The Best Floating Therapy in Washington DC

The Best Floating Therapy in Washington DC

Our CEO Martin discovered the positive impact of flotation spas as part of his wellness journey. This sensory-free floating experience touts multiple health benefits from stress and pain relief to improved focus. His favorite place to float in DC is Soulex, located in Mount Vernon Square. We sat down with Martin to learn more about his undying love for flotation and why he thinks everyone should try it.

Who introduced you to floating? How did you learn about it?

A couple of years ago, I met someone who used to float. He introduced me to the concept and at the time, truthfully, I didn’t get it. In exploring the wellness options in the area surrounding our properties, I was intrigued by Soulex. I booked an appointment to give floating another try and I was immediately taken by the high-quality experience this owner-operated studio has to offer.

You’ve been going to Soulex for 2-3 years now. Any surprising benefits?

I’ll say this; whenever I’m stuck and I don’t know why, I’ll go there and the answer will come to surface. One of the biggest breakthrough sessions I experienced during a float was when I was going through a creative block. I came out of that particular session with the energy and creative spirit I needed to pursue my professional goals at the time.

How often do you float?

Pre-COVID, every few weeks. Now, every few months. Every time I go, I walk away so happy to have had the experience. It truly helps to center me.

Have you ever fallen asleep in the tank?

No. I’ve gone into a deep meditative state but never fallen asleep.

You have successfully pressured everyone in our office to try flotation. Why do you think everyone should try it, at least once?

It’s a good way for someone to be shaken up. It encourages people to be more open-minded. Add in the relaxation and the healing quality of the Epsom salt, why would you not try something so restorative to your body and soul?

Interested? Take a look at this short video and hear from Pedramin, founder of Soulex, about her passion for floatation therapy and what drove her to open a studio in D.C.

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Top 10 Outdoor Spaces in Washington, DC

Good news! Research confirms what we’ve long known to be true: exposure to the natural world is a key ingredient to living a happy, healthy life.

In a study of more than 20,000 participants, the European Centre for Environment & Human Health discovered that participants who spent at least two hours in green spaces per week were “substantially more likely to report good health and psychological well-being than those who didn’t.”

In a place like DC, if you know where to look, you will find that every quadrant of the city is filled with vibrant green spaces and hidden outdoor gems. Here are a few of our favorites.

Top Ten Spaces In Washington DC

National Arboretum – A place where first-time visitors often become enthusiasts. The 400+ acre park tucked away in the Northeast is the home to over 10 gardens including a Bonsai & Penjing museum you’ll find tiny trees that are hundreds of years old!

Rock Creek Park – Visit the 2,000 acre Northwest haven, and you’ll feel like you’ve left the city. If you know where to find them, you’ll discover ruins from the Capitol building and a horse barn. It’s an ideal place to be on a Saturday; grab a picnic, a soccer ball, and the dog!

Tidal Basin & Haines Point – An iconic spot in Spring when the Cherry Blossoms trees are in full bloom. Locals know if you plan to visit during the festival, go on a weekday!

C&O Canal – Walk, bike, or run along the sand & gravel towpath of the canal, which starts in Georgetown and goes all the way to Cumberland, MD.

National Mall – It’s been dubbed “America’s Front Yard” for a reason and it’s not just a place for our cities tourists! With all that open space, it’s ideal for throwing the frisbee or flying a kite. Grab a book, hop on your bike and enjoy.

Fort Reno Park – Located in Tenleytown, the park includes the highest elevation point in the city and is the location of the only Civil War battle that took place in D.C. Locals know it for free summer concerts, great tennis courts, and a festive place to be on July 4th.

Lincoln Park – A Capitol Hill park that is bustling year-round. Picnics, playgrounds, first dates, Birthday parties; a visit to the park will almost guarantee to put a smile on your face.

Meridian Hill – A beloved park with a storied history located between U Street & Adams Morgan. Visit and you’ll likely see outdoor yoga, a drum circle, or a couple taking engagement photos by the multiple-tiered fountain.

Roosevelt Island – This Potomac River island sits between Georgetown and Rosslyn. The trails take about an hour to walk and include multiple views of the river, a wetlands area, and a memorial to President Roosevelt himself. On good-weather-days, parking spaces can be hard to come by. If you’re able, try biking over–the Mount Vernon trail will lead you right there.

Kingman and Heritage Island Park – Nestled right along the Anacostia River, these two islands overlook RFK stadium in southeast DC. You can bike, boat, picnic, and walk over a mile and a half of trails. We visited the trails just a few weeks ago–take a look at the video below.

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A Community Garden in the Heart Of Washington, DC

Talking with Richard Lukas, he shares how this little park and garden make Capitol Hill feels like a small town.
In a city that can sometimes feel a bit cramped, our Sunday morning visit to the 13th Street Park and Community Garden showed us a space that lets Capitol Hill stretch its legs a bit. Neighborhood volunteers – many with families in tow – showed us the ins and outs of maintaining the garden, revealing that the space is far more than a source of fresh veggies.

It’s a Friday night movie spot – most recently Moana was selected by popular demand. It’s where garden managers Ashley and Richard catch up to discuss the monthly volunteer roster. It’s where residents talk excitedly about being added to DC’s Monarch Trail with its newly planted butterfly weed, promising an influx of colorful monarchs next summer. It’s where the next potluck gets planned. It’s where neighbors mention their upcoming travels and get offers for mail pick-up duty while they’re gone.

Talking with Richard Lukas, he shares how this little park and garden make Capitol Hill feel like a small town.

How long have you lived and worked in Capitol Hill?
Since 2000 and moved to 13th Street neighborhood in 2004.

What do you love most about Capitol Hill and this neighborhood?
One of the things I love the most about Capitol Hill is that the residents really care about their community here. We see so many volunteers come out and give their time in many different ways to the neighborhood. Here at the 13th Street Community Park and Garden once a month we have anywhere from 10 to 20 neighbors come out and give an hour or two of their time. Weeding, cleaning up the park, and just getting to know their neighbors one-on-one.

What’s one place in the neighborhood most people don’t know about?
So even though I know and love the 13th Street Community Park and Garden, I would say a lot of neighbors don’t know that it’s actually a gathering space for everyone in the neighborhood. It’s technically owned by the DC Housing Authority, but the park is open to everyone. You can have a community garden plot if you get on a waitlist, we do movie nights once or twice a month in the spring, summer, and fall.

And really, we want more people to come out and help activate the park. Get to know your neighbors, the people that have been here a long time in the neighborhood and also the newcomers as well.

What makes your house a home?
So like many of us, I moved to Capitol Hill 20 years ago coming from a small suburban community, moving to the big city. And I was surprised that so many of my neighbors do the same things that I was used to growing up with. They take in the mail for me, sometimes they mow my lawn. I’m always surprised I can leave my door open and have neighbors stop by, knock on it, and feel welcome to just walk right in.

That’s what I grew up with and that’s what I love about Capitol Hill.

CONTACT THE GARDEN
The 13th Street Community Park & Garden is a community effort. The space was founded by neighbors and is run and maintained by volunteers like you! If you have questions about the park, have an idea for an event, or would like to help us keep the space beautiful, please contact the garden team at information@13thstreetgarden.org.

GET INVOLVED!
The 13th Street Community Park & Garden exists because of the hard work and dedication of neighborhood residents. There are numerous ways you can get involved and help keep this beautiful and welcoming space flourishing. Check the Facebook page and calendar for announcements about special events and gatherings in the park.

SUNDAY BEAUTIFICATION DAYS
Please join your neighbors on the second Sunday of each month to help with park cleanup and maintenance. Check the events listing for upcoming dates and meeting times.

PLAN AN EVENT
If you have an idea for an event that would benefit the park and the community, please contact the garden at information@13thstreetgarden.org

DONATE
The 13th Street Community Park & Garden is a registered D.C. non-profit corporation with IRS Section 501(c)(3) status, which makes your contributions tax deductible. We also welcome in-kind donations of gardening supplies or other materials.

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