From the moment I entered
the door at SacredWaters
Wellness Center in Long Island
City, I could tell I was in for a
life-changing experience. I am
no stranger to the high-speed,
hustle-hard New York City life,
but my continual quest (as a
strength coach, athlete, writer
and human) is to find balance,
recovery and renewal in my
small amount of free time.
MIND + BODY
By HAYLEY BRIDGEWATER
@HAYLEYREE3
That’s why I went to SacredWaters. According
to its website, it’s is the home of
the only Sensory Deprivation Floatation
Spa in Queens, and I have been interested
in Sensory Deprivation Float Therapy for
some time; I’d heard its praises from combat
sports athletes, my own mother and
the popular podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience.”
I was determined to give myself
over to whatever was going to happen, eagerly
and completely.
Once inside the wellness center, I felt
my shoulders drop a bit. I was instantly
16 MARCH 2 0 1 8
aware that I was moving at a very different
speed than the energy of this space. I was
intrigued, but also a little apprehensive.
I met Tara Summers, the resident “Den
Mother,” who was equally as welcoming
as the space, and she showed me where
I could put my shoes and belongings. She
eased my mind by providing me the details
of the process and some insight into
what I could expect.
To ease into the experience, as well as
to preserve the environment, I entered the
sound proof room, undressed and took a
shower before sliding open the door to
the float tank inside. As I turned around
and shut the door, I was instantly aware
that I was turning off the outside world. I
could hear nothing but the water and the
quiet, twinkling music. I could see nothing
but a dim blue light.
I sat down, centered myself in the warm,
buoyant water, and placed my arms
against the sides. As soon as I did, I effortlessly
floated, and my journey had begun.
I can sometimes have a difficult time
relaxing, but do have vast experience in
FLOAT
THERAPY