Adrift in Bliss
Float in the Forest's BlogFloat in the Forest’s blog
Tom’s float story
“What do you do for an hour?”
“Don’t you get bored”
These are two questions that I regularly get asked by people when I tell them that I go for float sessions.
Everyone has different motivations for going to Float in the Forest.
For some it’s for pure relaxation, and a bit of “me” time, for others it for almost meditative reasons, and for others it’s for pain relief.
For me, personally, it’s a little bit of all of them, and every float is different, but they all have one thing in common, the peace and tranquillity that they provide.
My reason for floating
In 2006, I was on my way to my Graduation Ceremony, travelling up the M6 motorway in a Smart convertible Smart Car, when we were hit from behind at 60mph, and rolled 4 times down the motorway. While I escaped without any broken bones, unsurprisingly, this did leave me with some long-term injuries, and chronic pain.
Over the years, I’ve tried my fair share of alternative therapies to assist with pain relief. Some have worked better than others, but none have come close to the effects of floating.
The weightlessness, the support, the calm, the peacefulness.
The float itself is just part of the experience at Float in the Forest. From the moment, you enter the front doors, you are transported to a world of relaxation, a little escape from the rush of everyday life.
Mission, vision, values
Why do we do this? Shari and I have always got a huge amount from floating ourselves, and it was the desire to share those benefits with others which inspired us to open Float in the Forest. Seeing the striking transformations in people before and after floating, and...
Mark’s float story
We really enjoyed this float story from Mark. We think it flows like a poem... see what you think...Float What is left of the world when I am alone but that which I carry with me, what does it mean to be truly alone but to let go all those things of substance and...
Floating in silent darkness
A unique opportunity In a world that often bombards us with noise, distractions, and a constant rush of information, floatation offers a unique opportunity for introspection and tranquillity. This practice, which involves floating in warm, buoyant water in a quiet...
You are not your job
Who are you expected to be? From the moment we are born, we are often shaped by the identities and expectations that our parents and family members impose on us, leaving us with little choice. Many of these hopes and dreams reflect the unfulfilled aspirations of our...
Why float in summer
Why float in summer? Great question! Here are just a few reasons to quench your curiosity... Explore nature with senses reawakened Firstly of course there is our location in the beautiful Forest of Dean. So, one lovely thing about floating here during the summer, is...
Kirk’s float story
I have been a member of Float in the Forest for many months... and it serves as my sanctuary of calm and clarity. This state of mind could not be achieved without the meticulous attention to detail that Float in the Forest provides, from the welcoming atmosphere to...
Hayley’s float story
I had my first float at Float in the Forest on a Friday. It had been a difficult month, filled with work and stress; yet, though I had slept well the night before, I still felt a fatigue that went beyond mere tiredness. It was a weariness that reached deep into my...
Amanda’s float story
Holding up the weight of my household takes more than two hands — it’s taken my back, my hips, and my knees. Endless demands of daily life press down on me, an invisible but undeniable burden that I carry every day. Responsibilities and bills pile up like bricks...
Sixth birthday writing competition
It's our sixth birthday! We are so grateful to all those who have floated with us, and we have loved hosting your floats. To celebrate our birthday we are bringing back an exciting opportunity for everyone who has floated with us in our first six years. We would like...
A secret door
Have you ever discovered a secret door through the surface layer of life, into something deeper, something amazing? Perhaps you've never felt the joy of such a find, but somewhere deep down you have always known it is possible. Perhaps you are one of the lucky few who...
Floating whilst pregnant
The very beginning It was my sixth time floating in the beautiful quiet darkness here at Float in the Forest. I ventured into my usual room Serenity eagerly, as I already knew what awaited me and I was very much looking forward to allowing all of my stresses, worries...
A dream-like portal
Extraordinary and indescribable Just imagine being transported through a dream-like portal; full of interchanging imagery and colours that are indescribable because they do not exist here on planet earth. An alternate reality that is so expansive and vast, it can...
Take a break from parenting
Take a break from parenting Everyone who is a parent will understand just how brutally relentless it can be. We could even refer to parenting as: the constant doing for another outside of ourselves for 18 years, and then some! Now, that's not to say that parenting...
The float journal
An opportunity for creativity After a float some people want to remain in quiet contemplation, others are keen to talk about their experiences, and then there are those who enjoy expressing themselves in writing or drawing. In light of this, since opening in February...
Serenity that lasts for days
Scientific research shows floating reduces anxiety and depression Running the float centre we have the privilege of witnessing the wonderful benefits of floatation on a daily basis, and it's great to see the body of scientific research confirming these benefits...
Why I love running a float centre – Shari
My name's Shari, I'm one of the Co-Founders of Float in the Forest, and I wanted to tell you a bit about why I love running a float centre... One of my favourite things about running the float centre is getting to meet all you lovely people! We get all sorts of people...
Sonya’s float story
Hello everyone, Why do I love floating? The main reason is because it is what it is: FLOATING - no weight, no stress, nothing else to do, no one else to consider - just like a trip through the white clouds. I always come away relaxed, refreshed with renewed energy and...
Alaster’s float story
Out of this world relaxation My watch buzzes urgently with an insignificant notification. My phone chirrups its retort, reminding of things neither urgent nor significant. A short pause, then a further beep alerts the arrival of a message also in need of no urgent...
Becci’s float story
When I first went to float, I was anxious. Of course I was – of all the things I can do well, anxiety is right up there. But why was I anxious? I was concerned about privacy for one, mainly because I was a teenager in the 80s and could recall the horrors of the...
Jake’s float story
We have all tried the meditation. Personally, I have tried apps, books and even a group zoom session (the latter being about as relaxing as it sounds). I sit down with the best of intentions and begin to focus on my breathing. It is going well. Inhale. Exhale. I...
Book Review: Floating in Quiet Darkness
Book review: Floating in Quiet Darkness by Lee and Glenn Perry How the Floatation Tank has changed our lives and is changing the world This book will be enjoyed and valued by many, not only those with an interest in floatation. For everyone loves a good story, and...
Rachel’s float story
My partner Chris gave me a Birthday card, an invite to ‘Float-in-the-Forest’, I was intrigued! Was I going to be immersing myself into the icy stillness of our local stream and trying to enjoy myself or worse, hiking up on the common and joining the frogspawn in our...
Floatation delivers health benefits
Updated 11th Sep 2021 Protecting your health We have all learned a lot about the coronavirus and COVID-19. Knowledge can dispel fear. We have taken scientific advice from expert sources, and are doing some things a little bit differently in order to best protect your...
Float with guidance
Having a busy mind Hi I'm Shari, and I have a very busy mind. It has a tendency to go over and over things if I'm not careful. Maybe you can relate to this. I only started experimenting with meditation quite recently, and like a lot of people, I thought I wouldn't be...
The Float poem
...or How to Float We have just finished adding subtitles to the video which everyone watches before they first float. This video takes you through the process of how to float. By that we mean the practicalities of using the shower, where things are in the room, and...
Opening 8th July!
We have an opening date! We are very pleased to announce that we will be reopening from Wednesday 8th July 2020 for floatation, and you can book right now. We have all learned a lot about the coronavirus and COVID-19 over the past few months. Knowledge can dispel...
Fifth float hero!
The fifth winning hero! We are holding a 'Float Your Hero' competition every fortnight until we are able to re-open. (Hopefully not too much longer now!) This competition is for local heroes. They've been nominated by someone who admires what they do for their...
Have you noticed?
Details in the float centre We put a lot of thought into the art and other little touches around the float centre. When floating is a new experience, sometimes it can all be a lot to take in, so we love it when you notice and admire them too! Currently you don't have...
Fourth float hero!
The fourth winning hero! Our 'Float Your Hero' competition is running every fortnight throughout the time that we are temporarily closed. This competition recognises amazing local heroes. The heroes have been nominated by someone who admires what they do for their...
Sarah’s float story
Constantly moving, thinking, doing.Unable to press pause in a world where we are constantly connected. A time without social media and a million apps open in the mind and on our lifeline seems inconceivable… for it is not merely just a phone now… When was the last...
Floating times:
Wed - Sun 10am-8pm
By appointment
Mon - Tue closed
