Adrift in Bliss
Float in the Forest's BlogFloat in the Forest’s blog
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 create an entirely new perspective of your human self. With a possibility of enabling more positive and new ways of thinking, as well as potentially challenging some limiting beliefs you had, but were unaware of them existing beforehand.
Immerse your self in light and music
Extraordinary kaleidoscopic patterns are enhanced and in alignment with the music that is played via headphones.
I believe the simultaneous effects from both the light and the music combined, form a fully immersive experience that one could deem to be wholly real and true.
Initially, you may notice yourself trying to make sense of what you are seeing, but it is almost impossible to identify with everything. Therefore, I can highly recommend simply allowing yourself to succumb to the sumptuous wonder and captivation unfolding in front of you.
With each piece of music, comes an entirely new adventurous journey; all of which you are creating and experiencing from within yourself. Despite each voyage being completely different, the key similarity between each session is the beautiful surge of inner peace and calmness that washes over you. It truly is so divine and moreishly delicious that you are without a doubt, left wanting more time with the light.
Safe and comfortable
Before venturing into my first light session, I was intrigued yet unsure of what to expect. I assumed the position on the chaise longue, snuggled myself underneath the blanket and followed the clear instructions from Will. Initially, once the first session had started, I remember feeling quite overwhelmed and taken aback by what I was experiencing. It was like nothing I had ever witnessed before and it took me a few moments to adjust and fully relax into. Will was sure to check in and determine that I was happy to continue, which of course I was.
A new viewpoint
I can specifically remember hearing water dripping, then it seemed as though the sound changed to someone walking through the water. While acknowledging the audio, the visual representation invoked various blue and turquoise colours coupled with transposable patterns. All of a sudden, I remember there being a break in the music, which created a light blue pane of glass directly in front of me, then as the music resumed, the whole pane of glass shattered before my very eyes and I watched each shard fall to the ground in slow motion.
When I say “I watched”, I do not mean to watch from our usual viewpoint of how we perceive and interact with the world around us. I mean; I was the pane of glass as much as I was the observer of the pane of glass, the two were not separate but intertwined. There was a great sense of totality and an all encompassing familiarity throughout the entire light session, I felt safe, I felt free, I felt like I was home.
The light is able to alter our brainwave activity to a point of total relaxation. Sometimes it is possible to become so relaxed, you find yourself in the transitional stage of waking consciousness and sleep. How wonderful it is that a flickering light can produce such a breathtaking, other worldly exploration, whilst also transporting us to a complete state of Zen.
If you are someone who is a seeker of any kind, I encourage you to come and revel in the delights the light brings forth. Allow yourself the freedom to venture beyond the perspectives that have been and always will be; allow yourself the freedom to be curious.
Meet Monique
Who is Monique Oliver? I am a self-taught professional artist and qualified/experienced educator based in the Forest of Dean.What do you do? I discovered paint pouring 5 years ago after several years of ill-health. All of my work is poured directly onto canvas from...
Jo’s float story
My story starts by the day I visited Float in the Forest on their Open day.... As we entered the reception we were greeted by Shari who gave us such a warm welcome, we were taken through into the rest area where the magical moment started. She then took us through...
Meet Lauren
Meet therapist Lauren Malone We'd like to introduce you to Lauren Malone. Lauren is a hypnotherapist and coach. She has been supporting people to make significant changes in their lives from Float in the Forest since July 2019.Master Practitioner Lauren has always...
Meet Katy
Meet therapist Katy Davies Introducing therapist Katy Davies, who has been providing awesome therapies at Float in the Forest since August 2019, so we thought it was about time to tell you a bit more about her! From sport to sport massageKaty has always been...
Meet Karen
Meet therapist Karen Hopes Introducing Karen of Karen Hopes Aromatherapy, who makes the gorgeous moisturiser bars and melts we are now stocking in the float centre... As a child, Karen remembers soaking rose petals in water in jam jars to make ‘perfume’. She still...
Float stories – Angharad
"I left like a new woman", by Angharad Does this look like the face of a stressed out woman? A woman on the edge of some sort of episode? One that's installed two hot tubs in the rain, driven across country at breakneck speed, was 40 minutes late for a meeting, whose...
Now open!
Your float centre is now open Wow - what an amazing few weeks we have had since our last blog! It was Float in the Forest's soft opening on Tuesday 19th February 2019, and we've had 69 people float with us in the first two weeks! We really enjoyed our launch party on...
The float pods are in!
Float in the Forest fit-out blog Tues 5th Feb 2019 THE FIT-OUT IS APPROACHING THE END The majority of the fit-out has been done now... exciting times! The plumbing, ventilation, carpentry and second fix electrics are all now finished. FLOAT PODS ARE IN!...
Getting closer!
Float in the Forest fit-out blog Fri 18th Jan 2019 Ventilation In our last fit-out blog, we mentioned that we were starting work on the ventilation system for the float centre. We've been having fun putting this system together - it's made progress, with just a few...
Happy New Year!
Float in the Forest fit-out blog Fri 4th Jan 2019Time for paintingWe hope you had a lovely Christmas and New Year break.Over the festive period our construction team took some well earned time off. This meant we could get stuck into painting the float centre without...
Getting quieter
Float in the Forest fit-out blog Fri 21st Dec 2018 Lots of progress Since our last blog lots has happened in the float centre fit out, and we have been so impressed with how hard the team are working. The first fix electrics are now done, and here's a view of what it...
Getting warmer
Float in the Forest fit-out blog Fri 23rd Nov 2018 New ceilings in the float centre The basic building has very high ceilings, which would make it a hard space to heat. Your float centre is going to be a cosy and comfortable place, so we are putting in lower ceilings,...
Christmas shopping
Dare we mention the 'C' word? Ok, so maybe it's still a bit early, but we're getting in the festive mood! We'll try not to overdo it for those of you who aren't ready yet. Getting festive It's possible that you're starting to think about Christmas shopping, and what...
The walls are up!
Float in the Forest fit-out blog Thurs 8th Nov 2018It's amazing how much can be achieved in under 2 weeks, when you've got the right team. Signage Before the fit-out began, we had our lovely signs created and installed, thanks to Pete at Napstok. The centre is taking...
What if I get claustrophobic?
"What if I get claustrophobic?" Concerns about getting claustrophobic are probably our most frequently asked question. Sometimes the question comes in different forms, for example: "How big is the pod?""Are you shut in it?""Are you locked in?""Will I be able to get...
Can’t I just float in my bath at home?
"Can't I just float in my bath at home?" When some people hear that floating involves Epsom salt, they wonder whether they can't just recreate the experience at home in their bath. So we would like to ask you the following questions: Have you got 550kg of Epsom...
How long does a float last?
"How long does a float last?" The length of a float can vary between different float centres. But the most common in the UK is one hour, and that's how long a standard float is at Float in the Forest. You may not be used to dedicating this time to relax. We ask you...
Take your own route to the flow state
"Sick of being left holding the spare water bottle, puncture repair kit and warm post ride clothing?? Come and relax instead at Float in the Forest... The antithesis of a black ATB bike ride!" These words came from a wise friend of mine, and they got me...
We got the keys!
Float in the Forest venue updateWe got the keys! Here is a sneak peek at what will become your floatation centre... Make sure you're signed up to our email list, to be kept updated on progress towards launch. We can't wait to host your float! [et_bloom_inline...
Groundbreaking float research
*** Update – this blog has been amended June 2020 to add a video at the end.***Anxiety and depression Anxiety and depression are the two most common mental health disorders. Their cost to the individual and to society is huge. Pharmaceutical treatments are not always...
Planning permission granted!
We have some exciting news... We got planning permission!! The property is in the south of the Forest of Dean, between Whitecroft and Bream, about 5 minutes' drive from Lydney. We've really appreciated everyone who has stuck with us through the journey so far. ...
What do I wear while I’m floating?
"What do I wear while I'm floating?" This is a common question Many people wonder what to wear when floating, and we realise the answer may not be obvious. If you look at photos of people floating, including on this website, some of them show people wearing swimming...
How do you make sure the water’s clean?
"How do you make sure the water's clean?" Sanitation and hygiene are very important to us at Float in the Forest. Everyone must shower Everyone is required to have a shower and wash themselves thoroughly before they get into the float pod. This includes their hair. ...
One giant leap for floatkind
Venue updateWe have some exciting news... we've got a new potential location!We've been researching it for a while, but didn't want to say anything until we were sure this could be a great place for Float in the Forest.Hopefully we will be in a unit on the Princess...
The peace of time alone
Do you get enough time alone? Privacy is a rare commodity these days. Many people feel like they spend all their time either at work or travelling to and from it, and are still with other people when they get home. Parents of young children may feel like they never...
I can’t swim… what if I sink?
"I can't swim... what if I sink?" You may be surprised to hear that this is actually quite a common question in relation to floating. Many people can't swim, and that is fine. Never had the opportunity Some people may not have been lucky enough to have the...
What has Float in the Forest been up to in 2017?
A rollercoaster year Phew! 2017 has been a rollercoaster year for us. Let's make no bones about it - we had hoped that our float centre would be open and we'd be floating you guys by now! The first thing to say is that we greatly appreciate your patience, and all the...
What if I fall asleep during my float?
"What if I fall asleep during my float?" There seem to be a few concerns behind this question. Embarrassment We often feel like we shouldn't let go in a 'public setting', as if it might be embarrassing or we might lose our dignity. Have you ever fallen asleep and...
Mind, Body & Spirit
Mind, Body & SpiritA couple of weeks ago we spent an interesting day on our stand at the Mind Body Spirit Show. The event was at the Chepstow Racecourse. We'd never been there before, but it was a good venue for this sort of event. It was warm and comfortable....
Re-charge your batteries
What if we recharged ourselves as often as we recharge our phones? Do you ever feel depleted? We all have days when we feel depleted. Sometimes we know we're pushing ourselves too hard, or not giving ourselves the fuel we need to function at our best. We may feel...
Floating times:
Wed - Sun 10am-8pm
By appointment
Mon - Tue closed
