But I just have a really tough time turning my brain off and sitting still.
Unless Im about to go to sleep, then it happens in 5 minutes flat.
I really like sleep, obviously.
Alexander Rhind / Getty Images
I had heard about sensory deprivation tanks a few years ago, but wrote them off as too extreme.
So, I decided it was time to give it a try.
When youre floating at the beginning, your mind is going to be racing, Granik told me.
The sensory deprivation tank at Floating Lotus
I cry whenever I get myyearly flu shot.
But I tried my best to focus on my breathing and keep it together.
But once you do, its like time disappears."
Help.
At some point you lose track.
Your mind cant really think so well when you do that, so it short-circuits all of your thinking.
I was ready for meditation to be mine.
This is me, looking really excited and not hesitant at all before climbing in. Also, that’s a floating neck pillow in the background.
Then it was just me, complete darkness, and utter silence.
At first, my body was really confused.
I kept closing my eyes and reopening them expecting to see light.
I also couldnt decide if I should keep them open or closed.
I was also concerned about making sure I stayed facing the same direction as I floated.
Clearly my brain neededsomethingto worry about.
Once I got settled, I thought: 1) Will thisdo anything to my vagina?
(Im a health editor, sorry), and 2) Will it ruin my highlights?
(I used to be a beauty editor, and that sh*ts expensive.)
The answer to both is no, by the way.
Don’t be surprised if you experience a slight burning sensation down yonder, but nothing bad will happen.
I decided to heed Graniks advice and concentrated fully on steady breathing and counting.
Other than this little blip, though, it was smooth floating.
After some more zen time, I started to hear a ringing in my ears.
Was I hearing things?Is it normal to hallucinate when you meditate?
Is that why people love it so much?
!The answer is no, I was not hallucinating.
After showering again quickly, I headed out.
I immediately texted my editor to let her know how it went.
Clearly my mind was too relaxed to remember how to spell correctly.
When I reached the street, I realized I was hyperaware of the sounds and lights.
I didnt check my email or even pretend I was going to get more work done.
I just rode that calm wave right into bed.
For the first time ever, I was able tostop my racing thoughtswhile still being conscious.
For more than three seconds.
And I finally could understand whymindful meditation is recommendedas a simple, effective stress-reliever.
You gotta start somewhere, right?
