For this edition of Get Local, we’re featuring a one-of-a-kind Kamloops business, Bliss Float Centre.
Bliss Float Centre
When was the last time you allowed yourself to completely relax? In today’s busy world, there are few places we can go to shut off our mind and let ourselves just be.
Since Janette Fessenden opened Bliss Float Centre in Kamloops in 2016, she’s been introducing locals to an accessible and affordable therapy that allows them to discover an unparalleled state of rest and comfort that has limitless benefits.
Fessenden is a passionate believer in float therapy, something she discovered to have profound positive effects for her personally.
The practice includes entering a specifically engineered tank with about 10 inches of water and enough Epsom salts to allow your body to float at the surface.
The water and air are regulated to stay at skin temperature, so when the lights and music fade away, you find yourself free from gravity and all stimulation from the outside world.
In this environment, you are able to explore deep meditation.
“Quite simply, floating is amazing,” Fessenden said. “There is so much value in the quiet. In the quiet, your mind and body have an opportunity to heal, problem solve, visualize, and bring forward ideas that your busy mind has been too cluttered to hear.
“We are all so busy and constantly plugged in. Floating gives your mind and body a chance to reset and rejuvenate.”
Beyond simply relaxation, float therapy has many benefits. Fessenden has several clients who float for the physical benefits, such as relief from fibromyalgia and arthritis, athletic recovery or comfort for pregnant women — with great results.
Of course, the emotional and mental benefits are aplenty, including relief from stress, anxiety and depression. Beyond that, many people find this state is ideal for tapping into creative processes, visualization and goal setting.
“The list of benefits is extensive,” Fessenden said. “We always recommend that folks try floating a few times before making up their mind about it.
“While first floats are usually awesome, subsequent floats can be even better, just because you know what to expect, and know what you really enjoyed during your first float. Also, being quiet can take a bit of practice, and the more you float, the easier it gets to quiet your mind.
Float sessions are 90 minutes, which allows you the time to reach that meditative state and stay there. Even if you don’t practice meditation, you will find yourself naturally falling into that relaxation because of the sensory deprivation and the length of the session.
If you think letting go of your thoughts is going to be difficult, the knowledgeable staff can provide simple tips for helping you calm your mind.
Bliss Float Centre has three state-of-the-art float cabins. They are five feet wide, nine feet long and seven feet tall. When you get in, there is dim lighting and soft music that fades out after five minutes and will fade back in at the end of your therapy session.
“People who are nervous about closed places are commonly very comfortable in my cabins, and we have plenty of options for anyone who is a bit nervous,” Fessenden said.
“While we recommend that our customers float in quiet and dark, we have lots of options around music and lighting in the cabins for anyone who needs to access these tools to feel comfortable in their float. We go out of our way to make every customer comfortable.”
Fessenden shares float facts, tips from the tank and her personal thoughts through the blog on her website and a monthly newsletter.
“We welcome anyone who is curious to stop in for a tour of our beautiful space," she said.
Fun fact: Bliss Float Centre is the only float therapy centre in Kamloops.
Why we love it: Sometimes, taking the time to unplug is just what we need.
Where: #205 1150 Hillside Drive
Get social with Bliss Float Centre
Facebook: Bliss Float Centre
Instagram: @BlissFloatCentre
Get Local is a new series presented by KamloopsBCNow featuring some of our favourite local businesses! Get Local is our way of spotlighting local places we love and hope you will, too. This article was written in partnership with Bliss Float Centre.
