A blissful oasis from the desert of stress, right here in northern Michigan…read more..
Originally from Boyne City, my family spends upwards of a month here in the summer, on extended vacations from Burbank. I've been floating for several years in places across southern California, and consider floating the single best thing one can do for stress and anxiety.
I was beyond thrilled to discover that floating has come to northern Michigan, by way of Willoway. Having gone without a float session since March, I'd all but resigned myself to having to wait - and then, thankfully, came across Willoway's website, and scheduled a session with Christi. Floating! Here! I couldn't wait to check it out, and so glad I did:
Out of all the floats I've had since 2014 (100+), this was definitely one of the most memorable - and everything about the experience was perfect. The float chamber is in its own private room, which includes a shower (for pre-float) and amenities. Once you've showered, you enter the float chamber by opening a door - get settled, push a button - and your float begins automatically. The light in the chamber fades out, and you float effortlessly on a bed of body-temperature-heated water. A few minutes prior to the end of your session, a gentle music cue signals the (near) end of the float, and the lights come up. I've been at other float places that "banged" on your tank when the time is up - very jarring! - Willoway is floating perfection, from start to finish.
For those who've never tried floating: if you're coping with stress and anxiety (is anyone not?) and want to try something new, this is for you. There are many reasons why people float (pain relief, insomnia, others) - but for me, it's a "reset" and a welcome break from "fight or flight." For the uninitiated, there's a lengthy section on the Willoway website that will answer any questions you might have, and Christi will also take you through all you need to know, beforehand.
Thank you, Willoway and Christi! Seriously, NoMi - if you're float-curious, give this a shot. You'll be amazed at what a 60-minute-break from the outside world can do - now, more than ever.