldn't tell when I was dreaming or awake because when I thought my eyes were open, it was black and I couldn't really feel my body. Maybe my eyes were still closed..... I couldn't tell.
Time went by slowly at first. I felt like it might be a really long 90 minutes. By the time the soft music played to indicate the last 2 minutes, it felt like time went by very quickly.
I had a lot of random thoughts, images, and "visions", but they were fleeting and I don't remember what they were exactly. At one point I think I came up with a brilliant training idea for my cross country team, but I don't remember. More than once I felt like there were other people around me. Once I distinctly heard my name called from my left as if from a intercom. I almost answered it until I remembered I was the only one there. These things didn't freak me out, they just came and went.
Once I came out of the tank I felt a lot taller. I am already 6'6", but I felt huge because my spine stretched out. A few times in the tank I extended my body and felt my spine crack, pop, and align. I was very relaxed upon leaving the tank and rinsed off briefly. When I left and walked to the front, I found the guy working there reading a book about DMT. I bet that dude plans on getting totally mind blasted, then floating. Not sure I am ready for all that yet, but more power to him.
I definitely plan on returning and trying this again. I would also recommend this to others. If you are afraid of having weird experiences, or the pitch black, or the small spaces, there are options to have light or the door partially or all the way open. Floating itself just made my body feel great. Those who have a lot of stress or tend to carry it in your body or have chronic pain might benefit greatly from regular sessions. If you want to go that extra mile and get the psychedelic effects, I think a few sessions might do it. I may consider a little edible influences after I try it again a few times.
That was the craziest part, but at no time was I freaked out or scared. I just couldn't tell when I was dreaming or awake because when I thought my eyes were open, it was black and I couldn't really feel my body. Maybe my eyes were still closed..... I couldn't tell.
Time went by slowly at first. I felt like it might be a really long 90 minutes. By the time the soft music played to indicate the last 2 minutes, it felt like time went by very quickly.
I had a lot of random thoughts, images, and "visions", but they were fleeting and I don't remember what they were exactly. At one point I think I came up with a brilliant training idea for my cross country team, but I don't remember. More than once I felt like there were other people around me. Once I distinctly heard my name called from my left as if from a intercom. I almost answered it until I remembered I was the only one there. These things didn't freak me out, they just came and went.
Once I came out of the tank I felt a lot taller. I am already 6'6", but I felt huge because my spine stretched out. A few times in the tank I extended my body and felt my spine crack, pop, and align. I was very relaxed upon leaving the tank and rinsed off briefly. When I left and walked to the front, I found the guy working there reading a book about DMT. I bet that dude plans on getting totally mind blasted, then floating. Not sure I am ready for all that yet, but more power to him.
I definitely plan on returning and trying this again. I would also recommend this to others. If you are afraid of having weird experiences, or the pitch black, or the small spaces, there are options to have light or the door partially or all the way open. Floating itself just made my body feel great. Those who have a lot of stress or tend to carry it in your body or have chronic pain might benefit greatly from regular sessions. If you want to go that extra mile and get the psychedelic effects, I think a few sessions might do it. I may consider a little edible influences after I try it again a few times.
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