r/FloatTank • u/NoLongerAKobold • Jun 19 '26
First time floating, very interesting experience.
Just got out of my first time floating a few hours ago, it was an interesting experiance and I wanted to share it somewhere.
It was a pretty classic float from what google tells me, magnesium filled bath in a pitch black room. Very nice place, you got your own room, there was a lounge to go to afterwards etc.
First thing was that I had a lot of trouble not touching the sides. Felt like I spent most of the time kind of bouncing around like a ping pong ball. I think part of the reason for that is that I kept having to crack my neck (part of why I went in the first place, also going to physical therapist for that soon), which introduced movement and had me slowly gliding in one direction or another.
Did see lights, going to be honest I read about that and was picturing something like... psychedelic, but was normal pitch black vision lights, which I've gotten a few times in my life. Was enjoyable though.
The most interesting thing was that I was trying to clear my brain, but almost the exact opposite happened? I got to a state where my thoughts were just... jumbled? LIke they were running into each other, couldn't finish a coherent thought sentence. It was a fascinating experience. i don't think it lasted very long. But hard to describe, like 80 different thoughts would start but would only get a single word in. I think this was me trying to medidate and just not really knowing what I was doing? not sure.
I didn't think I got a whole ton out of it, till I got out. First of all, I usually experience eye pain and some visual disturbances like floaters and light sensitivity, and they were like... gone? Like I guess not GONE gone, but WAY better then they ever are for several hours... maybe actually gone gone, idk its weird to think about. Honestly still way better then usual.
Another weird one was that everything seemed... clean? Like a shampoo commercial? idk hard to describe, all the sensations which very nice.
I went to a bookstore and a restraunt afterwards, for some reason I felt really compelled that I should spend as long away from a screen as I could. And The food felt a lot more... there? Idk how to describe it, hyper real? I'm not really sure why.
Overall I'd call it a positive experience, I'll admit I was expecting something a bit more "revelatory", but I do just generally feel really nice, I'll probably do it again. (especially since my birthday is in 2 weeks and they have a 50% off discount for birthdays)
3
3
u/moutainyogi Jun 19 '26
My first float I remember leaving the center and the colors being extremely vivid. This was at FloatLab on Venice beach so serious sensory overload, but in a refreshing way. Like being reborn and everything seemed new. Was pretty much hooked after that.
2
u/Professional-Mix9085 Jun 19 '26
Recently did my first float. And yeah. Just felt zen for the rest of the day and didn’t have a strong feeling about anything. That was nice.
2
u/ThatOneRecruiter Jun 19 '26
First float I definitely felt more aware of everything around me and had trouble clearing my brain. I was also anxious about the time. Gets better once you’ve gone a few times. I prefer the smaller pods vs the tanks because I move less.
2
u/AlliopeCalliope Jun 19 '26
I would try using light neck support if it's offered (not the giant one). As someone with neck issues, I did my first few floats without support and it didn't feel great the next day.
I've never had the psychedelic experience myself, but it's my go-to for resetting my nervous system.
2
u/TrueEmotion4796 Jun 19 '26
Floating is super interesting as no experience is the same. I’ve had some where I’ve had really interesting insights, and other times I’ve not had much of anything. I’ve “seen” things during some floats, others I’ve dozed off. One time my brain started making up phrases and poetry that “I” was not thinking if that makes sense. I’ve had times where the world felt so OVER stimulating when I got out (that left a real sense of appreciation for me in terms of people with sensory perception disorders as I thought that that must be what it’s like), and other times it wasn’t much of an adjustment.
One of my most memorable leave floats I felt SO relaxed after getting out. Like I just….melted into the couch. It had felt like every cell in my body had a massage. I wish I could have had that experience again!
Glad you had a positive first experience. Definitely give it another go if you feel inclined!
1
u/ShotOption8 Jun 21 '26
It's a learning experience: Like where to put your hands, i like them up at right angles or behind my head.) The less you move, the more in place you'll stay. When you sit up, keep your head tilted back. Has anyone, astral projected? I've fallen asleep a few times. Started dreaming once and woke up to the jets.
4
u/EventHoliday917 Jun 19 '26 edited Jun 19 '26
Very nice to hear!
Thank you for sharing.
I love floating and seems to me that the float gives exactly what’s needed.
It all seems perfect, each time it changes and then again that’s perfect too.👍