Rituals shape how we experience things. Whether it’s the way you sip your morning coffee or the playlist you put on before a workout, rituals set the tone for what comes after. At Terapung, floating itself has become a ritual for many of our guests but as with any practice, there are ways to refine it and discover a new depth.
What is Floating?
Floating is a simple yet powerful practice: you lie in a tank filled with warm water and high concentrations of Epsom salt, allowing your body to stay effortlessly buoyant. At Terapung, we take it further by creating a true sensory deprivation environment. Guests wear ear loops to keep water out, silent music plays only in the background, and there are no lights. This allows the nervous system to drop into a state where external demands are stripped away, leaving you with only yourself.
Most first-timers approach floating as a way to rest and that’s exactly what happens. After a quick shower, you step into the tank, settle into the water, and begin to let go. Breathing naturally is often the first anchor. Within minutes, muscles that have been tense start to soften. Many floaters describe the experience as a blend of deep rest and mental clarity. An hour usually passes faster than expected, and people often emerge feeling lighter, calmer, and more centered in their own body.
The New Method to Try
For those who have floated a few times and want to deepen the practice, adding a breathing ritual can make the session even more transformative. Instead of trying to empty your mind or chase a particular outcome, the focus shifts to a steady breathing pattern. A simple approach is to inhale through the nose for a slow count of four, pause briefly, and then exhale through the mouth for six. This rhythm naturally cues your nervous system to slow down, balancing the stress response with the body’s relaxation response.
With no lights, no distractions, and your body supported in complete weightlessness, this breathing ritual becomes easier to sustain. Over time, many people notice they can settle into a meditative state without effort. The result is not just deeper relaxation during the float but also lasting calmness after stepping out of the tank.
Why You Should Try It
Floating is already proven to lower stress, ease muscle tension, and support mental clarity. Pairing it with a breathing practice adds another layer to the experience. It helps you stay present without having to “try” too hard, making the most of that one hour you’ve given yourself. Think of it less as a technique and more as a way to tune into what’s happening in your own body and mind.
If you’ve floated before and want to explore a new layer of the experience, this breathing ritual is worth trying on your next visit. It doesn’t require special skills, only a bit of curiosity and consistency. Book your float at Terapung and give yourself that space to reset.
