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I Float Away...
As children, we establish our definition of safety, and of happiness. Because our frame of reference for the harsh realities of life is limited, we also establish a rich and colorful dream world. In this place, our imaginations run wild. No idea seems wrong, and our potential is limitless.
Do you recall a dream from your childhood; one so powerful that you revisited it night after night? I certainly did. I used to dream that I had the ability to fly.
My fascination with the idea of effortlessly lifting off the ground to float above the clouds probably went deeper than most. I can remember having my “flying dream” for many years. It always went the same way.
I’m at my bedroom window, looking at the ground below with no fear of falling. With a gentle push, i am out in the night air... floating. For a few seconds, this weightless feeling is something to get used to. After a deep breath, I settle into it and realize how simple it is. I feel very powerful, and excited to really try out my new ability. Next, I’m flying above the roof of my house. Once I take it all in, I’m ready to pick up some speed. I fly across our front yard, close enough to feel the grass with my hands - and then shoot straight up into the sky, as far as the first layer of clouds. I stop just below a big dense white cloud, and pause for a second.
I slowly push myself up inside the cloud, and the skin on my face feels cold. It’s a good cold; fresh and clean. Once I’m through the cloud, I am awestruck with what i see... the moon reflecting off of an endless valley of puffy clouds. I float across the tops of those perfect white clouds for as long as I can. It’s something I never want to end. I feel completely at ease, with no pressure of any kind on me; not from life, not from gravity, not from myself. Here is where my dream slows down and eventually always ends.
As an adult, I have had this dream a handful of times. I now wake up from this dream with tears streaming down my face. They are tears of happiness, and also of loss. I mourn for the loss of a younger me... a person who could escape life in his dreams and feel free of everything. The dream still feels wonderful as it is happening, but now a wiser and slightly more jaded voice in my head is saying “enjoy this while it lasts. It isn’t real.” I don’t want to believe the voice, but I know it’s telling me the truth.
And still, I have always considered myself lucky to have the dream from time to time. I am encouraged by the fact that I’m in touch with that inner child, and am still able to experience that beautiful feeling.
Actually, I’ve been having the dream much more frequently. It seems to be related to the introduction of Floatation Therapy in my life. I’ve floated about a dozen times in the last few months, and recently realized just how similar my dream and a float session are.
When I climb into the floatation chamber and first lie back, it’s just like the feeling of lifting off into the night sky. It takes me a few seconds to adjust, but I am quickly reassured that this is real... I’m floating! I feel no weight on my joints, my bones... my muscles begin to release as this beautiful sensation takes hold of my brain and I give into it. Minutes after climbing into the chamber, I feel layers of stress and pressure fall away. The many thoughts and anxious feelings which had been racing around my head are quieted. It’s as if I’ve pushed through the cloud and am looking out on that valley of moonlit softness... and everything feels ok.
Since realizing the connection between my dream and my float sessions, i find that I cry within the first ten minutes of my float sessions. These are not tears of loss for the hopeful child I once was. They are tears of gratitude. I’m grateful to have found my way back. I’m happy, thankful & hopeful for what my future holds. I am ecstatic to have found something that allows me to feel no pressure. And this time, it’s not a dream. It’s real. It’s tangible. And I love every second of it.
Perhaps you have also felt a bit lost at times. Being a grownup means a world of possibilities and joys. It also means that we lose sight of our own limitless potential. I had certainly stopped believing that the impossible could actually be possible. But when I’m in that floatation chamber, I believe again. My mind becomes calm and open to possibilities. I still have my “adult sensibilities” about me, but I know that I can choose to believe in the impossible. To me, that’s one of the best feelings in the world.
Matt Taylor is a Certified Natural Nutrition Coach, a Certified Essential Oil Coach & proud owner of The Taylored Touch Therapy Massage Studio in Center City Philadelphia since 2007. His passion for helping others work through physical pain & develop an understanding of their bodies is matched only by his love for educating and inspiring others about Natural Wellness. Six days a week, he can be found at his office on Locust Street. For a massage appointment, visit tttherapy.com or check out his natural wellness blog - TheNaturalGuineaPig.com
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