Dive into the Void: Traveling to the Siren’s Chamber for Ultimate Escape

Our mission at Shock Naue, especially covering Entertainment News, is to uncover those fascinating, off-the-beaten-path adventures that capture the imagination. We bring these unique experiences to you, hoping you’ll be inspired to try them yourself. As advocates for unique forms of entertainment and personal exploration, we’re always curious about anything that promises a profound shift in perception or promotes increased presence and self-awareness. So, what does that have to do with stepping inside a dark, soundproof, weightless saltwater chamber? Well, if you’re ready to explore the depths of relaxation and perhaps Travel To The Sirens Chamber of your own mind, step inside with us and let us show you what awaits.

Sensory deprivation tanks, also known as float tanks or isolation tanks, first emerged in the 1950s. They were initially used for scientific research to study how the brain functions without external stimulation. Researchers discovered that relatively short periods of controlled sensory deprivation could induce states similar to deep meditation, shifting brainwaves from the active beta or relaxed alpha states towards the deeply relaxing theta state. By the 1980s, these float tanks began appearing in wellness centers, offered to the public seeking their restorative and rejuvenating benefits for mind and body.

While we’d heard whispers of various float centers around Los Angeles over the years, we knew the moment was right to take the plunge when Just Float opened its doors in Pasadena. Billed as the world’s largest float center, it offered a unique opportunity right in our backyard. Unlike the smaller pods often found in spas, Just Float features eleven custom-designed private float tank rooms. Each expansive room provides a personal sanctuary, complete with its own shower, dressing area, and essential amenities. The heart of the room is the private float tank itself – a surprisingly huge walk-in chamber large enough to comfortably stand inside (a welcome relief for those prone to claustrophobia). This chamber is filled with about a foot of heavily salted water, kept at skin temperature. The high salt concentration makes you incredibly buoyant, allowing you to float effortlessly on the surface with zero physical exertion.

The Journey Begins: Arriving at Just Float

Stepping into the serene environment of Just Float, you immediately feel a sense of calm wash over you, a stark contrast to the usual hustle and bustle of searching for unique entertainment experiences. The spa is quiet, immaculately clean, and the staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, instantly putting your mind at ease. It’s essential to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled float time. This allows you ample opportunity to complete the necessary paperwork and watch a brief introductory video explaining the float experience. This step is genuinely helpful, providing just enough practical information to understand the logistics of what is about to happen without creating overwhelming expectations about your personal journey. If you have the chance to speak with Jim, the owner, we highly recommend it. Jim’s passion for floating is truly infectious, and his genuine care for providing this experience is palpable. Encountering him makes you feel instantly inspired to fully relax and surrender to the unique gift he’s offering. He is clearly a man on a beautifully peaceful mission, someone who deeply practices what he preaches.

From the welcoming lobby area, a staff member will guide you to your designated private room. The first step in preparing for your float is a pre-shower using the provided shampoo and body wash. (Pro Tip: To avoid stinging, it’s best to shave the day before your float session, rather than the day of, due to the water’s high salt content.) We also suggest using this shower time as an initial step in your relaxation process. Start letting go of outside worries and allow your mind to settle. Treating the shower as part of your pre-float ritual helps you enter a more centered state even before you enter the chamber itself.

Stepping Inside the Chamber: The Sensory Experience

After your shower, you open the door to the float tank and step inside. Earplugs are available if you prefer, and a small spray bottle of water and a towel are thoughtfully placed inside in case you need to rinse any saline from your face. It’s clear Just Float has considered every detail to ensure maximum comfort during your floating adventure. Once inside the chamber, you close the door behind you. Initially, soft spa music might play and dim lights may illuminate the space overhead. As you lay back into the water, you can press a large white button on the side to turn off the lights and officially begin your float session. The music will typically fade out on its own shortly thereafter. However, you do have the option to leave the lights or music on if that makes you feel more comfortable. For the most profound experience, though, we highly recommend embracing the full blackout. The chamber becomes completely pitch black and silent, while the dense, warm water effortlessly supports your entire body. You might initially move your hands or adjust your position, but soon it feels incredibly natural and comfortable to just let your limbs float wherever they naturally rest. Your whole body is perfectly held by the water, requiring no effort whatsoever on your part.

Now, this is the part of the journey that is uniquely personal. The experience inside the sensory deprivation chamber is truly something that cannot be fully explained in words; it simply must be experienced firsthand. It is unique to each individual and will likely be different every single time you float. Just as I advise my meditation students not to “chase experiences” – recognizing that each meditation session is influenced by your current state and circumstances, making each one unique – the same principle applies to a float session. The core purpose is to achieve absolute presence. The powerful benefit of the chamber is its ability to act as a fast track to this state by completely removing all external distractions, allowing you to settle into the present moment almost effortlessly.

However, it’s perfectly normal if you find your mind racing as you begin your session, especially if you’ve had a busy day (as I had after a hectic morning). If you notice your thoughts ricocheting, be kind to yourself and take a moment to ground yourself. When my mind was particularly active, I briefly sat up in the darkness before fully lying back in the water. Taking just two minutes at the start to connect with my breath and body in the stillness allowed me to gently melt into peaceful relaxation for the remaining 58 minutes of the session. When the soft music and lights eventually faded back on to signal the end of my time, I was genuinely surprised by how quickly the hour seemed to have flown by. It was then that I fully understood why experienced floaters often opt for two-hour sessions; once you find that sweet spot of deep relaxation, you truly want to linger there.

Emerging from the Depths: Post-Float Experience

Once your float session concludes, you have about 15 minutes allocated to shower again, washing off the salty residue, getting dressed, and transitioning back to the outside world. Just Float provides a comfortable lounge area equipped with hair products and blow dryers, perfect if you need to freshen up before heading to your next destination. There’s also a dedicated relaxation room featuring calming tea, adult coloring books, and a spa journal. The journal is a fascinating addition, allowing you to make notes about your experience and read about the floats of others. Flipping through its pages reveals a wide range of personal journeys and gives you a sense of being part of a larger community exploring unique paths to wellness and inner peace.

After my time in the siren’s chamber, I felt as though I was gliding rather than walking. A profound sense of peace and deep relaxation settled over me, leaving me feeling almost giddy. I genuinely felt lighter in every possible sense – physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s easy to see why people become regular floaters. With the option of monthly package deals that can even be shared between two people, this unique wellness experience becomes surprisingly accessible. I’ve already planned my next visit and find myself enthusiastically recommending it to everyone I know. Because, truly, if you have the extraordinary opportunity to literally lighten your entire mind, body, and soul simply by lying in a quiet, dark room for a while, it’s an adventure well worth taking.

Conclusion

Our journey to the sensory deprivation chamber at Just Float revealed a powerful tool for relaxation, mindfulness, and self-exploration. It’s a unique form of ‘entertainment’ that goes beyond passive consumption, offering a deeply personal and potentially transformative experience. Stepping away from external stimuli allows you to reconnect with your inner self, providing a valuable escape from the pressures of modern life. For anyone seeking a novel way to de-stress, improve focus, or simply experience profound peace, exploring the world of float therapy, perhaps by planning your own Travel To The Sirens Chamber, is an adventure well worth taking.

For exact hours, scheduling & pricing, visit Just Float’s website: http://justfloat.com.

Words by Christina Huntington // Photography by Sarah Prikryl

© 2016 Sirens and Scoundrels