Art of the Float

Where float centers thrive

Soul of the Industry Part 2

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The second half of the Soul of the Industry recording is reeled out in this week’s episode, where discussions get more in-depth. Some folks share stories of co-advertising with neighboring float centers and ideas on how to bolster collaboration between float centers. Things get deep when they begin to explore implications of involving health insurance companies with floating. Tales of success pepper the spread of reasons not to go down this route. If you feel strongly either way, or even if you’re on fence about pairing health insurance with floating, there’s some really interesting perspectives that deserve an attentive ear(or two.) At the tail end, another controversial, yet popular, topic arises – the coupling of floating and cannabis.

Things are moving at that familiar slower-than-expected pace with the second float center ‘round Nashville, TN. Permits aren’t quite submitted for, and choosing a contractor is still on Amy’s to-do list. She talks about what it was like to interview three very different candidates and how this process has helped her consider what qualities could have hidden benefits, or have the potential to piss her off! One good thing about this process being slow as molasses… getting to know the neighbors! [Read more…] about Soul of the Industry Part 2

Soul Of The Industry Part 1 (Float Conference Workshop)

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We all feel a bit like Lewis and Clark at times, mapping out otherwise uncharted territory as we navigate the world of float center operation, but wouldn’t it be nice if we had access to some sort of handbook? Or a wise mentor that we could call up anytime, day or night? Well that’s pretty much of what the Float Collective, a largely Canadian not-for-profit organization, offers – a continually growing, members only, verified and diverse community of fellow float professionals. The only price you pay to join is a bit of time, the screening process is understandably a bit backed up! In this week’s episode, we tear into the first half of the recording from the Soul of the Industry discussion, hosted by the Float Collective. You’ll learn more about who they are, what they do, and why they do it – and what they’re talking about when they say the ‘soul’ of the float industry. This is an open discussion that naturally flows from various people’s perspectives, who are working to identify what’s at the root of common, persistent problems that float centers face. There’s a very productive conversation about why educating our communities on floating presents itself as such a challenge, and how we can better approach that. Slides from the discussion are below! [Read more…] about Soul Of The Industry Part 1 (Float Conference Workshop)

Post Float Conference Glow 2017

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We’ve got a big, juicy Float Conference episode ripe for the pickin’! Can’t beat the feelgoods that come from a long weekend of hanging out with inspiring, like-minded people and talking about why we do what we do. Super cool new float tank designs, electrifying presentations on float research, and tons of motivation to stay on course with improving people’s lives. Some things at Float Conference, we plan on, but loads of experiences happen throughout the event that could never been anticipated. Dylan and Brian share some highlights of this year’s gathering, and Amy joins in reminiscing about conferences in years prior. She’s definitely attending next year – we have her word! [Read more…] about Post Float Conference Glow 2017

Why We Do This

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We’ve focused a lot recently about the drawbacks and burnout that come with running a float center, but what about the positives? Why did we start our centers in the first place, and what are we continuing to get out of it? Amy talks about being driven by her entrepreneurial spirit and how that’s shaped what she wants for herself and her business with her second center. Lance talks about the magic of creating something from nothing that others get to enjoy, being able to employ others, and how to find balance amongst all of it. Producer Brian jumps on to talk about the satisfaction that comes from overcoming mental hurdles, defying the limits of what you thought you could accomplish.

A float center is definitely a “cool kid magnet”, and Amy talks about the fascinating people she’s met and fun opportunities that have come about because of her center. Dylan talks about the quality of life he enjoys by being an entrepreneur, being the manager of his own time and working when he’s feeling inspired. [Read more…] about Why We Do This

Weeded Warrior – PTSD

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The gang is joined this week by Mik and Bek of the Weeded Warrior Project, who you may remember from their compelling speech at the 2016 Float Conference. After returning home from deployment, Mik slowly noticed the symptoms of PTSD surface and talks about his frustrating experience with the conventional approaches to treatment and struggles with addiction. With the support of Bek, whose role as the caregiver was also taking a toll on her mental health, they started exploring alternative therapies and found immense relief from cannabis. Although he initially looked at it as another vice, he shares what he’s discovered about the healing components of cannabis and how they’re working to increase awareness.

After hearing about floating from Joe Rogan, Bek had a gut feeling that it too would be healing for both of them. Mik began floating regularly and shares how his floats evolved over time, from simply getting extra rest to meditating and processing trauma. They share an interesting perspective on length of floats with regard to what the industry usually calls “sinkers” and also offer advice for sufferers of PTSD as they go into their first float. [Read more…] about Weeded Warrior – PTSD