Richard Bonk

What is a Floatation tank?
Basically a large container filled with 10” of water and 800 lbs of dissolved Epsom salt – which allows the body to float effortlessly, virtually gravity free. The water is heated to skin temperature, so one loses the distinction between air and water, and with no sight and reduced sound it encourages a sensory reduced state where one can experience a deep state of physical and mental relaxation, and explore “inner space.”

Richard is one of the world’s few float tank “elders,” with over 30 years experience, logging thousands of hours floating (including inside the tank).

What is AWSIM?
A W S I M is an acronym for Altenate Waking States Induction Method, a simple, mechanistic technique utilizing the tank and sleep cycles to induce and sustain lucid states of consciousness with a regularity so those states can be examined, (mostly) from “the inside” to enhance understanding of the human mind and to utilize those states as vehicles to explore and apply the mind’s potentials. (Click on link at page bottom for the AWSIM story.)

What are Alternate Waking States? (AWSs)

• differentiated from “altered” states

• “other” lucid states of consciousness that occur outside of our regular waking day

• lucid dreams

• out of body experiences (OBEs)

• non dream lucid sleep states

• states of absorption

• states of expansion

• other “meditative” states

AWSIM: the Induction Method

• assure for a normal night’s sleep

• gently awaken in last third of sleep cycle

• spend a few minutes in”normal” waking state; ensure balanced mind state: calm yet alert (a warm shower usually works)

• enter tank and “let go” into sleep

• if you re-enter the sleep cycle there is approximately 80% chance of “waking up” in an AWS

Helpful tips

• cultivate a state of “calm mental resolve” – which will help if fear arises & when distractions occur

• you can begin by establishing an intention

• BUT, best not to have an agenda

• try not to hang on to experience or categorize

• getting too excited will abort the experience

• if gentle focus is lost, awareness will fade into unconsciousness / “regular” sleep

The Alternate Waking State Investigation Method matrix (AWSIMm)

• What: a transdisciplinary committee of the US Floatation Tank Association (FTA) to investigate, apply findings and share information about AWSs

• Why: to explore and apply AWSs & its potentials

• Who: committed floaters willing to dedicate time to their individual explorations and to share in the group matrix

• Where: anywhere there is access to float tanks and/or supportive technologies; we can communicate using current media and meet in person

• When: we can begin to organize now and have regular conference calls and/or online meetings

• How: email Richard Bonk: use contact form on this website

AWSIM group details

• being a committee of FTA allows for possible grant funding

• having a group of explorers may assist in expanding and refining the process

• having a group of explorers may assist in identifying and describing common phenomena

• the group could develop a common “language of AWSs”

• a group could encourage and recognize valid insights and prevent individuals from generating problematic conceptual systems

• group members can utilize individual skills to assume committee roles and address organizational needs

• potentials for mentoring, partnering and community

• potentials for research studies and publications

• potentials for partnering with complimentary organizations

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

to become an AWSIMnaut?

• committed to exploring consciousness

• open minded (curious)

• yet skeptical (discerning)

• ability to cultivate objective observer & collect phenomenological data

• defer to scientific method

• open to meditative / contemplative process (ideally skilled in mindfulness)

• willing to work with peer group

• willing to educate public

• willing to support process with skills & resources

• courage (to face the unknown, including aspects of self)

AWSIM PILOT PROJECT

Float Elder Richard Bonk is seeking regular floaters to volunteer for a pilot project to ascertain whether the AWSIM protocol will work for others. If you are interested please email the author through this site’s contact page.

click here for the AWSIM story.