Flower Den Friends

Waves & Wellness: Retreat to Love – Join us in Ecuador!

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An immersive tropical experience in the therapeutic modalities of energy, art, & self reflection

Escape to Ecuador for an unforgettable retreat with Flower Den & friends from May 1-7, 2025! Literally dive into a week of relaxation, creativity, and personal growth at our “Waves & Wellness: Retreat to Love” event. Nestled in breathtaking coastal scenery, surrounded by the energy of the equator, this retreat offers a unique blend of activities designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. You’ll be comfortably burrowed in a safe & secluded spot between the jungle and the ocean – hand built with creativity and love.

Transformative Offerings

  • Reiki by the Sea: Feel your energy shift as you level up your mindset with positive vibrations
  • Therapeutic Art: Learn avenues to share, release, and respect your own unique path to creativity and expression.
  • Self Confidence & Reflection: Shine your light while still embracing your shadows. 
  • Cacao Ritual: Participate in opening ceremonies with cacao, intention setting, and meditation.
  • Hypnagogic Light: Meditate to light & sound with a relaxing session from Daniel’s Roxiva light. If you’ve never had this experience, you’re in for a beautiful kaleidoscope of color, sacred geometry, and sound.

Meet your Ecuador Retreat Leaders

Alchemy by the Sea Heart Centered Practices

Join our host Shenandoah Stubbs for energy healing & sound therapy. Shen’s an amazing guide at helping to process trauma with reiki and healing sessions, including sound and oracle readings.

Not only will Shen lead our cacao ceremony, she’ll also offer potion lessons where you can make your own formulas with water from the surf, essential oils, and expert guidance on intentionality and alchemy.

Most importantly, retreat guests will receive private 1 on 1 personal energy sessions with Shen to help you learn ways to trust yourself and your inner voice. 

Therapeutic Art Creative Workshops

Also hosting is Flower Den’s cofounder Angie Weeks, putting her Therapeutic Art Life Coach certification to use for your benefit. Here’s a few of the activities Angie will lead you through:

Intention Bracelets & Dream Catchers: Set your intentions and craft beautiful reminders of your journey.

Pour Painting & Rock Painting: Embrace the art of letting go, trusting, and how transformation can blossom when you’re intentional.

Beach Mandalas & Yoga: Create meditative art in the sand and practice yoga on the beach with ocean views.

Empowerment Sessions & Confidence Building

Ashton Mikayo will help attendees magnify their inner light and build confidence. She’s an inspiring photographer, creative, and innovator. Guests will enjoy:

Embodied God/dess Solo Sessions: Connect with your inner god or goddess in personalized sessions that will help you glow from the inside out!

Crown Building: Align with nature by foraging materials from the jungle to create a crown, then release it back into the ocean as a symbolic act of letting go.

Culinary Delights are included

Relax and enjoy your experience with included breakfast, lunch, and dinners – all curated with healthy local foods to nourish both your mind and body! We may attend a nearby restaurant, there are a couple of great local options with views and excellent food.

Ecuador Adventure awaits 

For all our attendees, there will still be plenty of free time to choose your own adventure. Enjoy the opportunity to engage in a variety of thrilling activities led by locals like:

  • Snorkeling
  • Kayaking
  • Horseback riding on the beach
  • Jungle tours
  • Visits to sulfurous hot springs
  • Surfing lessons 
  • Whale watching tours (season permitting)

Stay at Hermanos Perdidos Surf Hostel

Our villas are located in Las Tunas, Ecuador, and there’s space for up to 14 attendees. Most rooms will have dual occupancy, however, there are a couple rooms that sleep 3. The hostel offers a pool, hot tub, inspirational art and murals, and beautiful grounds to relax with a good book or podcast. Yes, there’s strong internet.. so you can stay connected, too! Spots are already booking up, so be sure to register early and tell your friends. 

How Much Does a Retreat in Ecuador Cost?! 

We want EVERYONE to have access to this special event, so we’ve designed tiered rates to encourage you to book early and save!

Early Bird Special

Book your spot by 11/11/2024 to enjoy our early bird price of $1977.99 per bed. After this date, the cost increases to $2388.99 if you book with a friend before 01/01/2025. Afterward, it rises to $2493.00. Don’t miss out on these savings! 

If you’d prefer an easy monthly payment plan, we’re happy to offer that too! Just fill out the form below and we’ll contact you with details.

Arrive Early and Recharge

Consider arriving a week earlier for a silent or meditative retreat from May 11-17. Take advantage of discounted rates on early bookings and enjoy additional sessions with Shen to set the perfect tone for your upcoming Waves & Wellness experience.

We hope you’ll join us for a week of connection, exploration, and rejuvenation. Secure your spot now and embark on a journey back to love and wellness. We can’t wait to welcome you to this transformative experience!

For more information and to book your place, contact us now. Spaces are limited, so act fast!

Cool Vacation Rentals

Striving for Excellence: Understanding Airbnb Ratings and the Pursuit of 5 Stars

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When it comes to planning a memorable trip, finding the perfect Airbnb accommodation is often a top priority. To make informed decisions, guests rely on the valuable feedback provided by fellow travelers through Airbnb ratings. But have you ever wondered what those stars truly represent? In this blog, we’ll explore the difference between 4 and 5-star ratings, shedding light on the criteria that contribute to the overall rating. Our goal is to educate both guests and hosts about the importance of aiming for the coveted 5-star experience, and what it takes to achieve it.

The Significance of Airbnb Ratings

Airbnb ratings are the lifeblood of the platform. They not only guide guests toward exceptional stays, but also serve as a valuable feedback mechanism for hosts. The ratings are based on several factors, including cleanliness, accuracy of listing descriptions, communication, check-in, and overall experience. Let’s delve into why every star matters and why we believe that 5 stars should always be the goal.

4 stars: You Failed. Remove from Platform

Whaaat? While a 4-star rating may sound decent, in the context of Airbnb, it’s a signal that this listing fell short of expectations. It’s important to note that a 4-star rating can negatively impact a host’s overall standing on the platform, and too many 4 star ratings are grounds for removal. Here’s what it typically signifies:

  1. Good, but Not Great: A 4-star rating suggests that the experience was satisfactory, but there was room for improvement. It might mean the cleanliness was unacceptable, or that the communication was lacking.
  2. Unmet Expectations: For guests, a 4-star rating could imply that certain aspects of their stay didn’t match the listing’s description, were misrepresented, or the level of service anticipated was not met.
  3. Missed Opportunities: Hosts should view 4 stars as a missed opportunity to provide an outstanding experience that could have garnered a 5-star rating.

The Pursuit of 5 Stars: What It Entails

As Airbnb hosts, our ultimate goal is to deliver a 5-star experience to our guests. Here’s what we commit to ensuring when you stay at our property:

  1. Impeccable Cleanliness: Our cleaning standards are rigorous. We guarantee that our property is not just clean but immaculate, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for all guests.
  2. Accurate Descriptions: We take great care in describing our property accurately, including all amenities and features, to manage expectations transparently.
  3. Prompt Communication: We understand the value of clear and timely communication. Whether it’s answering questions before arrival or assisting during the stay, we’re here for you.
  4. Smooth Check-in: We strive to make your arrival seamless, providing smart locks on all properties, along with detailed check in instructions. This ensures you have all the information and access you need.
  5. Personalized Experience: We go the extra mile to make your stay special. Whether it’s providing local recommendations, robust guidebooks, accommodating special requests, or offering thoughtful touches, your comfort and satisfaction are our priorities.

The Consequence of Sub-4.5 Ratings

It’s crucial to know that Airbnb sets high standards for hosts. If a host consistently receives an average rating below 4.5 stars, their listing may be at risk of removal from the platform. This underscores the importance of delivering top-notch service every time.

Superhost on AirBnB

In the world of Airbnb, the difference between 4 and 5 stars is passing vs failing. A 4-star rating suggests that while the lodging was satisfactory, this was a ho-hum experience. As hosts, we are committed to delivering 5-star experiences, consistently aiming for excellence in cleanliness, accuracy, communication, check-in, and overall guest satisfaction. Our goal is not just to meet expectations but to exceed them, ensuring your stay is truly exceptional. We often achieve Superhost status, which means ‘we go above & beyond to provide excellent hospitality‘. You can identify a Superhost by looking for the badge beneath the name on the host’s profile. We invite you to experience the Flower Den Retreats difference and join us on a journey of memorable accommodations and outstanding hospitality.

Remember, when you choose 5 stars, you’re choosing excellence, and that’s what we’re here to provide!

– Daniel, Angie, & the Flower Den tribe

Cool Vacation Rentals

Historical Vacation Rental in Toledo

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There’s so much to discover in Toledo – scenic lakes & rivers, scrumptious restaurants, history, culture…and now there’s a perfect setting: Flower Den Retreat’s latest offering, a stately historic mansion built in 1912! Centrally located in acclaimed Old West End, and freshly permitted as a vacation rental for the first time ever, this is definitely no ordinary place to sleep. The duplex has a rich history that dates pre-roaring 20’s, and it’s been the site of many memories, events, and happenings over the years.

The Perfect Toledo, Ohio Getaway

Traveling to Toledo, and afraid it will be boring? It won’t be! Let us spice things up for you with this beautiful timepiece property that will make you exclaim ‘WOW!’ when you pull up, and feel like you’ve stepped back in history with it’s hand picked one of a kind furnishings reminiscent of the early 1900’s.

Work Remote from Toledo

Are you a workcation type of person? More productive from different environments? We’ve got the fastest internet available and provide an inspiring space for you to get creative. Two dedicated working spaces – the antique desk in the front lounge or my personal favorite – the back window room! Toledo has a slogan ‘You’ll do better in Toledo’ – do you want to come and test it out?! Finish your work day early and take a stroll of breathtaking Old West End to nearby Agnes Jackson Arboretum.

Where to Stay in Toledo OH

This historic AirBnB is the perfect place to stay while you’re exploring all that Toledo has to offer. Do you travel for yearly conferences, events, and festivals that take place in Toledo, like:

Toledo Ohio annual Winter events

  • Old West End Tours de Noel
  • Lights at Toledo Zoo
  • Perrysburg Winterfest

Toledo Things to do in Fall

  • Susan G Komen walk
  • Black Swamp Arts festival
  • Toledo Zoo pumpkin patch
  • Walleye opening day

Toledo OH Spring happenings

Toledo Summer events

The Toledo Museum of Art

The Toledo Museum of Art is our must-visit favorite place while you’re in town. It’s home to a world-renowned collection of art, from ancient to modern pieces. You’ll find pieces from masters like Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Picasso, as well as contemporary artists like Warhol and Rothko.

The museum is also home to the Glass Pavilion, which is one of the COOLEST most architecturally impressive buildings in the city. The pavilion houses a permanent collection of glass art, as well as rotating exhibitions. You can see people blowing glass in real time… which you know we already love to do in our private glass studio AirBnB in Southern California!

If you’re into art, you’ll love coupling a stay at our historical home with the Toledo Museum of Art. Fun fact: our columns were inspired by the museum and the original owner Gustav Lay was an early contributor and member. Our pieces aren’t as great as the museum, but we picked each picture with care and consideration. The museum…now that’s a collection! It’s one of the best art museums in the country, and best of all, admission is FREE 🙂

It’s easy and affordable to book this historical Northeast Ohio vacation rental duplex. You’ll have access to the entire top level – over 1750 sq ft! Just follow this link to book your stay, or fill out the form below to make an inquiry.

Cardano & Blockchain Events

Cruisin’ the CNFT Convention with Cardano Community

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We had a great time at the Cardano NFT conference #CNFTcon2022 in Vegas this year! It was a pleasure to meet so many creative minds, hear about interesting things happening in various Metaverses, explore stake pool options, and of course delve in to amazing NFT projects focused on art & utility surrounding the Cardano ecosystem. 

The conference opened up with Charles Hoskinson - Cardano’s founder. Charles is always so great with his ability to elaborate on the big picture in layman’s terms - if you aren’t subscribed to his YouTube channel do yourself a favor & check it out! Plus we love that Charles is so inquisitive and curious with all of the developers and projects. He really wants to see everyone succeed and collaborate together in the best possible way. He took time to thoughtfully answer questions, and although we didn’t get to meet him in person, it’s something we look forward to in the future 🙂

We’ll mention a few companies & projects in this post, but mostly I want to focus on the people we met and some of their inspiring visions. Since the Cardano ecosystem is constantly growing, maybe it will inspire some ideas for you to get involved, too?! Our favorite part of all of this is the community. There are faces and brilliant minds behind these Discord & Twitter screen names.

For example, we loved the concept of the Cardano Caravan…a group of artists and Cardano fans who met up in the Midwest and made their way over to the conference in Vegas. One of the artists best known online as Schhhart did an awesome oil painting of Charles that we just loved. We told them they should make it an annual excursion and next time we want to join in on the roadtrip! 

Another highlight was the Prismatics booth & NFT project. We had the pleasure of doing lunch with the artist, Alexia, her marketing manager ‘Dolphin’ - what a great conversation. Alexia is originally from Switzerland and is full of talent and neat ideas. We talked about the magic a passionate team creates, and how she loves to collaborate on projects. Her booth was well thought out with meditation pillows and pretty crystals - even a photo spot to capture all the community members she met. Kudos!

Click the link to mint: https://cyberia.gg/en/

It was great to meet our friend Srink in person, working on a project surrounding the chakras that will include free yoga & mindfulness sessions for NFT holders. Yes please. His NFT’s were beautiful featuring various yoga poses and utopian type planets that represent the different chakras. Twitter handle is @atomofgod

We loved meeting up with the Proxies crew. To talk about the project and learn some of the backgrounds of its cheerleaders. One moderator is also a HS teacher and he created a Web3 club for his students at the school where he works. He mentioned some students are now planning out their Web3 majors - how neat! He's also creating his own project focused on RPG-style gaming community & choose your own adventure story telling. Twitter handle @CosmicCutiesNFT is minting now

We joked we were turning into droids in this picture.

We also made a serendipitous connection with Steve & his wife Angie from Texas, after helping a woman we saw fall & injure herself in the parking lot. We shared in fun, vulnerable & meaningful conversation throughout the weekend. Both investors with exciting ideas for their own project bringing useful utility to the Cardano ecosystem. You can follow their journey on Twitter @steveofw73

They introduced us to Virginia & Jason, who run the XYZ stake pool. Virginia does real estate in Virginia along with fix & flips, so we had lots to talk about. We shared our goals to weave Flower Den & Vow2Save in with DAOs, and we talked about potential options to tie our projects & crowdfunding campaigns in with a stake pool as well. 

Another project we thought was interesting was Faces; it was the first AI art recorded on the Cardano blockchain. He’s currently minting his second run with ‘We the Blinded’, combining famous works of art with masks and blindfolds. Daniel minted one of those in hopes of getting a bonus poster, but no luck - maybe next time! 

Of course we had to stop over to the Nano frames exhibit, because they offer square, round, and mountable digital frame displays that connect with your Cardano wallet, and display your NFT collection. So far, they are the only frame that connects with the Cardano blockchain. Eventually we would like to get one of these in all of the Flower Den Retreats properties, so we can display both digital and fine art. We planned to take one home, but they were out of black frames, so we’ll have to order online. 

The Blockchain education booth was of particular interest - we get so many questions from friends and family about this stuff…and we’re no experts haha! We thought it was a synchronistic partnership they created with the AZ Science Center, and hope to see them in all the science centers across the country someday! Plus the coffee shop they are building is a fabulous non-threatening way to introduce people to blockchain education. They have free downloadable infographics, and you know we’re going to put some of those up in our AirBnB’s. 

All in all our interactions were thought provoking and genuine, which made us love the Cardano community even more. If you’d like to get involved with an NFT project or learn more, join our discord and we can all learn together! 

Flower Den Mission Viejo

Orange County Wellness AirBnB + Free Yoga

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If you’re looking for a personal retreat in Orange County, California, look no further. Our AirBnB’s are styled as art and wellness retreats, where you can enjoy a simple and relaxing immersive experience that includes a great yoga studio in Mission Viejo – Soul Movement Yoga.

In the midst of busy life, it’s important to take time for ourselves. Whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure, our Orange County CA AirBnB’s provide a space for you to connect with yourself and others. Thoughtful retreat spaces are offered with yoga and meditation options as a way to elevate your practice along with your mind, body, and soul.

Enjoy Yoga at Home OR Yoga at the Studio

Flower Den provides meditation pillows and yoga mats at our properties so you can practice at home anytime. But there is something about being in a studio with other people who are practicing yoga as well, breathing together, setting intentions together. We wanted to make multiple options easily accessible for you, so you’re refreshed after your stay. ALL Flower Den Retreats visitors have free perks included for unlimited yoga sessions at Soul Movement Yoga during your visit. Soul Movement is located in Mission Viejo California, just 3 minutes from our Mission Viejo location.

It’s easy! Just 3 simple steps:

  1. Check out Soul Movement’s schedule and decide which day(s) and time(s) you would like to book.
  2. Text or message us with the guest names who would like to attend, and what day / time of your desired class(es). Make sure to put them on your calendar!
  3. Show up & breathe 🙂 Your class fees are covered with our Corporate Flower Den membership.

Soul Movement Yoga is located next to Calle Girl Boutique and Harmony Tea – both great places to stop at after your session.

25350 Marguerite Pkwy, Suite C
Mission Viejo, CA 92692

Soul Movement Yoga Studio Entrance

But I’ve never done yoga…

No matter what level of practice you’re accustomed to, Soul Movement is a great studio for a session. Each time we’re in attendance we meet newbies and also advanced yogis. Just come as you are, and go at your own pace. Soul Movement is a very safe space.

Are yoga benefits worth the time?

Yoga is a practice that has been around for thousands of years and has been used to treat many health conditions. It is a very effective way to get your body moving, strengthen your muscles, improve your flexibility, blood flow, and relieve stress. It’s personally been a valuable teacher and essential tool in our wellness journey. If you’ve never tried it – we invite you to now!

Yoga helps you to relax your body and calm down your mind. It can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, PTSD, and chronic pain. Yoga can also help prevent injuries from happening in the first place, because it helps you stay flexible and strong.

We hope you’ll come stay with us and enjoy all the benefits our spaces and partnerships can bring, including free yoga, therapeutic art, inspiring books, and other wellness referrals.

Namaste

Cool Vacation Rentals

RV Retreat – 16 ft Airstream Basecamp is now available for rentals

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Are you interested in the RV lifestyle? Have you heard of a Basecamp but never used one? If so, then we’re inviting you to try out our 16 ft Basecamp – now available for rentals in gorgeous Utah!

We traveled the country in 2021 in this cutie, and love how it fits pretty much anywhere. Here’s a pic from one of our favorite tiny lakeside spots along the upper peninsula of Michigan. Staying right on Lake Superior was absolutely fabulous, but it was a little tough to get back there…so…we recently added a lift kit and offroad tires for even more exploring.

Welcome to your RV Retreat – 16 ft Basecamp – a wanderlust’s traveling home in the wilderness.

“Airstream Basecamp originally launched in 2007 and its redesign in 2017 became one of the most celebrated travel trailers in our towable lineup,” said Bob Wheeler CEO and President of Airstream. It was created for those who want to get out and explore nature in an easy-to-use, durable, and efficient vehicle.

Built by hand in Jackson Center, Ohio, USA by hundreds of talented craftspeople, each Airstream travel trailer is well thought out and takes approximately 350 hours to build.

Even though Basecamps are the smallest airstream out there, they pack a mighty punch! You’ve got

  • Air conditioning
  • Fans
  • Heater
  • Water heater
  • Solar
  • Queen sized bed
  • Kitchen that includes mini fridge, microwave, and 2 propane burners.
  • YES, there’s a bathroom
  • Plus a shower, with a pass through showerhead if you’d like to wash the pup outside, or shower amidst the wilderness. (This is a must try at least once in your life 😉

Come enjoy this new addition to our rental fleet – it’s the perfect RV for couples or solo travelers who are active outdoors and love camping out in style! Be prepared for everyone to ask you about the Basecamp at the gas station, and watch people pointing as you drive by, LOL.

We believe affordable accommodations on the go are the reason why so many people choose to live a remote lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for temporary housing while you’re working on your septic system, or want to take a tour to Moab, UT, now is a good time to get away. Currently, the RV is located in Helper, UT, and we offer options to deliver locally, to the following locations; or, you can come pick it up:

If you’d like to rent the RV just click this link. If you have any questions about our travels, please leave them in the comments below. We love hearing from folks who are interested in RVing. We hope you enjoyed this post and stop back for more!

Cool Vacation Rentals

Smitten over Stillwater & The Commander Grain Elevator

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Just….WOW! Sometimes this career path is so cool because we get exclusive access to vacation rentals & amazing new listings before anyone else. This was the case with some dear clients in Stillwater, Minnesota; Sally & Bill, who recently put the iconic Commander Grain elevator up for short term rentals on AirBnB. It was an honor & a pleasure they asked for our tips & feedback! 

Stillwater has such a fun downtown with tons of live music, libations, & energy. I was impressed by all the rooftop decks and restaurants with views of the Saint Croix River. Take an adorable trolley or a riverboat cruise, or opt for the trail loop over the river and through the woods into Wisconsin. There’s tons to do and see.

The property itself is unforgettable. Not only is it the focal point of Stillwater’s downtown, it’s a cornerstone of its history. Enter to the sweet smells of grain wafting through the air, and step up into the innovations of Sally’s father, architect Michael McGuire. He kept the charm and original wood walls of the grain silos, yet completely renovated the space for modern day living. The grain elevator was formerly his office, where he designed thoughtful living spaces for thousands.

Local art adorns the walls and the coffee table, and the design is both compelling & comfortable. The space is perfect for a weekend with friends or family offering 2 bedrooms and an upstairs outdoor deck, complete with views of the downtown, famous Stillwater lift bridge, and Saint Croix river. It was great to hear live music from the private deck, and bonus that both bedrooms have river views, too!

Visit this architectural delight in Stillwater, MN designed by Michael McGuire

We walked to a spectacular dinner at Feller restaurant in the Lora Hotel, which is formerly a brewery. Daniel had a banana nut bread old-fashioned, and had to go back for more, LoL. Bill arranged an exclusive tour for us of the caves the brewery used to store the beer in (yes, caves!) and I officially fell in love with this town. Plus there’s Matt’s Basement coffee shop & tea lounge right below the rental – so quick & easy. Make sure to take a stroll & support the local restaurants & shops!

We didn’t get to experience Stillwater’s kayaking or the beaches this time, but we’ll surely be back to this historical gem again.

Flower Den Mission Viejo

Therapeutic Art Classes online

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Therapeutic Art classes

Therapeutic Art is now happening at Flower Den Retreats!

Stressed much?!?? Art has been know for centuries to ease anxiety & calm the mind. Various forms of art can help you better cope with trauma, loss, and transition.

Due to my own recent & past traumas, I decided to dig into the concept of 'art for therapy' deeper, and study for a Therapeutic Art Life Coach Certification. We are already hearing some comments about limiting beliefs, past hurts, and addictions naturally come out in our traditional art classes. Unfortunately, we're not claiming to be therapists or solve all your problems...but the good news is we can help you along your journey a little more now 🙂

Art helps reset your perspective and soothe your soul. Come take a "Mental Health" moment with us, even if it's only virtually!

Flower Den can offer offer the following customization to any of our existing class offerings, or we can create a customized therapeutic art class or workshop JUST FOR YOUR GROUP --- there's a form below to get started.

Therapeutic Art Classes & Add-ons

  • Affirmation artwork

  • Challenging & Changing your limiting beliefs
  • Mindful Mandalas
  • Phoenix rising poster
  • Reframing your thoughts to revitalize your life
  • Life event paintings, drawings, or mixed-media pieces
  • Self realization mosaic

Color, design, & sacred geometry all play interesting parts in our brain and thought processes, and we love to explore that here at Flower Den Studios. Our mind and a proper mindset is critical to our overall health, wellness, and contribution to the world.

We've been hosting some really great creation sessions on Zoom lately, a recent painting session received these unprompted text messages from the attendees the next morning:

"I feel so much calmer"

"Attitude adjustment<3"

"I didn't realize how much I needed that last night. It seriously refocused my energy."

"OMG me too! I was really struggling & it did something for my energy too! Can't thank you guys enough"

And this wasn't even an 'official' therapeutic course, just natural benefits already coming out of tapping into your creativity. Most online classes last 1-3 hours, and you'll be interacting while learning and connecting on Zoom. Generally speaking, pricing runs as follows:

  • 1 hour therapeutic art lesson: $49/person
  • 2 hour therapeutic art lesson: $99/person
  • 3 hour therapeutic art lesson: $133/person
  • Session recordings available: $25/session

Therapeutic art can be fabulous for blended & extended families, small groups, companies or teams in transition, bands or musical groups, competitive teams; or individuals experiencing trauma, depression, high-stress, or anxiety.

De-stressing with regular art classes can help us run at optimum performance - just fill out the form below & we'll be in contact to help you determine which type of therapeutic art is best for you & your group 🙂

 

Float Therapy

Finding Happiness?!? Through Emptiness?!

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Sensory deprivation shows improvement for common health issues

We’re into the thick of The Float Conference in Denver, CO this weekend and noticing a consistent commonality from the speakers and presenters that’s totally worth sharing! Sensory deprivation, otherwise known as ‘floating’, has a positive correlation to health AND happiness 🙂

Case studies on active military, anxious executives, and people in pain are all coming back with positive results in the following areas and more:

Depression – LIBR conducted a study that proved floating activates the Nucleus Accumbens area of the brain, which helps with anhedonia, and getting excited about things again.

Anxiety – Statistics show that anxiety is significantly decreased after just ONE float session, and with every float thereafter anxiety continues to decrease. We can confirm this from personal experience! If you’re anxious and your heart won’t stop thumping.. it’s a great idea to get into the tank, it will help you stay calm well past your float session. Below is a graph from a recent study of active military:

Insomnia – Dr. Jerry Walker conducted a study that showed floating helped with sleeplessness. Lack of sleep is the culprit for plenty of mental, physical, and emotional issues, so it’s nice to know that floating not only helps rest & relaxation IN the tank…. but overall sleep when we’re working the daily grind.

Pain – many people have chronic, temporary, or repetitive pain they’re dealing with in some form or another. The magnesium in sensory deprivation tanks is known to help with inflammation and joint pain. Less pain = more smiles 🙂 In Dr Walker’s study, pain decreased 66% after just one sensory deprivation session; check out the comments next to the graph:

Relationships – Once the depression, anxiety, insomnia, and pain have decreased, people seem to get their lives back – leading to happier relationships 🙂 Brain activity is heightened. Couples stop arguing, military stop bar fighting, & anorexics have a better body image. Totally fascinating!

In Australia, many disabled patients who are *sick* of medications are now receiving floating as an alternative option through the health care system. Hopefully this will come to the states soon enough. Did you know that 1 in 8 Americans are taking a Benzo prescription….and they are physiologically addictive regardless if taken correctly or not?!? When reviewing the data that shows WHY people take Benzos; all of the reasons are things that floating also solves. If you know someone who has to take pills for pain or sleeping, please introduce them to floating! It could mean a better quality of life for them.

As the day carried on, more and more stats poured in on how floating also supports brain health, internal equilibrium, a better body image (literally helps anorexia), and other major issues. Kinda reminds us of CBD….if you have 99 problems… floating could quite possibly solve 76 of them. We would love to hear what floating has done for you, comment below!

If you’re in SoCal & you’d like to try sensory deprivation, check out The Float Lounge in Laguna Beach. They’re our favorites, and Dan covers shifts on occasion. He will be there Oct 2nd – 9th 2019 if you’d like to book a float and say ‘Hi’!

Float Therapy

Float Therapy – Healing Trauma & PTSD

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Floating Changes Lives

This weekend we’re at The Float Conference in Denver, CO learning everything we can about Float Therapy. The people and the presenters here are GREAT – they all have attitudes of service and to give back to our fellow humans who need healing…totally our tribe! We’d love to install a Sensory Deprivation / Float Tank in our rentals, because it will help our visitors reach a higher vibration. We want you to feel creative & happy 🙂

Our bodies are mostly water, and floating in H2O the same temperature as your body gives a literal ‘out of body experience’. Worst case it will completely relax you, best case it’ll blast you out of this world so you can look down at yourself in a whole new light and figure out some of your ‘unsolvable’ issues.

All of today’s sessions we attended were geared to military and veterans. There’s reliable and recent studies that show floating can significantly decrease the symptoms of insomnia, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Veterans who have suffered with PTSD for years are now realizing that “floating” helps relieve emotional pain and trauma.

Moreover, according to the Working with Military session with Beth Jones & Nicole Walcott, full Units are getting permission to float, and the VA is supporting local centers with contracts for active duty soldiers.

Gary Ferguson, who has 2 Purple Hearts, wrote ‘A Good Day to Die‘, and works with Pathways for Veterans, offered a seriously emotional session that helped us really understand the needs of hurting military and vets. He & his staff said that getting down to the subconcious mind (which floating does) is the real key to helping change things on a long term level.

Gary Ferguson & Helena Reilly discussing the benefits of floating and subconcious reprogramming for PTSD.

Float owners & employees have a tough job sometimes, helping hold space for all of us when we have a powerful float that stirs our emotions. Where do you like to float? Who deserves mad props for listening to your story??Would love for you to give a shout out to your favorite center in the comments below.

Our favorite Float Center in Southern California is The Float Lounge in Laguna Beach – if you check it out tell Jeff & Rosie that Flower Den sent ya!