Week 14 -  What New Things Are You Doing?

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Week 14 -  What New Things Are You Doing?

How are you doing? I must say, I was energized and exhausted after last week's VO Atlanta conference where I was in person with over 800 people. That's of a lot of peopling... Yes, I do believe that is a well know made up word. My version of it is... being around people and having to be engaged. 
In my earlier decades, I loved being out and about so much that I would have changes of clothes in my car and I would be ready for an impromptu salsa dancing outing or meeting up with friends. You might be thinking... Barbara, you are an extrovert. Yes, that can be true and I also have become more of a selectively social extrovert. I found this happening before the pandemic. I enjoy people AND I also enjoy being alone or at home.

I call this selective extrovertness, yes, another made up word. we can do that now, it's 2023!  I knew I would need to do something to get myself back into balance after 4 days of some serious peopling. So I scheduled my second Float session at True Rest Float Spa.

What is a Float Spa? Well, you can find out more here . I am not paid to promote them, I just like trying new things. Imagine being in a pod, that looks like something from outer space or a big white egg, in salt water. The amount of salt and solution allows you to float effortlessly.  Inside the pod you can have music pumped in or go for silence (my choice) and you can have a light on or off (my choice) to allow your senses to be deprived of stimulation. My session was for an hour and afterward I was offered tea, water and oxygen (free for the first session, $10 for the second session).  Being deprived of all stimulation was what I was looking for, and it was lovely.  
In December they had a two floats for the price of one special and I went for my first float on December 20th. I know the first time I do something I can be so in my head about what to expect that I may not be fully engaged.  I remembered listening to Brene Brown, author and researcher talk about FFT's - Freaking (EFFing) First Times on her podcast, Unlocking Us. She talked about giving ourselves grace when we try new things for the first time.  I gave myself grace through the float and I am sure that was I why I got more than one float session.  I knew the first time I would REALLY be in my HEAD about what to expect.

The second time I was able to relax  more in my session. I knew what to expect and was able to be more present. As I floated in the pod, I practiced my breathing and I think I took a nap. It was just what my nervous system needed to reset deeper that just meditation.

Will I float again? Possibly. They have packages for you to schedule regular floating sessions if you desire. Last week  I knew I needed something to really shift my energy to get back to my regular routines. The float session was just what I needed and I'm grateful to myself for being willing to try new experiences. To see a quick video of my pictures click here. 

When we do new things our brain becomes stimulated and we can become more creative and less fearful.

What's something new you've tried?  Let me know by replying here or messaging me on social media.

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