Adrift in Bliss
Float in the Forest's BlogFloat in the Forest’s blog
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 once, long ago, happened across such a doorway. You fondly recall that time, and you wonder if you will find one again.
Psst… let me tell you a secret. At Float in the Forest, there are gateways to worlds of wonder.
There is a door waiting here for you. In fact, it is uniquely yours. You alone hold the key, and you are the only person who can go through …
Intrigued, you book a light session and arrive.
We talk you through how the portal works, and answer your questions. You recline in comfort, cosy under a blanket. We switch on the Roxiva RX1 light machine. Your journey begins as flickering light plays over your closed eyelids and music carries you across the threshold, and beyond.
An unusual magic unfolds as you discover landscapes of beautiful colours and fractal geometries. You glide into a state of profound relaxation. The experience is wonderfully strange, and at the same time you feel the familiarity of a homecoming. There is a sense of fulfilment, like the satisfaction of remembering something long forgotten and very special. Of course, it’s been with you all along.
You allow the light and sound to transport you away from the world for a while, through beautiful imagery and blissful moods, and gently back again. You find yourself revitalised, with the calm certainty that everything is going to be alright.
Open your door with the Roxiva RX1 light machine, and discover the beyond within.
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...
Second birthday writing competition
It's our second birthday! This has undoubtedly been a strange year, but with wonderful bits too, and we are pleased to be celebrating our second birthday. We are so grateful to all those who have floated with us, and we have loved being able to float you! To celebrate...
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...
Third float hero!
The third winning hero! Our 'Float Your Hero' competition recognises amazing local heroes every other Friday during the period that the float centre is temporarily closed. The heroes have all been nominated by someone who admires what they do for their community, and...
Lisa’s float story
Floating – a journey into self discovery My floating journey started 1 year ago when the Float Centre in the Forest of Dean first opened. I was sceptical and nervous as I suffer from claustrophobia but from the moment you enter theCentre - Shari and Will owners and...
Second float hero!
The second winning hero! We are holding a competition to recognise amazing local heroes, throughout the period that the float centre is closed. The potential heroes could be be NHS staff or they could be helping their community in many other ways at this difficult...
Meet Sara
Hi Sara, how did you come to be an artist? Having worked in the media and hospitality for many years, it wasn’t until 2000 after a back injury that art became my primary focus. Now as a Contemporary Artist I am lucky to have exhibited in London and Bristol as well as...
First float hero!
We have a winning hero! We are proud to be holding a fortnightly competition to recognise amazing local heroes. These heroes might be NHS staff or doing other roles to help their community at this difficult time. The heroes have been nominated by someone who is...
Anna’s float story
I can’t count how many times I have spoken to someone about floating… It’s easily a 3 digit number by now. Many people‘s responses to my limitless enthusiasm for floating are more like: ‘I would not survive in my head for an hour’, ‘Why would you want to be closed in...
Float your hero!
Find positivity in amongst chaos These are undoubtedly difficult times. Although the float centre is closed at the moment, we are still busy behind the scenes working on projects and new ideas. We wanted to do something special to recognise the amazing people out...
Kate’s float story
What does floating mean to me? If I had to sum it up in a single word, it would be freedom. I could talk about all the usual stuff - peace and quiet and taking time for myself and relaxing and achieving a deeper meditation - which is all fantastic and well worth...
Temporary Closure
Your health is our priority Everyone's wellbeing is our top priority, and for that reason we have taken the difficult decision to close Float in the Forest for the time being. We would like to make very clear that we have had no specific cause for concern at our...