An Escape From Noise and Chaos

by Kristen Cervenak

My friends have often compared me to Cameron Frye from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. I am routinely filled to the brim with stress. Although I meditate daily, I could never seem to escape my every day worries. Little did I know that flotation sessions would be the key!
So I’ll back up and relive my experience. I was incredibly pumped to know that Metta Relaxation is like 2 miles from my apartment for future trips. When I first walked in, all I could think about was, “I parked pretty far… Dude. I hope somebody doesn’t tow my car.” I spoke with Stephanie and she explained to another woman and me how the 90 minutes would go.

The pleasant music came on and after a quick shower (with the best body wash I have ever used by the way), I was ready for floating. As soon as I got in, I was infatuated. The temperature was cool and I spent the first few moments gliding across the water. I tried to sink down, but it was impossible. That’s when the music stopped.

I could see more lights when I closed my eyes than I could with them open. I took a deep breath and relaxed my body. I could hear the movement of the water come to a standstill and realized that the shuffling sounds I heard were only the sounds of my blinking.

Although I was still, I felt as if my body was floating around in circles. It was like resting on a cloud, drifting in the sea, and a cosmic adventure all in one. I read previously that many people fall asleep, but that was the last thing I wanted to do!

We spend so much of lives surrounded by noise and chaos. It is easy to forget to find a way to experience tranquility. I began to wish that it would be possible to stargaze or sit in a forest with that amount of silence. In my retrospect, just a couple hours later, I really miss that silence.

Eventually came a time where I was still enough to basically feel nothing. I could then only feel small things like bubbles down my neck when I moved my head back, a drop of water rolling off my ribcage, and my hair brushing against my hands. (I found was the most soothing position!) My thoughts flew as well as the time. I heard the music, showered, dressed, and walked out with the BIGGEST smile. I didn’t really care if I walked out and my car was engulfed in flames.
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My muscle aches were gone. My worries were non-existent. I went home and had the biggest cup of chamomile tea in the world and for the first time in my 25 years of life, felt absolute peace and relaxation. It was hands-down the most pleasurable thing I have ever experienced.