Page 33 - new-2018-11

t
l
t
t
r
ra
an
n
q
q
u
u
i
i
l
HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE THE INDESCRIBABLE?
There are certain phenomena that must be experienced to be truly appreciated and understood. Their uniqueness and ability to touch each person in a distinct and personal way catapults them into a rare group deserving of the “too extraor- dinary for description” definition.
Floating is one such wonder.
Also known as flotation therapy, sensory deprivation, zero gravity therapy and restricted environmental stimulation therapy (R.E.S.T), to say floating simply provides physiological benefits is one-sided. To merely say it’s relaxing and therapeu- tic is a massive understatement.
For decades, floating has been used to alleviate pain and reduce stress, as well as promote relaxation and provide a meditative experience by providing an experience void of external distractions like sound, touch, smell and gravity: true sensory deprivation.
At Float Light in downtown Appleton, the Roug family has created an experience for its guests — their float family — known as Floating Light, a concept that’s been in the works and that has been perfected over the last several years.
“I first floated in 1989,” Jan Roug says. “It’s amazing, and as it’s evolved, I knew it was something we had to bring to the area.”
“Because of the way we do it, it’s different than anything else in the world,” Jonathan Roug says. “We took so much time build- ing this business, every single detail was ironed out before we opened the door. It was synchronicity – everything fell in line in the beginning of 2018.”
HOW DO YOU FLOAT LIGHT?
The carefully crafted experience begins when simply entering the family-run business. Ethereal, dreamlike music plays softly, almost unnoticeably until you realize the pleasant effect it has upon arriving. Filled with natural light and accents of blue, green and grey, Float Light’s lobby resembles a chic aquarium,
complete with “wave walls” that add texture without being loud. A thoughtful, unrushed tour of the entire space leaves no unanswered questions. A colorful chalkboard wall with words of wisdom written by those who have previously floated greets visi- tors with sentiments like, “Lose your mind and find your soul” and “Relax, escape, embrace peace.” Jonathan urges first-time floaters to seek this perspective and anticipate the unique expe-
rience before them without anxiety.
“It gives people courage and allows them to feel OK with this
process,” he says. “It is a fearful thing for a lot of people.”
The calming and otherworldly atmosphere deepens as you make your way to the float lounge, a cozy area designed for reflection and digestion after experiencing zero gravity therapy. The ambiance, lights and artwork have been instinctively chosen to elevate mindfulness. In fact, in many cases, like the business’s distinctive logo created by Jessie Roug, the artistic inspiration
comes after Floating Light.
p
p
pr
ro
of
fo
ou
und