everything zen

The theme of the weekend turned into everything zen. ☮️  I guess downloading the Headspace app on Friday afternoon just set the tone.

yoga.

Saturday morning kicked off with vinyasa flow class at Moksha Yoga Studio to celebrate the unveiling of this large mural of Ganesha. Cora, the studio owner, led our class and explained the significance of the elephant-headed god.

symbolism:

• Large ears: Listen more
• Trunk: High efficiency and adaptability
• Axe: Cut off all bonds of attachment
• Big head: Think big
• Mouse: Desire
• Blessings: Blesses and protects those on a spiritual path
• One tusk: Retain the good, let go of the bad

float therapy.

this article from mindbodygreen reminds me of my exact thoughts when I first learned about float therapy.

“When an old, crunchy-granola roommate first described the concept of floating to me, I thought she’d had one kombucha too many. Who would want to voluntarily spend time suspended naked in an enclosed space filled with saltwater?” 

In my case, Billy was my crunchy-granola friend. He had not only had one too many kombuchas but also listened to yet another Joe Rogan podcast to inspire a float. How could he possibly convince me that floating in a tank for 90 minutes with nothing but my thoughts was a good idea? I can easily be bored in a 20-minute Epsom salt bath while I listen to an audiobook or watch a show. This prompted the downloading of Headspace. If I was going to benefit from this zen-like experience, I’d have to try and train my brain to enjoy the sound of silence.

Now, what is float therapy? You float in a float tank filled with 10 inches of water and approximately 1,000 lbs of Epsom salt. The tanks are insulated against noise to allow you to relax in peace & quiet. Our sensory deprivation experience was at Float8 Wellness Lounge in Deerfield Beach, Florida.  The owner Matt showed us around the space starting in the front meditation lounge. It is recommended to arrive a little early and get your head in the right mind space before your float. The space is very vibrantly decorated with artwork from local artists. There is a Chill Lounge outside of the 4 tank rooms with a nice seating area, kombucha on draft and snacks. There are 2 restrooms stocked with hair dryers and a ton of cute amenities for your post-float primping. The float tank rooms are equipped with a full shower and a cute tray of goodies. Matt walked us through the best way to Float8 and in case you forgot, there was a printed sign with the step-by-step instructions.

how to float8:

• Insert wax earplugs as your face will be submerged until about your temples.
• Cover any nicks and cuts with an emollient, otherwise, you’ll feel the burn!
• Take a shower to keep the tank solution clean. Shampoo your hair, skip the conditioner.
• Hop into the pod and shut the tank door. *You may elect to keep the tank open if feeling claustrophobic.
• Turn off the light. Lay back and relax.
• When you hear the tank draining, it’s time to get out!
• Post-float shower, use all the conditioner you want and mind your eyes.
• Bask in your post-float zen.

How did it go? I can’t believe how quickly time passed by! Honestly, I never thought that I would have survived 90 minutes. I did move around to find the right position to get comfortable. Soon after, I am almost positive I fell asleep. Float8 states that “you’re more likely to enter a theta wave brain state that is between wake and sleep.” I was able to float the entire time without the neck support float and I left the light on. When I was wide awake, the water reflected pretty colors on the top of the tank to entertain me. Since your entire body isn’t submerged the entire time, parts of your body that have touched the solution and remain exposed do get a salty crusting over feeling. I couldn’t wait for the post-float shower and was surprised that I wasn’t a total prune! I certainly felt very relaxed after the float. Relaxed to the point that I passed out that night! It is recommended to try 3 floats within the first 30 days to experience the benefits of float therapy. I dug it and would happily try it again and benefit from total-body rehab and get the creative juices flowing!

nature.

Sunday Funday started with a brisk walk through Royal Palm Beach Commons with Lucy. I love that people are always in that park. Public spaces being used makes me happy! Lucy enjoyed her car ride and sniffing around a new spot. I took a trip later in the afternoon to Mounts Botanical Garden.  Every time I visit there are new improvements and it’s a pleasure to explore the gardens. A little does of #floralmepretty does a body good.

I have a daily reminder to practice guided meditation with Headspace. Let’s see if I can commit to maintaining the zen on a daily basis. Peace, Love & Happiness.