Attending a Kingdom Hall with its general lack of color, art, windows, and love combined with rigid rules for social interaction and group participation which gives the experience an over-all mechanical feel, reminds me of a sensory deprivation tank. Aside from the uncanny resemblance that both have to a toilet with you floating lifelessly in it; There are, in my opinion, other similar characteristics that may be conducive to creating an indoctrination-friendly environment.
Sensory Deprivation Tanks are also called isolation tanks, and are used for restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST). It is a dark, soundproof tank that is filled with a foot or less of salt water.
The first tank was designed in 1954 by John C. Lilly, an American physician and neuroscientist. He designed the tank to study the origins of consciousness by cutting off all external stimuli.
Studies suggest time spent floating in a sensory deprivation tank may have some benefits in decrease in pain, and decreased stress and anxiety.
Think destruction of families for those critical of WT false prophecies.
Sensory deprivation effects
The water in a sensory deprivation tank is heated to skin temperature and nearly saturated with Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate), providing buoyancy so you float more easily.
As you float weightless in the silence and darkness, the brain is supposed to enter into a deeply relaxed state.
How many times have your fought dozing while at a meeting?
Sensory deprivation tank therapy is said to produce several effects on the brain, including hallucinations and enhanced creativity.
Nice!
Over the years, studies have shown that sensory deprivation does induce psychosis-like experiences.
A 2015 study divided 46 people into two groups based on how prone they were to hallucinations. Researchers found that sensory deprivation induced similar experiences in both the high- and low-prone groups, and it increased the frequency of hallucinations in those in the high-prone group.
A 2016 study of 46 people who self-reported generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) found that it reduced GAD symptoms, such as depression, sleep difficulties, irritability, and fatigue.
Think of the anxiety that needs to be disabled due to having to shun your loved ones in order to get eternal life.
The effect of sensory deprivation tank therapy on chronic pain has been confirmed by several studies. It is shown to be effective in treating tension headaches, muscle tension, and pain.
Will it make me happier?
There are many claims about flotation-REST causing feelings of overwhelming happiness and euphoria. People have reported experiencing mild euphoria, increased well-being, and feeling more optimistic following therapy using a sensory deprivation tank.
Others have reported spiritual experiences, deep inner peace, sudden spiritual insight, and feeling as if they were born anew.
Sensory deprivation tank cost
Your own home sensory deprivation tank can cost between $10,000 and $30,000. The cost for a one-hour float session at a flotation center or float spa ranges from about $50 to $100, depending on the location.
While you might not agree with all of my comparisons and conclusions , the fact remains that if you want to get your senses deprived, you can save a lot of money by just attending your local Kingdom Hall.
Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD,