Sound bathing is something I’d heard about for years- a wellness practice people swear by- but it never quite made it to the top of my list. That changed a couple of months ago when I finally decided to try a floating sound bath in Calgary, Alberta.
I’ve struggled with anxiety for years and have turned to meditation more than once, though I’ve always had a hard time sticking with a routine. Yoga has been helpful, and I figured sound bathing might offer a similar sense of calm, without the pressure of doing it “right.” What made this particular experience even more intriguing was that it wasn’t just a sound bath- it was a floating sound bath, with participants lying on air mattresses in a pool.
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What is a Floating Sound Bath, Exactly?
A typical sound bath takes place in a quiet room with yoga mats laid out on the floor. Guests lie down, close their eyes, and settle in while a series of gongs, chimes, and other instruments are played, creating layers of sound meant to encourage deep relaxation. A floating sound bath follows the same idea, but instead of lying on a mat, participants float on air mattresses in a pool. The gentle movement of the water adds another layer of relaxation into the experience.
Arrival and First Impressions
My partner, Garrett, and I pulled into the underground parking at the Westin Hotel in downtown Calgary. We were immediately relieved that parking was included with our floating sound bath tickets, anyone who’s driven downtown knows how tricky it can be to find a spot. After registering our license plate with the front desk, we made our way up to the hotel’s rooftop pool.
The moment we stepped inside, the energy shifted. The lights were dimmed, the space was quiet, and the usual hum of downtown felt far away. The pool area was calm and spa-like, and I instantly felt more relaxed. We were greeted by Meghan, who, along with her husband, owns Somatika, the company behind the floating sound bath experience. Meghan briefly explained to us what to expect, how the floating portion would work, and how there was no “right” way to do it. The emphasis was on relaxation, not performance.
What to Expect Before You Float
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the floating part of the sound bath. We were instructed to wear comfortable clothing and told there was no need to wear swimwear or bring a change of clothes. Still, I couldn’t help but picture my clumsy self attempting to climb onto a floating air mattress and immediately capsizing, so I packed an extra set of clothes, just in case.
As it turns out, the spare clothes weren’t needed. The system for getting onto the air mattresses was seamless. Guests grab a pillow and blanket, get comfortable on the mattress at the edge of the pool, and once settled, a staff member gently slides the mattress into the water. It was much smoother than what I had envisioned.
Floating Sound Bath in Calgary: The Experience
Once we were both settled on our air mattresses, tucked under cozy blankets and feeling relaxed, Meghan addressed the group. She gave a brief overview of sound bathing and reminded us that our bodies would take what they needed from the experience, there’s no “right” way to do a sound bath. She encouraged us to close our eyes and focus on the sounds and rhythms as they unfolded.
Meghan also emphasized that it was perfectly okay if we fell asleep, explaining that sleep can be a sign of what the body needs in that moment. With a laugh, she added that if we happened to notice a neighbour starting to snore, we were welcome to gently nudge them.
As the session began, I closed my eyes and listened to sounds that reminded me of heavy rainfall. My breathing slowed, and my mind gradually quieted. About halfway through, when I was deeply relaxed, I noticed a soft snore coming from my neighbour, Garrett, and tried to reach over to nudge him awake, only to realize he was just out of reach. I smiled to myself and figured his snoring was quiet enough that it wasn’t going to disturb anyone else.
Before I knew it, the sound bath was wrapping up. I was surprised by how quickly the time had passed, what felt like only a few minutes had actually been much longer. I opened my eyes feeling calm, grounded, and far more relaxed than I had expected.
After the Session: How I Felt
Once the sound bath was complete, staff members gently guided our air mattresses back to the edge of the pool, and we exited the same way we had entered. Guests were invited to enjoy some light refreshments before heading out. Garrett and I each had a delicious homemade tasting granola and rehydrated with water before leaving.
Still in a deeply relaxed state, we thanked Meghan and made our way back to the car. The feeling was similar to how I usually feel after a slow yoga class, calm, grounded, and a little bit floaty, in the best way. It wasn’t a dramatic life-changing feeling, it was a calm that lingered into the rest of the night and it was exactly what I needed.
Who a Floating Sound Bath is for
I genuinely think a lot of people could benefit from a floating sound bath. It could be especially helpful for anyone who struggles with anxiety, stress, or sleep issues, as the combination of sound and gentle movement makes it easier to fully relax. It also feels well suited for people who have a hard time with traditional meditation and prefer a more passive experience, there’s nothing to “do” other than lie back and listen.
That said, this experience may not be the best fit for those who are sensitive to sound or uncomfortable with floating. I will say, though, that as someone who is prone to motion sickness, I found the floating sound bath in Calgary to be totally fine. You don’t actually move all that much, and the gentle motion never felt unsettling.
Final Thoughts: Would I do it Again?
I would absolutely do another floating sound bath in Calgary, or a sound bath in general. Not only was the experience unique and deeply relaxing, but it also turned out to be a fun and unexpected date night. I could easily see myself doing this again with a close friend or even my mom.
It’s the kind of wellness experience that feels approachable, not intimidating for a first-timer. Plus, the calm I felt afterwards lingered well beyond the session and it’s a feeling that anyone who deals with stress or anxiety can truly appreciate. More than anything, it reminded me how powerful it can be to simply slow down, be still, and let yourself fully relax, something I don’t do nearly often enough.
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