Evita brings up some great points...a stopwatch is invaluable, as you only need to glance at it from time to time...if at all...to see how much time has passed. I'll use a stopwatch instead of a computer program if I'm doing holds based not on time, but on the number of contractions I'm holding through, increasing the amount of contractions I endure each time (I'll glance at it when I have my first contraction, to see exactly when it hit). I used to play songs in my head, but then quickly gave it up once I realized that I was timing myself once I became aware of how far I was into the song. Now, I just keep my mind blank, sinking into the darkness behind my eyelids, or, alternately, fixating at a spot in the ceiling plaster and focusing on it, repeating things to myself in my head like "relax"..."calm"..."focus", and giving myself positive reinforcement ("You're doing great, you can do this, Todd"..."There's the first contraction, don't fight them, let them happen.."). Doing static with your eyes open is a good practice to get into, as your eyes will be open during your dives. It's easier to relax and "shut down" with your eyes closed, but it can also have the negative side effect of conditioning you into closing your eyes during your dives; TRUST me on this one (Mandy had to remind me a few times NOT to close my eyes). And, like Evita said, and I myself can't stress it enough, confidence is VERY important. If you keep your training tough, but managable, pushing yourself JUST enough, you'll feel GREAT when you make it through a table, and you'll be glad that you held on...you'll know you're getting stronger, and your abilities are increasing! That feeling alone is sometimes worth the agony of a static table! Some days I'll just DREAD going into the static table, but, if I make it through (especially if it's a longer time I'm struggling to get through), I'll get such a RUSH of pride and confidence that I'll forget all about the negative feelings at the beginning. BUT, also remember, if you don't make it through, DO NOT BEAT YOURSELF UP! Everyone has a bad day now and then, and you gave it a try, which is better than not doing it at all. And besides, there's always next time!
Todd
