I spent 60 minutes in a float session and survived.

A few months ago I took advantage of a Groupon for a new experience, a 60-minute float pool session and it was harder to experience than I thought it would be.

A little about me:
I’m one of those people who is always in motion, always doing something. I rarely watch movies at home because halfway through I get distracted and start doing some project. When I finish that, I go back to the movie.

Why did I think I could stay in a float pool for 60 minutes?
I have no idea…

What was the experience like?
The room had a shower, and they tell you to rinse off before going in. They have you wear earplugs so the water doesn’t get in your ears. In the corner of the pool, there was a dry washcloth and a spray water bottle to wipe off your hands if they get salty.

The woman who checked me in explained all of this to me, but it didn’t register that the water will be REALLY salty. REALLY SALTY!

Otherwise, you just lay there in salty water and float around. It’s strangely relaxing, once you start to relax.

How salty is the water?
Well, I got in the pool and realized I forgot the earplugs. So I started the process with getting in and out of the water and getting salt all over my hands.

Have you ever touched your face with hands covered in salt? Maybe at the beach?

The water bottle and washcloth were helpful, but not quite designed for someone who doesn’t stop moving like me. But that was ok, all the salt forced me to relax.

I spent my first 20 minutes trying to figure out how it worked, how to keep myself from touching my face and just relax. After I got past that hump, I was totally relaxed. My mind went quiet, my body still. I don’t remember the last time I was that still.

I’ve been meaning to do it again, just haven’t done it. But I could probably benefit from some stillness these days.

If you enjoy experiences like this, try out my 7 Challenges to help experience more.