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Practical floatation |
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The float session |
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A commercial float session usually lasts
for 50-60 minutes. Float sessions of less than 30 minutes
are not common, because it takes the relaxation
response some 10-20 minutes to take full effect. Longer float
sessions - from 90 minutes to several hours - are popular with experienced
floaters and private tank owners. |
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Music or a video presentation at the
start of session helps the floater unwind. |
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Most of the float session is then spent in complete
silence and complete darkness. However, this is a matter of choice. |
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Music and light come on at the end of session to
rouse the floater from deep relaxation. |
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Learning or motivational materials -
if used - are usually introduced at the mid-point of a float session,
during the deepest state of theta
relaxation. |
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The first-time floater |
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Most people find the first float such
an exhilarating and liberating experience that they have difficulty
in describing it. However - as with any novel experience - different
individuals will approach the first float with a wide range of expectations
and objectives.
If the first-time floater approaches the experience with an open
mind and the intention simply to relax
for an hour - albeit in an entirely novel environment - the first
float will be enjoyable and memorable.
The first-time floater may experience a lot of "mental chatter",
as his or her left-brain analyzes the new experience. For this
reason a video presentation is useful at the start of the first
float, to occupy the floater's mind while the relaxation
response takes effect.
It may take two or three float sessions for some individuals
to become fully acclimatized to the
floatation REST environment. For this reason many centers offer
introductory packages of three float sessions to first-timers.
Once an individual is fully acclimatized, he or she can then start
using the
tank systematically as a tool for attaining specific objectives
or outcomes in his or her life.
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Frequency of floating |
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It is important to remember that although
Pathfinder is a high-tech instrument, what happens inside Pathfinder
is 100% natural, namely deep relaxation - nothing more, nothing
less.
It is from this natural state of deep relaxation that all the
benefits and applications of floating emanate.
Frequency of floating is a matter of personal decision, according
to an individual's life situation, needs, and objectives.
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There is no upward limit on frequency of floating.
Indeed, research has shown that the benefits of floating are cumulative,
and have the effect of reinforcing homeostasis
at all levels of the personality. |
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At times of strenuous physical or mental activity
- such as an athlete in pre-competition training, or a student preparing
for final exams - regular floating is especially beneficial. |
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There are other specific user-groups that stand to
benefit from regular floating, such as ladies
during pregnancy, anyone recovering from illness or injury,
and people with back-problems. |
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Recreational floaters often establish
a routine of having a fortnightly or monthly float, simply to spend
one hour of quality time in a state of deep relaxation. |
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Side-effects of floating? |
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Frequently reported side-effects of floating
include a broad smile, a feeling of being 10 years younger, and
the confidence that you are helping your body, mind, and natural
attributes to reach their full potential for whatever your personal
objectives in life may happen to be. |
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