A Beginner’s Guide to Floating Meditation

Floating meditation is a therapeutic practice wherein you get inside a floating pod with temperatures adjusted to match that of your skin. It is a great practice for meditation beginners. 

The phenomenon of floating meditation has been around for a very long time. In fact, the practice garnered interest during the 1980s and the 1990s. Fast forward to 2024, the concept of floating mediation is gaining much-deserved traction. It serves as a phenomenal incentive for meditation beginners. What is the method all about? Let us find out!

What Is Floating Meditation or Therapy?

Floating meditation is a practice that takes place in an open ‘float room’ or a closed cabin or pod with lights or in total darkness, and with or without music. The temperature of water in the tank is matched to the temperature of your skin, thereby helping to lose perception of where your body ends and begins. The tank is saturated with salt to help you float.

During floating meditation, the part of the brain responsible for tactile input - the dialectic communication between the brain and skin - switches off. Thus, there is nothing for that part of the brain to do anymore. When combined with other tools, such as dim lighting or relaxing music, the induced meditative state is intensely sensational and beneficial. 

How to Reap the Best Benefits from Floating Meditation

If you are trying to reap the maximum benefits from floating meditation, some tips and tricks can help.

1. Focus on Your Breathing
   It is pretty easy to focus on your breathing while you engage in floating meditation. When you wear earphones during the practice, it becomes all the easier to be attuned to your sounds, such as your breath and heartbeats. The steps to follow include:

• Breath through your nose and pay attention to the inhale and exhale pattern
• Then inhale slowly for a count of four and then exhale for the same amount of time
• You will realize the relaxing effect the practice has on your entire being

2. Feel Your Body
   By using the breath to monitor your bodily experience, you may also get the most out of your floating meditation. When inside the tank or floating pod, you will become more aware of your body and the areas of tension as they begin to loosen up in the salts. 
   
   While exhaling, you can direct the breath to an area of your body where you feel the most tension. Gradually, you will feel the part of the body slowly tendering and the tension leaving. After some time, you will feel much lighter with every exhale.
    
3. Attempt Visualization
   Visualization during floating meditation is great for accessing inspiration and creativity or resolving problems. There are many ways of visualization, such as a positive affirmation.

Wrapping It Up

So, there we have it, a crisp overview of A Beginner’s Guide to Somatic Meditation.

Floating meditation is a therapeutic practice wherein you get inside a floating pod whose temperature is matched to your skin’s temperature so that all sensation is lost.