Floatation Tank : Book your session!

‘In the province of the mind, in the inside reality, what one believes to be true, either is true or becomes true within certain limits. These limits are to be discovered experientially and experimentally. When so determined these limits are found to be further beliefs to be transcended.’*

As part of the exhibition Gödel Escher Bach, we are proud to offer visitors the opportunity to personally experience John C. Lilly's tank isolation technique. The original concept was devised by John Lilly as a research instrument in 1954. In the ensuing decades, Lilly would go on to simplify and perfect the solitude, isolation and confinement tank, making it safer to build and use even for those untrained in this kind of research. The floatation tank that is available for visitors to use was inspired by Lilly's original tank designs.

The floatation tank is a medium for process. It removes 99% of sensory input sources, assisting the user in cultivating an awareness of their internal state of being and attuning to their senses within and without the tank. Similar to meditation, many people enter into a relationship with sensory deprivation practices with certain expectations about what is going to happen. 'All we can say to these people is — nothing will happen that you don’t already know about; nothing can happen that you will not allow to happen, i.e.: “What is forbidden is not allowed.”'

The possibilities for application of the tank isolation technique are multiple, ranging from simple relaxation in the weightlessness of the salt solution, pain relief for individuals suffering from neurodegenerative diseases, and psychonautic exploration of consciousness, with many certainly yet to be discovered. The relative lack of contemporary awareness of and research into sensory deprivation is partially due to the inaccessibility of the medium to the public. Floatation centres are scarce and expensive. Especially centres that endeavour to create an environment conducive to exploration, experimentation and reflection are lacking.

West hopes to become such an environment throughout the exhibition of the floatation tank, providing an (albeit temporary) embryonic escape through sensory deprivation from life in a cultural climate characterised by flagrant overstimulation. An impossible space for self-interrogation of The Deep Self.

* John C. Lilly (1915-2001), The Deep Self: Profound Relaxation and the Tank Isolation Technique, 1977, (Distributor).

What to consider before booking a timeslot

You will be in an enclosed space in the absence of light and sound for +/- 1 hour, so if you are claustrophobic or fear the dark this is something to consider. However, as there is no light influx whatsoever in the tank, the inside appears more spacious to the user than it is in reality. This often negates feelings of claustrophobia. Even if you are claustrophobic, please feel free to come give it a try. Your session can be stopped at any time if you feel uncomfortable for any reason.

You will be suspended in a solution of Water, Magnesium Sulfate, and Hydrogen peroxide (<100ppm), maintained around 33-34 degrees Celsius (skin temperature). The solution has a neutral pH (7.1), compatible with that of human skin. The solution is filtered and treated between each user.

However, if any of the following apply to you, we recommend you do not participate in this installation:

• You have open wounds anywhere on your body. This includes conditions such as scalp eczema, skin ulcers, yeast infections, or athlete’s foot. This is for your own well-being (seeing as the highly dense salt solution will sting quite a bit on open or irritated skin) and for the well-being of subsequent users of the floatation tank. The same naturally applies to any other infectious diseases.

• You are currently menstruating, are easily susceptible to urinary tract infections, or are in the process of healing from gender-affirming surgery. If you are pregnant, please consult your physician before booking a session.

• You suffer from diarrhea or gastroenteritis/are living with bladder or bowel incontinence.

• You have low blood pressure.

• You are epileptic.

• You are diagnosed with an acute psychological/psychiatric condition. Please consult your respective mental health professional here, do your research and use your best judgement.

• Any questions about particular conditions’ compatibility (such as specific physical disabilities) with floatation therapy can be directed towards the contact listed at the end of this information sheet.

We strongly discourage any visitors from entering the tank under the influence of any and all mind-altering substances (excluding prescription medications taken at the behest of a medical professional). If the host is under the impression that you are in any way inebriated you will not be allowed inside the tank and your participation fee will not be refunded. The risks of this far outweigh whatever rewards you might have read about.

The tank is wheelchair accessible, though please do inform us prior to your session if you require any particular assistance.

Please be advised that you will be required to sign a liability waiver before entering the tank.

For more information, please contact us at kevin@westdenhaag.nl

!Please arrive 15 minutes before your session!

What to bring

• Towel
• Freshly washed bathing suit (optional)
• Slippers
• Bathrobe (optional)
• Shampoo and hairbrush (if you have long hair)
• Sunglasses for your way home (advisable)
• Moisturiser - at least for the face/neck and hands, if not a lotion for the entire body. This can also be applied later at home after your float. Especially important if you are prone to contact dermatitis. Magnesium sulfate is however generally well tolerated.

It is necessary to shower before and after your session. Antibacterial soap is provided, but feel free to bring your own.

It is best to limit your caffeine and nicotine intake the day of your float.

Shaving the day of your float is also not advisable, as the salt solution may sting and cause irritation on freshly shaven skin.