The Indian Stammering Association

STAMMERING A BLACK HOLE

2012-01-31T23:29:00.000-08:00

In my case stammering is not just a disorder but a Black hole , it is sucking all my energy ,thoughts and positivity . i cannot concentrate on anything . Starting from the morning till night my whole day's energy , thoughts moves around stammering .I dont remember any moment when i had said that i am enjoying life , i am just passing time and waiting for my end .I cannot think beyond stammering . I am full of shame , anger guilt and fear .But HOW TO THINK BEYOND STAMMERING & DESTROY THE BLACK HOLE .

GORAV DATTA ( HAAN MEIN HALKATA HUN )

Lets Control Dopamine

2012-01-31T08:27:00.000-08:00

some day back i was watching a recording of programme telecasted on CNN ,they were saying " stuttering is a neuorological condition".so there may be chances that scientist can develop some kind of medicine or pill to control/cure stammering .

their dr macguire says that stammering is not due to physcological weakness but due to anomatical problem in brain which is miscommunication between brain, speech center, mouth, thought and tongue in getting word out.

ganglia is part of brain which controls the speech .there are some other parts of brain which tell us what we want to say ,formation of word and finaly a part of brain which initiate speech we call this part as striatal.....after some test they conculed in pws striatal is bombarded by to much of dopamine(may be this the reason for stammering) and level of dopamine is directly realted with our thought, anxiety etc etc. ....

macguire and other researcher believe some anti anxiety medicine can control stammering by controling dopamin and they claim this medicine has no side effect(forgot the name of medicine) but they are still doing clinical trail...(dont want comment about side effect of medicine, accoding to me their may be some side effect which may come on picture latter )

one pws said that he experienced free flow of thought that he never before

so in shot controlling dopamin level can control our sammering but is anti anxiety pil is only way to controll dopamine..surly not, one can controll his anxiety by many way like boldly facing facing fear situation(fatest way) or by controlling thoughts which causes anxiety by practing meditation, (according to me controlling anxiety is just one benefit of meditation)

i used big word of medical science just to impress readers :-)

Communication Workshop in Chennai

2012-01-31T08:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

We propose to conduct a 2 days communication workshop for people who stammer at Chennai. The dates are 24th & 25th March'2012.

The registration fee is Rs.1000 per head which includes lunch and tea.

There are rooms available at YWCA which will cost Rs.500 per person per day.

Depending on the response only, the workshop will be conducted.

Those who are interested, send their willingness on or before 31st jan'2012 to this group mail:

IndianPWS@yahoogroups.com

You can also send email to Mr Manimaran (coordinator, Chennai Chapter) maran_450@yahoo.com or manimaran1957@yahoo.com or call him at 9884289989

P.S : If you need any financial help to attend this event, please mail us at info "at" stammer.in . We would be more than happy to help you.

Regards,

Manimaran

I am Gorav..

2012-01-30T20:15:00.000-08:00

My name is Gorav Datta . My age is 24 .
I live in yamuna nagar , haryana . I am a stammerer since my childhood and i find difficulty in speaking almost every word .I am trying to speak atleast few words fluently from last many years but couldnt ,those words are " Mummy , Papa and My name too.
i went too bhubneshwar,orrisa to attend the first national conference of TISA .After attending the conference i was upset because i was not a stammerer but a stammerer among the stammerers (My stammering was too bad respect of the other stammerer).

My first meeting in SHG at chandigarh dated on 28/01/2012

2012-01-29T21:59:00.000-08:00

it was my first joining in SHG(SELF HELP GROUP) at Chandigarh in park sec-33.it was very great experience for me. i learnt a lot in this meeting in co-ordination of Mr. sumit.he told us various method of speaking like bouncing etc.we played bum bum game as well as.i am feeling very glad to join that group and following all method of speaking told by Mr. sumit. i have wish to join every SHG organised in Chandigarh.

Delhi SHG welcomes Nitin, Prabhat and Vikas....

2012-01-29T17:00:00.000-08:00

From left Jitender, Ranga, Prabhat, Sinkender Sir, Nitin, Pramendra(Photographer)

We reached to Central Park at 11:00 AM. We had three new members in this meeting Prabhat Srivastav, Nitin Garg, Vikas Ranga(me). Old members were Sikander, Pramindra and Jiternder. The activities we did are as follows:
1. Goal:
In this activity, everybody has to tell what goal he would keep in his mind while talking so that others can remind him. e.g.: to maintain eye contact, to use bouncing technique etc.
2. Introduction and listening skills:
Firstly we had a brief introduction and after that we did an activity on listening skills because "Good speaker must be a good listener and People who Stammer (PWS) always think about their speech while group discussion so it was necessary". I like to describe by an example, we were sitting like as shown in picture here. "Person 1" had to tell the intro of any one person and that any one person was decided by "person 2". Then "person 3" told to "person 2" to tell intro of "person 5"(say).
3. Current Status of Stammering:
In this activity, everybody had to tell about his current status of stammering. Pramendra said great thing. He said, "My stammering has been increased but its a positive sign". I would like explain this statement by 4 phases of time as shown below in figure:

%age of Stammering varies person to person

In 1st Phase: You are not following any treatment of stammering, so you are avoiding the situations as well as blocking words. So people are not thinking that you are a stammerer but stammering remains always in your mind in this phase.
In 2nd Phase: You are neither avoiding situations nor blocking words and using the techniques bouncing and prolongation etc., so people will think that you are stammering more but you are feeling more relax. So, physically stammering increasing but mentally decreasing in this phase.
In 3rd Phase: You become master of all techniques and your stammering decreases physically also.
In 4th Phase: You become a normal speaker and they also stammer little bit.
4. Presentation and listening skills:
Everybody had to present a topic for just 2 minutes and same listening skills activity followed after that. This time each person told name of the topic and asked any question from that topic with same rules.
5. Voluntary Stuttering:
Generally we think that if we'll stammer in front of people what they think. Then voluntary stuttering is a good option to get answer these type of questions. So, we just moved to people. We stammered and asked what they think while see any stammerer? how to overcome this problem? Voluntary Stuttering is kind a practical stuff not theoretically one which gives you positive thoughts.

It was a great experience for all of us. Hope we will follow all the rules and just chill out!!!!! :-)

FEELINGS

2012-01-29T13:40:00.001-08:00

Time 3.00 AM

Don’t know why, just aise hi, was searching something and opened pics of National conference, Hell yaar I am missing those days, I am missing all friends that were with me in the NC. Some of my friends said that I have gained a lot of confidence and have been stuttering less after coming from NC. I don’t know is it in reality or not but I just know one thing, those days were great, in fact awesome. I am just planning to give my exams and to get pass too so that I can attend as many workshops I want. Also to relive those NC days again. I don’t know what I am writing, seriously but it’s just I felt that I should share this feeling with all of you. I have attended 2 self help meetings too after coming from Bhubaneswar and meeting 3 more new people was also a great experience in meeting(expanding social circle lolz). So that’s it. J)

P.S. I am still wearing that NC band in my hand “STUTTER LIKE A ROCKSTAR” like a one in my heart “HAKLAO MAGAR PYAR SE”.

Delhi SHG meeting on 28th Jan

2012-01-28T08:36:00.000-08:00

Delhi SHG will be meeting on 29th Januarary (Sunday) at 11AM at central park near Connaught Place. You all are most welcome to come and share your valuable experiences with stammering.

For any queries contact Pramendra +91-96543-63005

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The Vicious Pain-Body

2012-01-28T04:35:00.001-08:00

All stutterers,whether moderate or severe have experienced a very over-powering feeling right before and after they stutter.Usually,the thoughts in your head before you stutter is like,"Should I speak or keep quiet ???""Man,I am gonna block on my name!!!""I wish I hadn't come here and should have made some excuse !!!"
The usual feelings accompanying these thoughts are of guilt and fear.Then after a stuttering experience,you have thoughts like"I wish I could die".i am a hopeless person,not even managing to say my name"I hate myself".I am so pathetic,i am never gonna make any friends,forget a girl-friend" ans so on and so forth.
The feelings accompanying these thoughts are of shame,guilt,hopelessness etc.
And no matter how hard you try,no matter how much practice you do,you just cant speak fluently when it matters the most.Here is where a PAIN-BODY comes into play.

So whats a pain-body ??? A pain body can be thought of as a parasite that feeds on your negative feelings and just love when you have negative thoughts,as it gets more negative feelings to gobble away,and the more it eats,the stronger it becomes.The more stronger it becomes,the more it is able to take control over your body and mind.There are various pain bodies like FEAR Pain-body,GUILT Pain-body,etc.etc.These pain-bodies love to grow stronger day by day and aim to take control of your body.

Remember,the over-powering feeling you have just before and after a block,these are the times the pain-bodies are the strongest,they make sure you are unable to apply your techniques,so that they can feed on the negative feelings you will have when you block.The primary reason according to me as to why you cant speak well in a feared situation is that in such a situation,the pain body takes you over ,so that it can remain alive.

So what to do now ????? Its a fact that you cant destroy a pain-body,but what you can do is stop its supply of food,by not having negative thoughts about the situation !!!
Next question- How to do that ??? One answer can be to consciously think of positive thoughts,but trust me,it doesnt work,I have tried it myself.Even if you manage to say positive words at that time,but they are at best at the superficial level.So what to do ????

Just two words-Acceptance and Presence.Instead of unsuccessfully fooling yourself that everything is ok,just accept that you stuttered badly,and let all the emotions come up no matter how negative are they,BUT and its very important,DON'T IDENTIFY WITH THESE FEELINGS i.e. to say let these feelings remain feelings,dont start thinking your never ending stupid thoughts of how you are a failure,you wont get a job,etc.etc. and hence feed these feelings,just allow them to come up,accept them for what they are,and let them go.Dont cling on to them.Pass them off as mere feelings.The best way to do this to be in the PRESENT.Just be aware of the present and you will automatically snap out of these thoughts and emotions.Its the best and shortest way.

And when you do this,you deny the pain-body its food,and slowly the pain-body will diminish,and in feared situations,you will slowly start taking over instead of the pain-bodies.But be patient,the pain-body is very strong at this time,it will take a lot deal of acceptance and presence on your part to starve and dissolve it and slowly take over your life.

PS- All this pain-body concept has been taken from Eckhart Tolle's book,I have just modified it for the stuttering community.:-)

PUNE SHG

2012-01-24T20:26:00.001-08:00

I am Amol karale from pune.I want to form pune shg again. Anybody interested in joining pune shg kindly contact on following details.

My number-8888783618

Email id is amolkarale9763@gmail.com

Contact Mr. Sanjeet Khanuja.He is the shg coordinator.His number is 9860090408 .His email id is not known to me I will get it confirmed from him and will put it later.

Chandigarh Wagon kicks off again !!!!!

2012-01-22T05:20:00.000-08:00

After a long sleep,the Chandigarh SHG is back in action again.Today 4 of us,Sumeet,Anupinder,Ravinder and myself met in the sec-33 park.As this was the first meet,we drafted out the goals each of us expected the shg to carry out for us.Some of these goals are:-

1) Mock interview for Sumeet
2)Phone practice for all of us
3)Strangers interaction
4) G.D. practice for Ravinder.
5)Plus a very special aim(Sumeet's idea) of the shg is to conduct an awareness program or a street play or a play in tagore theatre which will be conducted by TISA,we plan to carry this out with the help of all the TISA members,and we have given ourselves 6 months to carry out this goal.So Harish you better start working on a script.:-)

And one thing that I have decided as the coordinator(with the consent of others of course) is that there will be no hard fast rules regarding speech tools,acceptance practices,etc.etc.Yes,we will be covering all the aspects and even practice everything with the outside world but we will leave it to the individual on what course he wants to follow.e.g.-A person who wants to work on his fluency or another one who thinks he wants to practice just acceptance are free to adopt whatever practices they want.In short,everybody will be free to create his own path to success.Flexibility,I think,will take this shg far.Nothing is wrong or right,but everybody is free to give his opinions to help a person make the best decision for himself.

Also we will be starting a contribution towards the shg ranging from Rs 100-500 which will be used in our activities in public transport,restaurants,etc.

In the last 20 minutes,we did discuss the need to eliminate our secondary symptoms,and practiced our symptoms voluntary,we have planned to work on our secondary symptoms in the next meet as well.We ended our day with tea and bread pakora and also met Anup's mother.

To be relaxed...

2012-01-21T09:45:00.000-08:00

Few days back, i come across an incident of Maharshi Ramana's life.

Maharshi Ramana was very fond of travelling to some mountains near his ashram.One night, he decided to visit those mountains throughly as he had always been forced to get down in the mid way due to shortage of time.So, he announced in his ashram that he had decided to get up very early in the next morning to get a through site seeing of those mountains.He also decided to keep a full day fast the same day.

As per planning, he get started very early with fast legs to the venue.Only after a few minutes, he saw few ladies waiting on the way for him.They got the news about his today's journey so they had brought a loads of delicious meals for him.They greeted him and requested him to take a short break and have the meals as it would help him in his journey.Seeing their affection,love and gratitude, he thought it would hurt them if he denied their food.So, in-spite of his fast, he had the meal. Similarly, he was offered meals 2-3 times again in his journey.He had them all.Due to all these short frequent breaks, he even could not travel upwards as much as he used to, before starting walking downwards.

So, here i understood a very point that he didn't hurt/refuse his lovers/followers of their offerings/meals even though he supposed to have a fast and also, all those breaks were creating hurdles in his journey.For him, not to hurt them was more important than his fast or his site seeing.

He was perfectly comfortable with his ownself.He was perfectly in peace with himself.He was not a man of strict discipline, rather a man who welcomes life as it comes.It is quite an different sort of saint's thing than those epic saints who used to screw someone very hard even if that living being didn't hurt them or break their meditations knowingly.

Similarly, what i think, anyone should be perfectly in peace with himself.To be too desperate for something is not at all required, even any speech improvement.

Sometimes, i used to be so desperate to complete my words that it gets weird for me as well as the listener.Some thing like it is a question of life and death for me.

But, the point is, what if....i don't make it?? what if i just can't complete my words?

Simple, nothing is going to happen.It is not going to be as harmful as i perceives.

So, i just thought it worth to share this lovely story with my fellow peers :-)

MY FIRST BLOG

2012-01-21T05:09:00.000-08:00

I am Amol karale.I am a pws from pune. Actually I hails from ahemdnagar(city 120 km from pune).As my father was being serving in Indian army so he posted in pune.He is retried now. Currently we are planning to settle in pune .

I am stammering since class 6^th.Till class 5^th or 6^th starting I was proud that I am a good reader. Teachers always tell me to read in class. Suddenly in class 6^th I noticed that I am speaking somewhat different. I was repeating words. I was speaking very late. Teachers and my classmates starting nagging me “arre thik se padh aise kya padh raha hai dheere padh na bhag kyun raha hai”.

I noticed sometimes that I was fluent but at some situations I was blocking or taking some time to speak.I was blocking while reading teachers told me that “atak atak ke padhoge toh ye chapter kab khatam hoga tum mat padho” some other student will read that chapter. My thinking changed after that I was thinking that I am not able to speak. I became a silent person. I always prefer last bench so that I can hide from teachers.I was not even noticing what I was doing why I am doing. I tried to escape situations where I have to speak. Whenever new session of class begins, like during starting of class 9^th the first thing teacher do is taking introduction. At that time I was even blocking at my name. Teachers say repeat your name again. I noticed that my stammering was getting worse day by day.Whenever a teacher enters into class my thinking was that “aaj mujhse na pooch le kuch pooch liye toh kya hoga student’s kya sochenge teachers kya sochenge”. During parent teacher meeting teachers told my parents that he does not speak in class, does not answer any question. These were the days when my stammering got worse. My tuition teacher also told my parent that “ye atak atak ke bolta hai”. At that time even I and my parents don’t know there is a speech impediment naming stammering. Parents thought that I am afraid of people. So my parents also started to nagging me as it is natural that if a child is speaking properly in home but when goes outside speaks in some different way.

Suddenly I get relief hearing when I came to know my father posting has come. But it was also making me tense because of thinking of new school new friends’ new teachers. At new school I was fluent for some time (I think the reason was I was not thinking about stammering).But slowly my speech showed its true colors. Teachers were telling me to recite news or thought at stage during the school morning assembly I somehow manage to escape that situations. I started judging days as good days or bad days. My mindset got fully changed I was saying no to every task, whether going to shop or to friends home or tuitions. During class 12^th in my practicals I was not even able to tell the aim of practical which I have performed. I somehow manage to pass class 12^th from school.

Now its future time I never have develop any interest in any entrance examinations like CET,IIT,AIEEE I thought that how will I be able to do engineering if I am not able to speak I heard that during engineering we have to give lot of orals exam and presentations. I decided to do Bsc in computer science .First year of graduation gone well. But in second year there were presentations to give as I not expected that. I somehow manage to skip these presentations also. I lost my concentration from studies to stammering. I was always thinking that what will I do if I am not able to speak? During the ending of second year I came to know about stammering from a television show. At this time my father came to know that there is a speech impediment naming stammering. Then I started taking speech therapy in pune .I get little relief from it but not completely. I was thinking that I am wasting my parent’s money in speech therapy since my speech was the same again. At this time I have almost lost my concentration from studies. I somehow manage to complete my graduation but I got less marks here.

There was biggest question in front of me what to do next?????

I decided that I will also do post graduation. I have 2 options to do Msc(computer science also known as MCS) or MCA.I decided to do MCA because MCS is a 2 year course and per sem we have to give presentations and MCA is 3 year course here I will get more time to work on my speech.

Currently I am in first year of mca. During the starting of MCA I came to know about TISA. Pune shg was not regularly taking place.But the coordinators somehow take time and conducted some shg meeting. Here First I came to know that ACCEPTANCE is solution for it and after accepting working on it. After that I started accepting that I am person who stammers I told my friends and my teachers. As a result teachers give me time to speak. Friends also wait till I complete my sentence. I don’t feel any guilt in stammering now. My attitude towards stammering has changed now.

I never thought that acceptance will be a solution for such a problem. THANKS to TISA and pune shg coordinators MR. pravin dixit,MR. sanjeet khanujha,MR. Rupesh Mishra. They have taken some time from their busy schedule and come for meetings.

At present I am trying to form a Pune shg again with some pws .I know there is much practice needed to get progress in speech. I am concentrating fully on my studies now as to get a good job I should get good marks first and practicing various techniques like bouncing, slow reading and prolongation.

Again Thanks to TISA

Sorry for any grammatical and spelling mistakes

Amol karale

Humor with stammering

2012-01-21T02:53:00.000-08:00

Hello toall my stutter friends. Perhaps I am writing a post here after a little longtime. I really enjoyed my first national conference which I attended with myfriends. It was never forgettable experience for me. I enjoyed every momentwhich I spend there. Now stammering doesn’t seem like a problem for me because I haveso many friends like me and now I know which path has to follow. Each and everyperson there was unique and gave us a strong message that how we can live happily,even with obstacles in our life. Thanks to all my cool friends and guru’s byhelp of them now I feel so much lighter, open and better. Today I want to share a little humor with youpeople which happened with me last week.

I was coming back to my hostel with myfriends. On the way I had to say something to them. I was unable to utter one particularword. Every time I tried to speak the word; only aaaaaaae… sound comes. I triedfew times more but only aaaaaaae sound comes in a stretch manner And Every time I triedto speak , my friends became quite to listen me, and Then I say only aaaaaaa…Aftercouple of more attempts I was able to spoke out that word. It was “ATM” And then we allhad a great laugh. I joked them that I can't speak simple words sometimes because I loveto face difficult one. Then I spoke this word again few times in a fluent andrelax manner and gave them proof that “Dekha, mai isse aasani se bol skata hu,wo tho mje tumhe hasana tha isliye. ", And again we had a big laugh together. IfI would have to face similar type of situation few times ago (before joiningTISA) then it would be a quite painful and shameful for me. But now I can laughon my stammering and also can laugh others. What is benefit of weeping or leaving the work if someone laughs? Is itbad to laugh?? NO. It is only bad when others are laughing and we are damnserious. Join others to enjoy a great laugh. It is also a part of acceptance if you love the way you speak.

From Newzealand!

2012-01-20T22:55:00.000-08:00

Took the New Year holidays as an opportunity to catch up with Sachin Srivastava at Herbetpur.

Was greeted by a simple, vibrant looking Sachin at Dehradun in the afternoon. Herbetpur is quite a journey from Dehradun. The journey gave time to share my experiences with stammering moderate to severely, speech therapy, spiritual pursuits, meeting other stammerers. Sachin's opinions and suggestions showed his wisdom and experience in dealing with stammering himself. It was interesting to understand the influence of spiritual practise on Sachin's recovery from stammering via acceptance, self-help techniques and awareness in the society.

We went for a walk in the neighbourhood tea gardens in the evening. I admired his initiative and efforts to organise a self-help community of stammerers across the country via TISA. His desire to make life easier for stammerers via social awareness, self-help workshops, community building was admirable. People have been organising themselves to further their religious, ethnic, economic, environmental beliefs. However, there seems not much for the people who stammer in India.

Next day we visited the ashram of a swami in Domet village, on the banks of the Yamuna. Swamiji does not speak so, you need a lot of patience to hear his words of wisdom. Met an american disciple of the Swami who stammers too. Liked Swamiji's philosophy of the day that, human life is like pursuing material and sensual cravings while living in exile from gods kingdom.Some day I shall cross the Yamuna and conquer the Shivalik hills in the background!

I am not sure of the vision and mission of TISA. I feel it is needed and like its general intention. It may touch different people in different ways. An organisation to raise social awareness or, a sangha to practise, learn self-help techniques, encourage stammerers. Bringing together a diverse set of people requires skill, patience and can be frustrating. However, the effort can bring growth and benefit to all.

Yadgar

from Newzealand

delhi shg meeting

2012-01-20T19:54:00.000-08:00

Dear friend many of us never participate in annual function or republic day function at our college life or school life due to stammering. so delhi shg conducting a meeting on 22/1/2012 at central park on 11a.m.. so that we may be a part of or see a glimpse of our school days. so your most welcome and you are free to give speech, anthom, poem on republic day. for any queries please contact abhishek (9873492722).. thanks.

Giving-up is an easy option

2012-01-19T05:34:00.000-08:00

As a stammer and also from my experiences of stammering till now, I must say this line “Giving up is an very easy option”. This begins when I was pursuing my graduation, everyday I woke up in the morning; I always used to think that my stammering must cured someday. Let don’t waste my time on my stammering and then I moved up in my regular routine work. Meanwhile I faced lots of problem, but really I don’t much care about it. When I was on my 3^rd year, Campuses are going on my college, then I realized that day “ohh shit what I’ll done with my stammering”, I am not able to talk in front of any person even in my own comfort zone. How could I face the world with my stammering. That day I realized the real meaning of Giving-up is an very easy option.

Those person who had given up his life is worthless, has no self-respect of his own and he is always pretending to be as good in front of everyone, but he's not that. The people became real and successful when he overcomes all the obstacles they faced and never let their disabilities come in their path of glory. Such people are numerous who are a motivation for others, by proving that nothing is impossible when you have the will and determination to do it. You have to committed to your work, you must love your work from heart, be passionate of what you are doing. Accepting your defeat means you are quit to your work

I am recently searching on net about how to build your positive self image, the best answer I got is “Looking at a Mirror”, By looking at a mirror tell yourself some positive words. For example, ‘I am a successful person’, ‘I love you’, ‘I believe in you’,’ All the time you are making a right decision’,’ you are a winner’. Notice your own positive traits of character. Fall in love with yourself regardless of who you are right now. Little by little you will see yourself quite different.

Given up is doesn’t mean that you accepted your defeat, it also mean that you had now “no aim" left in your life. Life without aim is life without the meaning, and there will be no challenges in life. It’ll just like a running car without a driver.So never give up to your life and just believe of what you are doing.

Delhi SHG welcomes Anshul, Jitendra and Mukesh (15 Jan)

2012-01-16T08:33:00.000-08:00

Delhi SHG met on 15Jan (Sunday) after a long time. It was the first meeting after the National Conference. There were three new members this time Mukesh, Jitendra and Anshul and the surprise of this meet is the new co-ordinator of TISA, Mr. Jai Prakash Sunda (JP Sir). Except them our old SHG members Dr. Kshitiz, Anup, Harshvir, Sikander, Arun, Abhishek, Saurabh and Pramendra were also present. The activities we did are as follows...

Psychological Test: After a brief introduction of one another we shared our experiences from National Conference to the members who weren't able to attend it. After that Sikander sir conducted a test about the psychological effects of stammering on us. There were 15 wonderful questions to be answered in Yes/No only. All of us have filled them honestly and then we assessed discussed and our psychological problems attached with stammering and how to get over with them. JP sir and Pramendra also discussed their practical aspects in our daily life and talked about the importance of observing your problems objectively.

Stammer Effortlessly: After that we divided us in two groups. One group was of all the new members and JP Sir and the other was of rest of the members. JP Sir described some techniques to our new members which will help them to stammer effortlessly.

Group Discussion: The other group of our old SHG members did a Group Discussion on the topic 'Should India improve our relationships with Pakistan' using 'PAUSING' technique. It was a very healthy discussion. All the members shared their point of views while talking with pauses and most of them were very valid and genuine.

Relaxing in Interview: After that we also did a mock panel interview of one of our members with 'Eating while talking Activity' for being relax while Q & A in an interview.

With this last activity we conclude our meeting. We missed our regular members Umesh and Pinakin. Overall, it was a wonderful experience for all of us and we enjoyed it a lot. Thanks to all the members who were or weren't present. Hope we will meet soon.

Radio Mirchi

2012-01-16T01:55:00.001-08:00

31st Dec- we sang and sang and sang in to new year!

Is it "practical"?

2012-01-15T19:07:00.000-08:00

Just came across two news items- one about Gareth and the other about a pws, who narrates a story in a high drama theatrical in Brooklyn..

These lines from Gareth are very relevant to those pws who have attneded a Communication workshop- or plan to:
“The McGuire programme changed my life. It is not a cure and my speech is something I have to constantly keep on working on. There are days I put more in and days I don’t and I become complacent and slip backwards. I’m now one of the instructors on the programme. Again it is about giving something back and helping change a stammerer’s life, how it helped change mine." (link)

This second news item needs some patience- Keep on reading till it makes sense, and when it does- WOWwww- that is what you will say, I hope! (link)
Keep on stretching the limits of what you think is PRACTICAL for you in 2012..

Sunday With Santosh

2012-01-15T09:07:00.000-08:00

Today I spent my Sunday at Santosh’s house with his family. Itwas a memorable experience for me. With the warm welcome and loving hospitalityI was beginning to feel comfortable and at home right from the time I steppedinto the house. In no time, Santosh’s kids, (4 year old daughter Swara and 1year old son Swarit) mingled with me and pulled me to play with them.

Santosh and I played Snakes and Ladders with Swara. As weplayed with Swara I began to think how analogous our life is like this game...for a moment we race up the ladder but on another we fall down gulped by thesnakes. Swara was excited with every ladder she climbed and was overjoyed andelated when she managed to defeat us and win the game. Then she led us toanother game of riding the train. Swara played the engine and Santosh and Iwere the bogies. Santosh’s one year old kid Swarit was clinging on to his dad’sleg sending a message that he is also in the game!

The lunch was sumptuous and simply delicious. On theoccasion of Sankranti there were Puran Poli for lunch. Santosh, his wife and I exchangeda lot of stories and memories of SHG meetings and workshops over lunch. I alsoshared a few stories of the Bhubaneshwar conference. Santosh’s wife was verysupportive of the idea of Self-help group and she opined that such a group isvery much necessary for PWS to come out and speak.

Swara then showed her skills with dance, as she performedon “Kolaveri Di” and “Chikni Chameli”.

By spending a day at Santosh’s house, talking to him and hiswife and playing with his kids, I have had one of the best Sunday’s I had for along time. Santosh is parting away. He is leaving Goa and is going back to hishome town Mumbai soon. SHG’s create a bonding that is certainly beyondself-help and stammering.

Santosh has plans to revive Mumbai Group. Watchout Romi andSanket! The star from Goa is coming to rock Mumbai…

We all from Goa wish Santosh all the best for his future endeavours.

DELHI SHG MEETING

2012-01-14T00:49:00.000-08:00

delhi shg meeting will be held on 15/1/2012 at central park on 11 a.m. for any queries please contact abhishek(9873492722) . thanks......

Cure Your Fear

2012-01-11T06:06:00.000-08:00

I always find myself complaining that no matter what I do,my fear always tends to overpower me in a speaking situation and I start substituting and avoiding words.No matter how much meditation,how much blogging I do,this fear never tends to go.

Today,I found my answer !!!!!!

I was reading a book by a very famous motivator Dr.Schwartz in which he so rightly says:-"The biggest cure of fear is ACTION".
Let me give you an example.I went to Rishikesh last to last year to do water-rafting.In between we all had to jump from a high cliff.Now I had 2 very different friends with me.The first one (lets call him A) just climbed the cliff,not once looked down and jumped.Just like that.I actually thought at that moment that it was damn too easy.But then my other friend (lets call him B),went towards the cliff,he just stood there for a minute,just lost into God knows what thoughts.That 1 minute of thinking cost him the jump.No matter how much we motivated him to jump,he just couldnt,and its not like he was trying,he was putting in every bit of strength he had in him,to jump but just couldnt.Each of us jumped 3 times but he just stood there.And till date he repents that he couldnt enjoy the thrill of that jump.

Thats precisely what happens to the majority of us in everyday life.Just before we are faced with a speaking situation,instead of just speaking out,we start weighing the possible pros and cons our less than perfect speech might have.And once we have these thoughts its GAME OVER.Then we spend the rest of the day,drenched in self-pity and feeling both sorry and agitated at ourselves.

Even during the national conference,we had to introduce ourselves many times.The times when I spoke when someone asked me to were the times when so much fear used to accumulate inside of me,that I thought I was going to faint but once I just rose my hand when introduction started without thinking twice and it was the best feeling ever,I stuttered less but more importantly,I didnt let any fear to accumulate inside of me and it was the greatest feeling.It felt so light.

In the example I gave before,it wasnt the jump that was difficult but it was the wait for the jump that was excruciating. Mr A acted and just jumped and hence didnt allow any fear to overpower him and we all know what happened to Mr B.

Similarly,its not the actual speech which is difficult but its the fear of stuttering that does the most of the damage.We all know that the longer we postpone talking to someone,the more difficult it becomes.

As Dr Schwartz puts it "Use actions to gain confidence and cure fear. Action feeds and strengthens confidence,inaction in all forms feeds fear.To fight fear-act.To increase fear-wait,put-off and postpone."

So the next time you are faced with a difficult speaking situation,just stand up and speak without thinking twice.Stop waiting for the time when everything would be perfect and just speak up.Because no matter how much deep breathing you do,no matter how much affirmations you say,without action-you cant cure fear.Its the hard hitting truth,the sooner you realize it,the further in life you will go.

www.mystammer.blogspot.com

Mindfulness..

2012-01-10T08:11:00.001-08:00

Those of us who are interested in Meditation, Vipassana, Brahmavidya etc. might be happy to know that Mindfulness is being taken seriously as an approach to stammering therapy now.. Yadgar has shared the article with me. Here is the link:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0094730X11000386
Thanks a lot, Yadgar!

My personal experiences...

2012-01-10T05:27:00.000-08:00

Now we all return back to our real life. All had a great time in bhubneswar. A tour with full of learning, joy. The first question arises in my mind after returning back is that what I learn from NC, did I learn the techniques, did i satisfied myself from being a part of TISA?

The answer is “yes” I learn how I make happy to myself with stuttering.

Before joining TISA, i am helpless, immature guy regarding stammering. I was always thinking that I am the only lonely person in this planet, but I was totally wrong.

I meet some great personality (Dr sachin, Jp sir, Elaine, Mahapatra, Manimaran sir,Raja sir) who already achieved something in his/her life. They are not a celebrities, superstar, but they now became ideal, inspired person for me. There are also lots of stories I heard from different people. All are “heart crying stories”. So for all.” behind every successful man, there always a sad stories”. We can make these sad stories to happy ending stories. I remember a idiom here..

“What is the cross (*)…it is a minus (-), that turned into a plus (+)”

Life’s happiness can’t controlled by anyone. So just let happiness do their work and we do our work. When we block in some sentence, we do many things to get rid of that “high voltage drama” thus our mindset changes. Here I want to underline a great say by Dr mahapatra…”if your mind changes, then your performance also decreases”. So never let you down “god help them, who help for himself”. I know I am only saying this, but hope I will strictly follow these things.

The most interesting part of this NC that I noticed, that all are so interactive in nature. All are so desperately waiting to talk to each other. Some of them have little experiences and some having a large experiences regarding stammering. I admire his/her experiences and trying to gain something and live my life liberally.

At last thanks to everyone, who supported me…Thanks TISA !!!

Advertising the NC on the net

2012-01-10T03:24:00.000-08:00

As I was talking with Leys,the chairperson of The BSA,I asked him about the blogs and forums could post the NC on,his reply was :-
I think you know them all, Dhruva: Facebook has at least five and there is STUTT-L, Stuttering Chat, The Stuttering Brain and a lot of other more personal ones. Searching will probably find you a few more, but I'm sure you've done that. But I think, in your reports, you need to describe the conditions for stammerers in India, what you are trying to achieve with your conferences and what you think the first one achieved. Otherwise readers have no context in which to judge the significance of what you have done and so there cannot be informed discussion.

I do agree with Leys that instead of just putting links about the Nc,we should get together and make a draft incorporating all the points he thinks are worthy of mentioning.What are your thoughts about this ????

Expenses Details for National Conference

2012-01-09T22:01:00.001-08:00

http://stammer.in/component/content/article/34-cat-info/477-expenses-details-for-national-conference.html

PWS की शादी पर टीवी सीरियल

2012-01-09T21:43:00.000-08:00

आजकल इमेजिन टीवी पर एक सीरियल "बाबा ऐसो वर dhudo" (Mon. to Fri. 10.00 PM) दिखाया जा रहा है. इसमे दिखाया गया है कि हकलाने वाले लोगों को शादी में किन परेशानिओं का सामना करना पड़ता है. कुछ लड़कियाँ हकलाने वाले वर को पसंद नहीं करती, लेकिन इनमे से कुछ ऐसी भी होती हैं जो हकलाने वाले की अच्छाइयों को पसंद करती हैं.

- Amitsingh Kushwah,
Mobile No. 093009-39758

Future Directions for TISA...

2012-01-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

On 9th January 2012, JP and I had a meeting over Skype to discuss the areas that needs to be worked in TISA. Here are the minutes of the meeting :

Agenda

Agenda of the meeting was to identify and discuss the future plan of action for TISA.

Minutes

Following points were identified as the areas that need attention for the coming year:

1. Formalize the registration process. There should be a contact person in all the four zones. The registration fees should be transferred to the account of the contact person. During registration the candidate should mention the name of the person to whom he has transferred the amount. On filling the registration form an auto-mail will be sent and the contact person should verify the registration.

2. The registered members to have the following options :

a. Option to get a printed copy of Samvad / or both printed and electronic copy.

b. New registrations will get a printed copy of the Self Help Manual.

c. Registered members to have extra 7 days of grace period for registering at any TISA workshop / conference.

3. The amount of new registrations and renewal to be decided after getting the quotations for the Prints of Samvad and Self Help Manual. JP and Harish to get the quotations in their respective areas.

4. Samvad to be issued / printed once in 4 months instead of quarterly. This will help us focus on quality material to be published on the same.

5. Upgrading the website. Following tentative features to be implemented :

a. Comments / Facebook like for each article posted.

b. Chat room

c. Discussion board

d. Reminders of Renewal of Registrations

e. Any other features identified as necessary during the upgrade.

6. Fund raising: Find out innovative ways / collaborating with other firms for fund raising of TISA.

7. Decide on workshop Levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)

8. Team Building: Identify volunteers who are willing to spread the word of awareness for TISA through networking and internet presence.

9. Hire an SLP. The SLP to work for TISA, travel to self help groups and offer professional help to the members. TISA to also groom the SLP which will cater to quality speech therapy even when the SLP is not with TISA.

Suggestions / feedback are most welcome.

From Chennai..

2012-01-09T05:53:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends,

The Chennai chapter meeting was held on 7.1.12 & attended by 13 pws including 3 new ones. Myself and Raja Bhattacharji narrated the various activities happened at NC Bhubaneshwar. We have also shown photos to them in a laptop.

I informed to them that I personally benefited after attending NC not only in stammering point of view, but also about the fun, joy and happiness which I got form NC. It could not be explained in words but only to be experienced. I never felt this much of happiness in my life for quite many years.

Then, we voluntarily stuttered for about 20 min. Some of the pws realised that how much it difficult to stutter voluntarily.

The 3 new pws asked for a speech therapy. I teached the speech therapy which I learned from Mr.Balasubramaniam which is a combination of therapy and berating control.

Mr.Vishal and Mr.Hassanand have given inspirational speech at the end. Vishal told that when he was young, he could not find out the reason for others laughing at him. After some years, he realised that those who were laughing would not going to help him either emotionally or monetarily and hence not at all bothered about others laughing because of his stammering. Hassanand told that he always speak as if he is the best speaker and not bothered about his stammering. Incidentally, Hassanand is doing textile business successfully for more than 35 years which involves more talking and frequent traveling.

Now I understand that though "Acceptance" is fore most important to conquer or control stammering, acceptance is not alone is not sufficient to lead good life like others. It requires change in attitude as well as mind set towards stammering like Vishal and Hassanand's mindset.

One thing which saddened me the most which I would like to share with this group. Couple of pws has informed to me that their wives are teasing and bullying them for not getting good job and earning enough money. One of the pws wife is not even allowing him to speak to their 8 year old son for fearing of copying his stammering. I have no answer to them except God will always take sometime to do good things.

We are proposed to go for an outing in the next month... may be to Mahapalipuram on line with NC.

Coming back to NC I thank everyone from whom I learned something. My special thanks to Dr.Sachin and JP for arranging the first NC in India. My thanks to Dr.Satya Mahapatra for spending most of his time at NC and also to his wife who has also spent much time at NC. What a wonderful couple!. I also wondered how Elaine has got so much of energy! Full of energy throughout NC. Hats off to her!

Those who missed NC has really missed something in their life. My suggestion to them is where ever they get such opportunity, use it. You can learn much more than stammering. May be you can understand even the meaning of LIFE....

That's all from Chennai.

Regards,

Manimaran.

Speaking out!

2012-01-09T05:48:00.001-08:00

It's Two Different World Out There !!!

2012-01-09T00:23:00.000-08:00

At first a quick apology to all the people "Stutterers" whom i promised to e-mail the contacts and ids of the participants of the NC. Sorry Guys and Elaine mam!! I was stuck with some stuffs and you will get the contacts on your e-mail id as soon as possible.

Since 28th of last month, there have been two different worlds out there for me i.e. the one with the stutterers ( from 28th Dec to 2nd of this month) and the other one, right from moment (2nd Jan) i left the IHS Campus Bhubaneshwar. Let's say the former one as W1 and the latter one as W2. In W1 it was like, i don't have to pretend neither do i have to hide the way i talk, whether it be me saying प.. प.. प.. प Pramendra or just Pramendra , but as soon as i was in W2, it was like Oh My God why do i have to say प.. प.. प.. प Pramendra, why can't i manage with some thing else?? Why does everyone have to bear an extra 2 or 3 sec for me or to be more correct "of me". In W1 i never missed an opportunity to express myself (means whenever possible), but then later in W2 it was like, "okay leave it!!" why do i have to explain myself or these things, to people who are dumb.

But these two different worlds have shown me that what I am and whatever may be the reason or the cause I am bound by my instincts. I took acceptance of my stuttering as a challenge, that let's see how much i can push myself, what are my limits and by what extent i can further push them off. In this regard, i went to my place i told my mom that, look mom i stutter and you also know this. I don't have any problem with this because i no longer consider it as a problem , it will be very nice of you, if you also don't consider as a problem because it isn't, it is just the way i talk and i am not afraid that what people will think of me or do think of me. I know it was very hard on her because since childhood nobody discussed my stuttering and out of the blue i am asking her to be okay with it, but she was quite supportive and she said i was always okay with it and still i am. Then i discussed it with my friends and not so surprisingly they where also okay with it, although few were shocked about, me using the word Hakla for myself and other fellow stutterers more frequently, which they used to call me for teasing.

Still, down somewhere there is a kid who wants to hide it out, for example i am not able to use the bouncing technique as i frequently used it in IHS. I am still uncomfortable when i get stuck, which i wasn't back there in IHS. Even if my brain says that i have to use bouncing because the fear is still out there, i never end up doing it. As far as i think it is the instinct which i have developed in past 20 years (that i have to hide my stuttering) is coming in my way but the thing is now i am enjoying this because (as in Late Steve Jobs words) i have now started figuring out the dots of my life and i think, i just have to be patient and confident in what i do and one day down the road even on the well worn path the dots will connect and that will all make the difference.

Is there a cure?

2012-01-06T07:17:00.000-08:00

No offense meant to anyone but TISAencourages pws to share their therapy history to promote awarenessabout various options available to us and also to explore thepossibility of “cure”. As we know, almost ANY technique will helppws in the short term. But the real test of claims of cure need to beexamined in the long term. Here is a sharing from Kushal from Kolkata:

I have been stammering as far back as Ican remember. I remember few glimpses of my childhood where I didstammer when called out to speak. I also recall avoidingparticipating in Debates and Elocutions owing to my stammering. I didhowever take part in Theatre, where like most of stutters mystuttering “vanished” onstage. I also remember my parents takingme to a few speech therapists in my early childhood, however I wastotally unconcerned about my stammering at that stage of my life anddid nothing in this regard back then. In fact I remember vehementlyrefusing to see any therapists again.

The environment in which I was broughtup during my schooldays was very congenial and I never really feltthe pinch of being a stammerer. Friends, teacher and acquaintanceswere very accommodating of my stammer. Also I feel that being quitegood at academics and sports compensated for this drawback.

My first effort at speech therapy beganwhich a local doctor, specializing in speech and hearingdisabilities. This was during my maiden year of college (2005). Hefocused on reading and speaking in a prolongated manner and onrelaxation techniques. However I had little benefit as I took thosesessions in an isolated mannerapply thetaught manner of speech outside. Also honestly the urge toovercome my stammering was not there at that point of time.Looking back, I feel that the sessions were a substantial waste ofmoney. and never did

My next and a very important steptowards overcoming my stammer came when my father took me to a twoweeks workshop on Stammering Cure held by Mr P B in Kolkata. This washeld between 24^th December 06 and 7^th January07. There were around 50 – 60 participants in the workshop. Theenergy was electrifying and I made great progress there. It must bestated that I was among the group of 3 or 4 severe stammers in thebatch of 50 plus. I made rapid progress and Mr B’s technique workedwonderfully for me, in fact I remember that my progress attracted theattention of many including that of Sir’s.

However the road ahead is seldomsmooth. I soon hit a roadblock. I began to be afflicted by doubts.Doubts whether I will actually cure my stammer, whether I will haveto carry on speaking in this “slow and artificial manner” etcetc. It must be noted that I had acquired this habit of worrying andgetting tensed over trifles (probably due to my competitive naturefrom childhood) and this completely spilled over to this area. Owingto this, the doubts kept multiplying and impeded my progress to agreat extent. I expressed my concerns to Mr B, who somewhatdownplayed it. Looking back I really wish that I hadn’t spent thosehours and hours worrying about the difficulties “that may happen inthe future”.

Anyways continuing, I did my practiceswith dedication and when college reopened, my progress in speech wasevident. It made me feel real good. However I faced the problem ofnot “applying the suggested style of speaking”. Though Iregularly practiced my speech in the morning (eg Deep Breathing,Vocal Exercise, Slow Reading etc), I was completely failing to applyit in real time. In real time, the old and my natural style ofspeaking(which many have remarked contains a lot of excitementappeared everytime). Also doubts resurfaced time and again.Eventually the hours of practice decreased and stopped altogetherafter some months. One point to be mentioned here, that prior to MrB’s course, I suffered facial distortions while speaking. Thesedecreased to a great extent after the course, and now I think Irarely suffer from facial distortions while speaking.

That year, 07 can be compared to thatof a child’s first year at school, where he/she recognized thealphabets, can read and write a little in those large “out ofshape” manner, but progressing.

Mr P B came back the next year foranother two week workshop, and I attending it with heart and soul.Also he was gracious enough to let all the ex-students including meattend his workshop for free. I clearly remember speaking absolutelyfluently (in the suggested style) when conversing individuallywith my batchmates there. They were impressed with my progress.However problem persisted to quite an extent when called on to speakon the Microphone and when asking questions in front of everybody. However I feel that I did reasonably well during the workshop.

Following the workshop I didconsiderable practice for a few days and researched about stammeringon the internet for the first time. I came to know of the AmericanStuttering Center, The Maguire Program and read the book onStammering cure by Malcolm Frazer. The book by Malcolm Frazer I feltwas well written and addressed some of my personal conflicts. Anotherinspiring video was the journey of overcoming stammering by GarethGates, the runner up of Pop Idol. He did suffer from a severe stammer(displaying different symptoms from me), but had overcome it to alarge extent over the years. He had undergone the Maguire Program.Another inspiring speaker was Gareth Gates personal guide andrecovering-stammerer himself. His words still ring in my head, “AndI practice every day……”

That year 08, I practiced in an on-offfashion, practicing for a couple of days then abandoning it for acouple of days and again taking it up. Also there remained thelacking issue of applying. I also came across a verydisturbing article in the net titled “Incurable Stammering” by DrEugene or so. He had written the article on a patient of his, Todd.Todd had had a sever stammer and though he had overcome his stutterto a great extent under Dr Eugene, he had not been satisfied and hadtaken a speech therapy course somewhere. There he was taught to speakin a slow prolonging manner etc. (exactly like Mr B’s technique).This did a short term good, but worsened his state in the long run.This article really disturbed me from inside, reviving my old fearsand doubts to the very core. (A note here, Mr B discourages thepractice of Internet research regarding Stammering and to accept hismethod as the complete solution – something, though I respect himvery much, disagree to). I worried for a long time regarding thisissue and eventually decided to do Mr B’s practices in themorning but instead of applying his suggested manner of speaking follow the guidelines written in the book of Malcolm Frazer as thatappeared to be do-able in real time.(I had all along beeningrained with the belief that Mr B’s style of speaking is tooartificial and not practically applicable. Also I had throughexperience felt that during the days in which I had done Sir’spractices in the mornings, my speech was better off and I experiencedless blocking. Also Vocal Exercises seemed very effective in reducingthe blocks I experienced).

I am tremendously ashamed to admitthat though I did practice almost regularly I again never implementedthe guidelines of Malcolm Frazer. It only remained and continuesto remain in blueprint. (This is the single most important pointwhy I have to admit that my progress in stammering cure has been sotardy and continues to).

The years 08 and 09 where spent inbouts of practices and then relapses. In between I had my campusinterviews, during which I remember stammering abnormally severely,but nevertheless made it to a reputed MNC. These years where likethe Sensex graph, marked by uncertain fluctuations but graduallyrising overall.

In the year 2010, during March I againwent to Mr B. This time I attended a prolonged session of 3 to 4weeks in Bangalore where he runs the centre. He was again graciousenough to accept only half the course fees . However this time, mymind was not solely concentrated on stammering unlike the previoustwo workshops. I was busy with my admissions to my Mastersside-by-side. This I feel took the shin of the progress to an extent.Also I was determined that I would not speak in his suggestedtechnique which appeared artificial to me. I would rather concentrateon a blend between his techniques and that of those suggested byMalcolm Frazer. During the course, I expressed my apprehensions tohim, the chief being that “Through experience I had realizedthat whenever the focus on stammering cure was lost in the course ofthe days owing to work, studies etc, my stammering returned rapidly.What was the way out? One obviously could not devote exclusively aperiod of a year or two to stammering cure, one has to attend toother duties, and this very event caused the mental focus to shiftfrom stammering whereby stammering resurfaced rapidly.” Heacknowledged this fact, I remember his words ,”Yes. For examplesCricketers eat cricket, sleep cricket.” However, to my question heshowed me a mail written by one of his ex-students, now a researcherat Harvard, Dr S P. Dr P had written to Mr B thanking him profoundlyfor the huge impact he had made on his life. This caught my attentionand made me rethink.

I subsequently contacted Dr P and wasconvinced that Mr B’s techniques were indeed effective. and that Iought to follow it more closer to the letter. (I had no doubtrealized long ago the effectiveness of his method of stammering cure,the only objection I had was the “artificial and seemlyemotion-less” manner of speaking suggested)

Another interesting and inspiringincident worth mentioning is, for a brief period I was employed as aResearch Assistant in a research center in Gurgaon, there a MITprofessor Dr M S had come to give a seminar. To my surprise, he had astammer, easily recognized by a fellow stammerer, but not easilynoticed by others. I later approached him in this regard and he saidthat he previously had had a very severe stammer, which he overcameby self-talk for hours and hours. Some of his words were ,”I had towork bloody hard to overcome my stammer.” “You have to findout how you can overcome your blocks, what works for you.” Healso suggested the point of Gentle Phonation, to counter thetendency of stammers who apply excessive pressure during thecommencement of speech.

Thus the years 10 and surprisingly 11have passed away in this mind-frame. I have sort of chosen my path toovercome my stammer, but must confess that I am applying it to a verysmall degree. Progress has been made in the fronts of like, I had ridmyself of facial distortions to a large extent, I almost now nevertry and hide my stammering and hence am less tensed inside. I have inthe course of these years opened up more and have become quite agregarious person from the once introvert. I have as a repeatedpractice, spoken to a lot of strangers and have felt really goodabout it.

Having said that I can point out thesingle most point of lapse. That lies in implementation. This Ifind is the hardest step in the journey to overcoming my stammer.During the course of any normal day out of say 40 instances ofspeech, I probably speak 1or 2 instances in the style suggested by MrB and rarely have my mental focus of stammering while speaking. ThisI feel is very important, and aught to be thoroughly focused on inthe coming year 2012. Also the other important point is Focus. Justlike only the concentrated sunrays can burn a piece of paper,likewise only focused and sustained effort on stammering day-in andday-out will bear worthwhile fruits. In fact I am just a beginnerhere. I can’t recall more than 5 days in succession (apart from theworkshop days) where I have maintained a concentrated focus onstammering and it various implementations. However I sincerelybelieve that 2012 is going to be a very different year, marked by abig leap towards stammering cure. Personally I feel that a lot of“secrets” of overcoming my stammer is known, what remains is theimplementation.

Pictures from Orissa

2012-01-05T11:15:00.000-08:00

Dear All,

Here is an album, with a collection of some of the photos of the National Conference at IHS, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa....

https://picasaweb.google.com/117465129517612405511/FirstNationalConferenceOnStammeringSelfHelpBhubaneshwarOrissa?authkey=Gv1sRgCKOsxLXkgK3kFw#

Re-live the memories :)

Renowned Professor a PWS

2012-01-05T07:38:00.000-08:00

Just started watching this video for some other academic purpose when I realised that Devesh Kapur who is a renowned Indian scholar in a reputed US University also stammers. Here is the link to the video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoX62xr-2p0

Akash

Acceptance vs.Speech Therapy

2012-01-05T01:25:00.000-08:00

Just came back from the first National Conference on Stuttering in India,it has been nothing less than an enlightening experience from me,it wasnt just about stammering,it was about meeting people from all across the country having nothing in common but they way they speak.More about that later though (I will be posting about the conference in a short while).

A question that haunts most pws is that whether they should go for speech therapy or practice acceptance by advertising their stutter,joining shg's,etc.What I believe is that a combination of the two is the answer.Here's what I believe should be ideally done-The major obstacle in the recovery process is FEAR.A renowned SLP who hosted the whole conference said that whenever faced by a feared speech situation we should learn to "react" to it by our intelligent human self instead of "responding" to it by our animalistic self.So the next question is how to reach such a level so that we react instead of respond.Imagine this,the first to time you drove a car.You knew everything as what had to be done-ignition,clutch,gear,leave clutch slowly and accelerate,clutch,second gear and so on..... But all of us know that the first time is far more difficult than this 2 line theory.You have to drive the car for a atleast a week till you really start getting whats really happening and in a matter of time you dont really need to remember what needs to be done.And at this stage you can learn all about how to drive in heavy traffic or how to drive when racing with friends(Dont do it though :-) )
I hope you are getting what I am trying to say.

Just like driving,you need to get your fear out first before you can learn some techniques.For that the acceptance practices are necessary.Believe me,I have tried every other possible way out and there is none.You gotta go out,advertising your stutter,join shg's,attend workshops and try to be open about your stuttering. By doing such practices you will slowly start to get what all is happening to you when you stutter instead of going in a semi-numb state of mind.Slowly you will start to analyze your stutter with your mind with no emotions involved whatsoever. In due course of time you will surely reach a level where you dont feel your stammer as a big issue in your life. After this you can always go for speech techniques(read pro-techniques) if you feel the need like prolongation,in-block,mid block,after block corrections i.e. to say that you can take advantage from these techniques only after you learn to react not respond to speaking situations.Acceptance doesnt mean to accept your stutter as it is,it doesnt mean not working on your speech,its just a means to to ensure that you manage your stutter both in the mouth as well as in the mind.

All of this is my personal opinion without no influence whatsoever.I hope I have been of some help.Will be posting about the conference soon an also an interview with Beata Akerman,so keep following.....:-)

www.mystammer.blogspot.com

Some Quick reactions..

2012-01-03T04:13:00.000-08:00

TISA thanks everyone..

2012-01-02T19:49:00.000-08:00

(left: Ganesha in an outer alcove; the IHS campus uses locally available material and traditional architectural designs to create spaces which are both functional and aesthetic..)

We wish to thank everyone- those who participated, those who helped, those who could not participate but were with us in spirit and prayers, those who read the posts and spread the word..in fact EVERYONE on the globe.
Our special thanks to Dr Mahapatra for making himself so freely available- his story of Bhringaraj and the bamboo sapling, will remain with us for many many years to come; We thank his wife and family for sharing him with us so readily for the five days.. Many thanks to his team and staff at IHS, for making us feel at home..( jangal me mangal: it was like a picnic at Chandaka forest) and helping us in so many ways. Our immense gratitude to Hotel Bari International team as well..
We also would like to thank NSA (for the buttons, bands, brochures etc. received thru Elaine) and Elaine for her time, counsel, sharing of wisdom and knowledge..
We also thank Judith Kuster and Keith for all the help and best wishes.. Pam for excellent video message..Tanveer, Hiten and Danielle Rossi for promotions and sharing the event with their audience.
We wish to thank the FAMILIES which took the trouble of participating together: Mrs & Mr Manimaran, Rajesri and Raja, Gaurav and his pa (Deepak), Sumit and his parents..
Thanks to all the participants who prepared well and shared their thoughts: Pawas, Harish, Dhruva, Vivek and others..
Thanks to the young gang which volunteered many tasks BEFORE and during the NC with GREAT enthusiasm..
We also thank our families who stayed behind and phoned regularly to get updated..
May the new year bring all of us peace, awareness and creativity which we may need to realize our hidden potential..

NC: Day 4

2012-01-02T19:03:00.000-08:00

The three ladies at the NC- Usha Manimaran, Rajesri, Elaine..

At Konark..
Below..The three friends at Konark beach and "Ye Jindagi na milegi dobara" mood..

The Konark temple- beautiful sculpture and gardens around it..
A budding salesman tries to sell the TISA tea-shirt in the bus, on the way to Konark.

Elaine talks about her persnal journey both as a pws and a SLP; with the help of stuttering iceberg; BTW she is a Black belt in Taekwando, watch out..

Inauguration of the first National Conference.. a lamp is lit by all the three ladies.. May the light of reason and hope spread all around..

The city and its towers rise in the background as the meditation caves at Khandgiri look down and contemplate for centuries..

Mrs & Mr Manimaran - One of the two couples at NC, (at Konark) (other being Rajesri and Raja)

NC- Day 2, 3 & 4

2012-01-02T17:26:00.000-08:00

Brief Descriptions: Pawas Anand talks about the very important area: Employment and Interviews.. Intense discussion follows. No absolute rules but yes, there are many opinions based on common sense and current trends..

Mohit, Romi and Gaurav play a tough game: constant motion at a slow rate. The turtle wins the race here.. All the three are winners and promised free consultation by Dr Mahapatra, at anytime in life..(sachin promises them a free trek in Himalayas anytime in his life)..

Konark beach: Lot of shooting, fun, two races, some funny moments.. we watch sunset and the vast expanse of restless water..beautiful sand models..

Dr Satya Mahapatra shares deep insights and amazing ways of looking at life: Okay- you feel you are stuck for ever.. but remember the bamboo shoot? It remains almost invisible for five years and then suddenly shoots up 25 meters.. What was it doing in the first five years? It was developing the extensive root system to support the latter growth.. Many of us could relate to it at once.. Another interesting thing he talked about was- neuroplasticity.. Hard work and commitment could change the neurology and genetic potential- who are we to deny that possibility?

NY with our Biological family!

2011-12-30T17:54:00.000-08:00

Our "Biological" (and Psychological) family!

Day 2: Aaaaaaple!

2011-12-29T08:38:00.001-08:00

(Pic 2) Dr Elaine interacts with a group of Audiology students. (Pic 1) At one point we divided in two subgroups. This group went through basics quickly with sachin, so that they could practice good communication skills over next 3 days and understand TISA approach. The other group was facilitated by Elaine, who introduced the concept of PULLOUT - (1) becoming AWARE of the tension in different parts of the body (shoulder, jaw, tongue, hands, neck etc.) and (2) consciously being able to diffuse this tension so that (3) we move FORWARD in our speech. We used the example of saying "Aaaaaple" (apple)- beginning with a tension level of 4 in our articulators and then relaxing them gently at "ple", by bringing the tension down to normal at 1.5..It was a good exercise which helped us to internalize our focus at inner speech mechanism- inner awareness of tension in our throat, jaw, tongue etc.. Of course some people were disappointed because they expected an apple to materialize out of air, as they said "Aaaaaaaple" again and again..:-)

Next, Dr Satya gave an impressive demonstration of "Hetero-suggestion": He induced significant changes in two volunteer subjects over just few minutes through the power of suggestion: they felt they were falling, swaying, feeling light etc etc. Another concomitant change was: Subjects felt that there mind had almost stopped- very little thoughts were passing through. The message of the demonstration was: through auto-suggestion we too can switch into positive frame of mind AT WILL. Again, we can also unwittingly make ourself depressed and even sick through negative self-talk. PWS often indulge in this without realizing.. Mitesh shared his experiences of EFT (emotional freedom technique) in this regard. Vivek shared about Vipassana and how it centers our consciousness and we learn to see the world in its true perspective..

Post lunch, JP introduced a vigorous energizer: four teams had to keep a balloon afloat (in the air) by blowing at it from below.. Law of aerodynamics were totally against group of four desperate individuals, who at times at fall flat on the floor to blow at the falling balloon..Most inspiring about it: Both Elaine and Dr Satya participated.

The beautiful Campus..

2011-12-28T10:14:00.001-08:00

NC Day 1

2011-12-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Day 1 went very well; Dr Satya agreed to give us time and participated whole heartedly- even in the little energizers like the "Bomb Game". Harish arrived at lunch time. Mohit came from Kharagpur. We had silence, group song, intro, sharing of experiences etc. After lunch, we screened documentary made at Chennai (by Raja Bhattacharya). Followed by Q & A sessions. Some important quotes of the day were:

Every science in essence is- organized common sense...same could be said of even Speech Therapy for stammering.. (Dr Satya)
We can either celebrate our stammering or be unhappy about it.. we have choices ( Mohit)

We left the beautiful IHS campus in the evening around 5.30 pm. Dr Elaine arrived in the afternoon. We are going to have an evening party at 6.30 pm..

VIPASSANA – A PATH LEADING TO FREEDOM FROM ALL SUFFERINGS.

2011-12-28T03:59:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

Recently in first week of November I completed 10 days Vipassana course from Dehradun centre. As it is not possible to elaborate the details of meditation, because that can only be experienced. I am writing a brief write up on Vipassana with a strong personal recommendation to all PWS to undertake the course. I personally have benefited a lot by the first course and belief that others can also benefit from the same.

First of all it is very important to make it very clear that Vipassana is not for curing illness or disorders. This is a science to experience the reality about oneself. It is a process of purification of mind. As the mind is cleansed of defilements, various somatic or bodily manifestations of disease, due to defilements in the psyche, disappear or are alleviated as a by-product .Hence though Vipassana is not a remedy for disease, yet it is a “cure-all”..

Vipassana means “to see things as they really are” .From time to time, we all experience agitation, frustration and disharmony. When we suffer, we do not keep our miseries limited to ourselves, but we distribute it to others. Certainly this is not a proper way to live.

There are 3 steps in the course. First, students undertake precepts refraining from actions which causes harm. This allows the mind to calm down sufficiently . Second, for the first three and a half days, students practice focusing attention on the breath. This practice helps to develop control over the unruly mind. The third step, undertaken for the last six and a half days, is the practice of Vipassana. One penetrates into one’s entire physical and mental structure with the clarity of inside.

.The technique of Vipassana is a path leading to freedom from all suffering, it eradicates the craving, aversion and ignorance which are responsible for our miseries. Vipassana has the capacity to transform the human mind and character. I recommend all of you to spare 10 days of your life. It teaches how to live peacefully and harmoniously within, and how to generate only peace and harmony for others.

I am grateful to Dr. Sachin who recommended Vipassana to me.

May all BE HAPPY.

Jasbir sandhu,

Mob 99150 06377

POST DELHI WORKSHOP

2011-12-27T22:37:00.000-08:00

I had attended workshop organized by TISA at delhi where we got sticker that we have stick on our cloths , "haklao magar pyar se" was printed on sticker.
on last day of workshop when i was returning to home ,i decided not to put off sticker till i reached home... after reaching home i pasted that sticker in fornt door ,at that time i have no idea why iam doing so.. but fortunetly this thing helped me lot ...people who come to meet us(me, brother n friends we live toghter) ask why we pasted this sticker...and i or my friend tell him about tisa and my problem..after this i do not try to hide my self from them....in brief workshop helps us both way directly or indirectly

today i am leaving delhi to attend nation conference at bhubneshware..so wishing TISA family in advance

HAPPY NEW YEAR...may this new year bring true knowledge in our life

Well begun...

2011-12-27T03:55:00.000-08:00

Almost everyone has arrived safely- Some new faces; some parents (wow!). Mohit from Patna; Rakesh from Faizabad; Dhruva from Chandigarh..
Dr Satya gave quick round of the IHS campus to sachin; It is a beautifully laid out collection of functional buildings which merge seamlessly with local architectural traditions..lot of red stone, greenery and a scrub forest all around..
We get ready for day one of the communication workshop tomorrow. Weather is cold- bad weather is expected. But after the cold in north India, I dont think we can be surprised by anything.. (or put off)..

NC Updates

2011-12-26T23:36:00.000-08:00

Register (brochure) 2ND ROUND- EXPECTATIONS FROM NC

*If you have any queries, mail us at- info "at" stammer.in

Hostel and NC Venue
Institute of Health Sciences,
N2/41, IRC Village,
Bhubaneswar,750015,
Orissa, India.
E-mail :- ihsbbsr@gmail.com
Phone no:- 9437005096,
Land Line :- 0674-2550054 / 2553640

Map

Advance Booked Hotel Accommodation:
Hotel Bari International,

B/6, N-4 AREA, IN FRONT OF I.D MARKET,

IRC Village, Nayapalli,

Bhubaneswar

Map
Phone: 0674 - 2555666

* You can also deposit your registration fees directly in JP's account, here are the details (Do call him immediately after making the transfer, so that he can crosscheck it):

Name : Jai Prakash Sunda

ICICI bank Account No: 055801505760
Hotel Booking Details

1. There is NO registration process/fees for anyone accompanying you. They will just have to take care of their bode and lodge. You just need to inform us if you are coming with someone :-)

2. Just got this update. Sorry for inconvenience.

The room rent is Rs. 1200/- for double room with single occupancy. For double occupancy, it is Rs.1,500/-. But the hotel has agreed to accommodate 3 persons in the double room at Rs.1500/- So, it comes to Rs 500 per person. If you look at the following table, you can see that it is the most affordable offer. Of course many of you will be doing their own hotel booking which is FINE, as long as we do meet in the conference..

We also have some hostel kind of accomodation for people who are students or unemployed @ rs 100 per day (including food)

3. Registration fees received till now : http://stammer.in/component/content/article/1-cat-latest-news/473-nc-registration-fees-recieved.html

4. Cutoff Dates:

a. Last date for online registrations (along with accommodtion): November 20^th 2011
b. Last date for online registrations (without accommodation): November 30^th 2011
c. After 30th November, Registrations will be done ONLY at the Venue.

No exceptions will be made regarding the cut-off dates5. Hotel Bari International, IRC Village, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar is where 12 double rooms have been booked for 28th Dec to 1st Jan @ Rs.1200 per room. IRC Village is the most conveniently located area in Bhubaneswar. It is 4KM from Railway station, 5KM from Airport, perched on the NH-5. You can expect some support to delegates, as they arrive. These rooms are meant for people who have paid registration fee and have specifically asked for these rooms.

6. Institute of Health Sciences campus is at Chandaka, 11 KM from IRC Village. A bus will be specially dedicated to the event for commuting and will be paid for by TISA.

7. There are cheaper hotels available in Bhubaneshwar, which one can explore now (on line) or after arriving.

8. Finally we a group of 7 people have booked our tickets in the following trains in sleeper class :

1. 26th December 2011 (Delhi to Bhubnaeswar) : 12282/BBS DURONTO EXP

2. 1st January 2012 (Bhubnaeswar to Delhi): 12801/PURUSHOTTAM EXP (3 more people are expected to join us; so it will be 10 people :-)

Interested people can book their tickets by same train and have more fun while travelling!

We will keep updating you. Keep checking this space.
Haklao, Magar Pyar Se!

जरूरी है प्राणायाम...

2011-12-26T05:59:00.000-08:00

जीवन में प्राणायाम का बहुत अधिक महत्त्व है. इससे मन में सकारात्मक विचार आते हैं और शरीर उर्जावान बना रहता है. आज की भाग दौड़ भरी जिन्दगी में तो इसका महत्त्व और भी ज्यादा है.
हकलाहट को नियत्रित करने और बेहतर संवाद कौशल को विकसित करने में प्राणायाम बहुत ही सहयोगी हो. अक्सर हम समय की कमी या इन सबके उबाऊ होने को वजह मानकर प्राणायाम और हकलाहट से सम्बंधित दूसरी तकनीकों का अभ्यास कराने से बचाते हैं. लेकिन धीरे धीरे प्रैक्टिस करते रहने से यह हमारी दिनचर्या में शामिल हो जाता है और हम इसे आनन्द के साथ कर पते हैं.

निरंतर और नियमित अभ्यास से हम हकलाहट पर विजय प्राप्त कर सकते हैं. इसके लिए थोड़ी सी कोशिश और त्याग तो करना ही होगा...!

- अमितसिंह कुशवाह
Mobile No. 093009-39758

For people staying in Hostel at NC

2011-12-23T09:35:00.000-08:00

Thank you Mr.Sunda for the mail.
Hostel accommodation can be organised by the superviser Balaram Nayak, Ph:9090909503
Institute of Health Sciences is located at CHANDAKA. That means Chandaka village, Chandaka Police station, Chandaka Post office, Chandaka Institutional Area, Mouza: Chandaka, .........ha..ha.....
The only problem reaching IHS, at Chandaka is, it is not connected by public transport system ( town bus). Anyone gets down at the Railway station will have to hire an Auto Rickshaw, charges could be up to Rs.200/-. Route landmark is Railway station..Baramunda Fire station.. Bharatpur.. Andharua.. .Chandaka.
As such, when we are hosting the event, even my cell no should be available with most delegates. I will take care, when my staff make some lapses...

Dr Mahapatra
09437005096

पहले सुने फिर बोलें...!

2011-12-22T21:32:00.000-08:00

कहा जाता है कि हर किसी को अच्छा श्रोता यानी दूसरों कि बात को ध्यान से सुनाने वाला होना चाहिए. इंसानी फितरत हमेशा यह रहती है कि वह दूसरों को कम बोलने का मौका देना चाहता है और हर समय यही चाहता है कि दूसरे उसकी बात को ध्यान से सुने. हकलाने वाले साथी भी जब बोलने कि कोशिश करते है तो सामने वाला व्यक्ति हमारी बात को पूरी सुने बिना ही बोल पड़ता है, वह शब्द जो हम बोलना चाहते है. लोग हमसे हमारा बोलने का अधिकार छीन लेते है.

इस स्थिति से निपटने का एक उपाय है कि हम स्वयं एक अच्छा श्रोता बने. दूसरों कि बात ध्यान से सुने, उन्हें अपनी बात पूरी कराने का मौका दें. इसके बाद जब आप बोलेंगे तो शायद आपको भी बोलने का पूरा मौका मिलेगा. कई लोग जब आपस में बातचीत करते है और एक व्यक्ति शांत होकर सबकी बात सुनता रहता है लेकिन सबकी सुनाने के बाद जब वह बोलना शुरू करता है तो बाकी सब चुप होकर उसकी बात सुनते हैं.

- अमितसिंह कुशवाह
Mobile No. 093009-39758

THE NEW EARTH

2011-12-21T21:03:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading "The New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle. I think, second time. Felt deeply touched. He drops all the pedantic and superfluous details and shares the very essence of Budhist and Christian truths, while putting forth his own philosophy and REALIZATION. Yes, he is writing only about those things which he has realized himself- no dogma, no beliefs. In a nutshell, it is: when you become alive to the present moment, forgetting past and future (which exist only as a thought form in our head)- you become truly creative and live your fullest potential. This happens when you are able to step back from your intellect (=ego) and become aware of your "tninking". In other words- your awareness and your thinking gets seperated. You are able to see, even if momentarily, your SELF as separate from your thoughts (I must have this or that..).

He uses a very modern and easy simile to explain this thought: You are the Space- your thoughts are the Content occupying the space. When the Space is no more identified with the Content..when you become aware of your self as Awareness and your thoughts as mere content- AHA- that is flowering of consciousness; That is what we are born for: our inner purpose. Now, what we are doing outwardly, is the OUTER purpose. When their is an alignment between INNER & OUTER purpose- you transform yourself as well as the EARTH.

Such awakened people will be in harmony with the entire creation (environment, species, people, cultures etc.). They will be at the vanguard of a silent but steady flowering of humanity: the new earth. Yes, even I, a very ordinary person, can see that happening all around, thanks to Mr Tolle! Highly recommended to those pws who are trying to run a SHG.. (get the pdf)

Keith Calling..

2011-12-18T21:30:00.000-08:00

Myvery dear TISA friends,

Manyjourneys are planned in advance. Some journeys do not start, becausethere are no people willing or able to take that very necessary firststep. Until 2006 there was no effective central place in India forpeople who stammer to get together to talk about issues in every daylife relating to stammering and ask for help. Some of you took partin the yahoo group IndianPWS. But many Indians emailed theInternational Stuttering Association (ISA) and other NationalAssociations (BSA, NSA etc.) asking for help. In 2006, the vision ofThe Indian Stammering Association (TISA) was formed. In five and ahalf short years you have moved from the yahoo group, IndianPWS(still going strong), to holding a National Indian Conference linkedwith the IHS. Outstanding.

Iam currently in America helping my daughter and American husband tolook after my almost 3 year old granddaughter and 1 month oldgranddaughter. While I hold the baby in my arms I have time toreflect on the growth of her older sister in the last 3 years. Thisleads me think of similar growth patterns of TISA and the majority ofpeople who stammer. People who stammer hope and expect others to helpus. We take time to learn and accept that we are in charge of andresponsible for our own destinies. We are the only ones who have ourpoor experiences because of our personal level of communicationskills and we are the only ones able to do anything to improve theseskills. We also need to learn that the reason for some things goingwrong in our lives is not always our stammer.

Forpeople who stammer, the stages of growth start with knowing we havepoor communication skills; wanting to improve our communicationskills; seeking knowledge to help ourselves; then using the knowledge(practice, practice, practice....) to improve our communication dayby day and having fun in the process.

ForTISA, the stages of growth started with understanding that Indianstammerers needed to step up to the challenge and build a supportcenter for Indians in India, TISA (the first Indian website beganthe process); then taking the next crucial step of introducing theidea of people who stammer meeting together and starting Self HelpGroups (Sachin, a new coordinator; a new website; a new blog; andself help groups starting in different cities); increasingly providemore knowledge and start to provide effective affordable treatmentcourses which include lots of fun things to do; stimulate SHGs tomeet face to face; stimulate SHGs to help to provide a NationalConference or two or three; stimulate SHGs to help to provide a AsianRegional Conference or two or three (future); stimulate SHGs to helpto provide a World Conference(future).

Youhave now arranged your first National Conference. This is brilliant.I hope everyone enjoys meeting other people and talking (not typingan email or blog entry). Meeting face to face and talking is such arewarding experience. The volume of sound produced by stammerers whomeet and talk is amazing. A first conference is something peopleremember the rest of their lives. At the conference therapies andexperiences will be shared and many new friends will be made. Thereare always new things to learn and knowledge is the best way to findout which of the many techniques will help each of us on our ownpersonal journey to better communication. One of the most basictechniques is to ignore the words (only 7% of communication), and toconcentrate on all the other aspects of communication (93%). Howevereach attendee of the conference needs to listen, watch, learn andthen decide whether to use any of the new things talked about.

Ihave met some of the people who will be at the conference. You willhave a long journey to Bhubaneswar,Orissa. Think of the journey as part of your holiday at the IHScenter. Iwish you all an adventurous and happy Indian Conference. I am withyou in spirit and will be thinking of you all. Laugh, smile, have funand enjoy yourselves.

Maythe sun shine in all your hearts,

Keith(from the UK)

Great Tips for parents

2011-12-18T20:08:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, I was talking to a parent.One of the sentences he used, got stuck in my head: "He (=son) is at a stage where he thinks, 'I know better than my father'.."
May be son is wrong to think that. May be father too is wrong to think that! Stammering IS such a problem. It baffles everyone. So here is some advice from an EXPERT for parents. He has really done commendable and extensive work with children.
Link

Stammering- a blessing?

2011-12-18T20:03:00.000-08:00

"As a result of the stammer, I have never been able to speak fast but my theory is that having the stammer made me appreciate words more than I otherwise would have. I latched on to Cary Grant films, film noir with Bogart and Bacall and all that really rapid-fire patter."..
Read more about this successful children's writer, who once grew cauliflowers on a vegetable farm...

Meeting a local PWS....a potential peer...

2011-12-17T21:04:00.000-08:00

It was about 12 pm in the afternoon.I needed to take 1 hour break from the office to visit the local bank. I, finally called my boss, being involved in a dilemma for a long time whether to seek his permission or just go out directly, who was busy attending some cultural event in our sister concern factory. Visiting a bank have always been an uncomfortable task for me; seeking some loan or other trouble shooting had been worse in terms of communication comfort level.

I was approaching the auto stand with speedy legs, with repeated reminders from vipassana technique to be calm and alert here and then.

Before boarding the auto rickshaw, I was left with a task to get my photographs from the studio who has promised me a handful of coloured photos today, needed to be submitted at the bank.

Getting near and nearer to the studio, with a unknown doubt in my mind, I found that studio shutter closed from a distant view. I felt terrible. My mind was figuring out a possible failure to submit the documents as the bank was scheduled to close at 1 pm and it was 12:15 pm already and I was still waiting for the studio owner. I was angry, terrifying and tensed….walking to and from near the studio….vipassana was again reminding me to be relaxed and calm. But fore casting the horrible time at the evening phone call from my brother in case I failed to submit the documents today as yesterday was not letting me to be calm.

So I decided to submit the documents with pending photograph atleast. I boarded the auto rickshaw and suddenly, I remembered that I just have a single note of 100 bucks with no change to pay the rent. So, I interrupted the auto driver and acknowledge him that I do not have the change , just to avoid the possible last minute taunting and hurry. But unexpectedly he readily provided me change exchanging my 100 rupee note which is generally a rare scene. So I get in the bank. Just catched the concerned bank personnel and sit in front of him waiting for my turn. He was surrounded by a handful of customers. One of the customer, a young handsome man was carrying a small paper note in hindi language. It was a bit absurd yet a familiar thing for me. I got a small curiosity expecting a small secret behind this note. So, I decided to have a focused attention on that young man during his turn to deal with the bank officer.

And, finally, my doubt was confirmed that finally I found a PWS who can be a potential partner for me to explore various activities, even a SHG at my current location.

He was facing speech difficulties explaining his case to the bank officer with already forwarded paper note. He was trying to hide his stammering; a trademark of most of the adult stammerers.

I was done with my documents submission. Before leaving the bank premises, I contacted that young man who was still busy at another counter. I get near to him and ask him to come a bit far from the counter as I was not willing to discuss this issue in front of other busy people there as it could have been a bit uncomfortable for me and a far more for him.

So, I request him to get a bit distant from the counter for a while and told him that I stammers and I have found him on the same boat too. I was experiencing few blocks explaining all this. Initially, he responded just like other fluent persons who used to found it difficult to understand my words with those blocks. But sooner he accepted with a broad smile on his face that he stammers too. Then, a bit relaxed, I told him that I am on my way to recovery and I will be waiting outside the bank premises for him to share my words with him.

While I was waiting for him, my mind was flowing the ocean of emotions related to my old memories when I too used to play the tricks to hide my stammering with paper notes. My mind was overflowed with thoughts which I wished to share with him. Sooner I realized that he may not show much interest in my words as experienced a few times earlier too when PWS didn’t show much interest in either sharing their words or in knowing any techniques. So I assembled a few points which I was going to share with him with utmost caution not to hurt/humiliate him at all as talking about stammering with a stammering can be a very painful deal.

When he get out of the bank, I welcomed him with a smiling face and gave him my brief introduction and asked him for the same. I saw him a bit uncomfortable so I just gave him a brief introduction of TISA and gave him my phone number for future communication. He was in a hurry; we see off readily.

So, I returned back with a bunch of happy experiences although I am going to visit the bank again on Monday to submit my photograph and some other documents raised by the officer today only, still, I was happy that a possible total failure incident had turned out a really wonderful experience for me. Seeing him using paper notes as a weapon to hide his stammering, my heart have freed from tons of burden of guilt and self pity as I have always thought that I am the only person using such super smart techniques to hide my stammering.

I hope he will contact me and we will make a good company to promote TISA activities here…

Lessons from NSA..

2011-12-17T00:10:00.000-08:00

I was advised by a friend to check out old NC of NSA, for more ideas. Granted that there are many differences between TISA and NSA, here is what I discovered and was positively impressed by.

The sessions they plan are many, diverse, cater to different age groups and often run parallel. This offers choices to audience. For example look at this "day at a glance" from their four day NC 2011. There is a good mix of interesting topics and speakers instead of constant preoccupation with just therapy and "is there a cure?". Look at these topics, which are bound to be of great interest to young pws:
1. Falling in Love with a Person who Stutters (Maria Dowling)
2. When a Covert and Overt Marry (Hannah Laday)
3. How to find a job (or simply advance your career) (Jeff Goodman)

Then, they have something for families too:
4. Cattle call! (families meet on 1st Floor outside Trinity Ballroom Foyer)

And they have sessions by practicing SLPs too:
5. CEU: You are Changed by What you Do (Vivian Sisskin)

They have something for chapter leaders too, since NSA runs 100 (yes, HUNDRED) self help groups across USA! That is where their ideas, support and participation comes from. If population were a criteria, we should have four times that ie. 400 functioning SHGs in India!

So, how do they do all this? I think one secret is Self help groups, Therapists (represented by ASHA), Families, Children- all come together and collaborate in a big way. They forget their differences and come together for a BIG effort in the larger interest. People, organisers as well as busy Clinicians, give commitment of time well in advance. Participants too register well in advance (-large numbers from 100 SHGs) so that organizers know the number of young children, adolescents, adults, family members well in advance and are able to plan content and logistics WELL.For example, the 2011 NC was attended by 870 participants, of which 300 were the first timers! Wow!
Well I have learned a lot! Thank you NSA! Here is a video from 2011 Texas NC:

Approach Avoidance conflict

2011-12-15T06:47:00.000-08:00

In last 8-9 years, I have browsed and read all kind of writings on stammering- yes, even articles titled "Cure your stammering under 7 minutes", even Nathaniel Bogue- but two writers have fascinated me no end. It is not what they said or wrote- but the kind of life they had lived- which continues to fascinate me. Because in the long run, it is LIFE which communicates with life- not flowery fluent words, impressing intellect. These are: Van Riper and Joseph Sheehan.

Of course their words too are no less inspiring than their lives. Just sample this, from Sheehan's biography (yes, both of them are no more in body):

Sheehan developed his own theory of stuttering, the Approach-Avoidance Conflict Theory. It is unique in its conception that avoidance of stuttering or the suppression of stuttering is a major factor contributing to its persistence. He also developed a therapy based on his theory that stresses openness, admitting one's role as a stutterer, being willing to speak in all kinds of situations, and learning to stutter in a new and easy way without holding back and without struggle. Fluency comes as a by-product of changing both attitudes and habits.(the original article)

If you want to learn more about his Conflict Theory and Avoidance-Reduction Therapy, check this page. I find him very relevant even today. And if you want to know something about Van Riper, who is considered Father of the modern speech therapy for stammering, check this page. They were pioneers in every sense of the word. Amazing!

FAMOUS STAMMERERS

2011-12-13T11:36:00.000-08:00

A short clip about famous stammerers created my me.

Delhi SHG met on 11 Dec

2011-12-12T06:22:00.000-08:00

Delhi SHG once again had a memorable meeting on last sunday. Pramendra and Abhishek had organized the meeting. Earlier I wasn't sure whether I would attend it or not but Abhishek brought my favorite thing 'Sattu' (a special dish of Bihar and Jharkhand) from his village so I just could not stop me from going there. Reaching there I heard Pramend and Umesh are not coming due to not being well. There were only Abhishek, Pinakin and Saurav.

The meeting started with introduction. Everyone had to speak on a topic 'Dowry System', 'Sati System', 'Jaativad' and 'Honour Killing'. Everyone spoke on the topic for 5 to 6 minutes. Later, an new idea struck to our mind that let's do a new activity "Mr. World Contest". There were three role a host, juries and contestants. One member was hosting the contest, one was contestant and rest of us were juries. I looked like very real. We all did the role of a host, jury and contestant, turn-wise. The real questions were raised by jury and contestant gave the correct answers. It was a new experience for us. We were nervous and had no control what hwe were saying but It was really a good activity and gave us confidence tat we can take part in Mr. World contest, someday....:) After this activity, we did the role playing, my dialogue was from Film Dharkan and Pinakin and Saurav played the roles. Saurav's GF has become the GF of Pinakin. Later, he came to know she was the Girlfriend of Saurav. Guest appearance of the GF played by our Abhi. Abhishek also played the role of a Hindu boy who is in love of girl of another community and he is trying to convince his parents for marriage.

After the meeting got over, we went to Jantar-Mantar to see all party debate with Anna Hazare, while returning we were playing the role of Media person and asked question to one another about Anna ji's anshan. Overall, it was a great experience for us.

Regards

Sikander Singh

Feedback from Chennai..

2011-12-12T05:55:00.000-08:00

Hi,

First i would like to say thanks for them who have organized the meeting which is held on last Saturday at Chennai. After the meeting really I am feel much confidence to overcome from this.

Thanks for once again

Thanks & Regards,

Kalaiselvan S

Leave the keyboard, grab a Basket ball..

2011-12-11T19:52:00.001-08:00

Another story of, as we mentioned earlier, excellence at one thing benefitting other aspects of life- including stammering:

I didn't stutter on the basketball court. I just destroyed people, and all of a sudden all the jokes went away, and as my confidence got better, my speech impediment, it just went away.

I stammer more while talking in english....

2011-12-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

It has been a common belief among most of the stammerers that their frequency of stammering varies from language to language. I do also believe the same. Being brought up and working in northern India, I have always believed that I am most comfortable in hindi; talking in English and other languages like Punjabi had always been a quite a discomfort experience for me.

Today, tele-communicating over phone, that also with a girl, I experienced significant increase in blocks. During the after talk analysis, I figured out that my talking speed was quite rapid during that conversation. It was something like a rapid-fire question-answer round than a normal casual talk. I was continuously interrupting her even before she finished her words.And, finally I also noted that I didn’t enjoyed the conversation to that extent as expected just because I didn’t either let her complete her words nor I did express myself fully.

So, the stuttering mind set (past experiences) that I am going to stammer more in English , and the emotional imbalance as I was talking to a girl were the driving force behind my super fast talking speed. And, we all know that super fast internet speed is very good but super fast talking speed is not a healthy thing at all.

So, I guess the basic problem is not the language, but the stuttering mind set or in broader term, the lack of ability to ‘stay in present moment’. If I can stay in the PRESENT MOMENT with full awareness which is well achievable with MEDITATION, in that case, I will be able to enjoy a happy talking experience in all speech languages.

DELHI SHG MEETING

2011-12-09T05:42:00.001-08:00

Delhi shg will meet on 11/12/2011 on 11 a.m. at central park. if you have any query please contact abhishek(9873492722), or pramendra (9654363005). thank u..

Transformation

2011-12-08T20:45:00.001-08:00

A little story of transformation of a young man...(read the comments below this public youtube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btHyuUbGzW4

A Stuttering meet on 4th December in Delhi

2011-12-07T12:41:00.001-08:00


Delhi shg meeting

A stuttering friends meeting took place in Delhi, this time in place of earlier shg’s. It was quite interesting because this timewe had maximum members and a roof on our heads :-). We are thankful to mr. Nitin tomer for providingus his home for meeting. Meeting attendedby ten members in which 4 new members Sallender, Sachin tayagi, Arun,Rajlingam, Amit dixit and Sorav. The Meeting was hosted by Parmendra, Sikander andUmesh. Ok. We do the following activities in the meeting :-

1. Introduction-First we did a formal introduction round for everyone who came to meeting. Somemember use techniques which they learned but everyone had hard time to speakhis name as I feel.

2. Sharingexperience- We provided new members to share their experiences with stammeringand speech therapy. Members wanted to tell more about their good andbad experiences of life, but we had to say sorry to provide everyone time tospeak.

3. Sharingtechniques- Parmendra told all members to follow the ground rules of speakingat slow pace. Some members already following it like Mr. Amit dixit and Sachintayagi. We both param and me was really surprised that how they could maintainthe slow and rhythm in their speech without feeling the pressure of group. Hat's down to their attitude.

Umesh showed demo of bouncing andprolongation to all members. Some members had question about it but theirdoubts were cleared. Attending workshops in earlier time really came to help me. We also gave a chance to every member to speak few sentences withthe new techniques just they had learned.

4. Readingpractice- We provided some newspapers to everyone to read and check theirspeaking rate. Some members had fast speaking rate like me and param, some hadvery slow speaking rate. Sikander ji told that we had to reduce speaking rateto a balanced one by taking pauses and deep breaths.

5. Telephonicconversation- All members was given some telephone numbers like Taj hotel,Ticket reservation, electronic purchasing etc randomly. Few members made videorecording of their mates. Everyone feel shy at first time but after finishingthe task they really feel relaxed and confident. I myself had lot of blockswhich consume lot of energy and I feel hunger. The best telephonic conversationaward went to Mr. Nitin tomer, who really showed us never give approach.

6. Chinese whisper-After the testy lunch at home with stuttering friends. We played a fun activityalso. In this we had two groups. One group had to tell story and other group’smember had to tell story to it’s member one by one. We enjoyed this activitywith fun. People tend to change their words and loose their content as they proceed to next person.It showed that we have to concentrate on listening skills also. A goodcommunication needs both.

7. Groupdiscussion- We did a group discussion on a topic”Working way of ISA (IndiaAgainst Corruption) is good or not??” Everyone provided their knowledge about it. Butno group was ready to accept defeat. Parmendra did a great job in GD. Heprovided everyone equal opportunity to speak and to put their points. I reallyenjoyed this activity most because I also got a chance to update my knowledge.

8. Feedback-Parmendra told to group for their valuable feedbacks. Everyone had wrote theirphone no and mail id on piece of paper. We also share some information aboutincoming National conference.
Thanks to everyone to join us and fill our party with joy and knowledge. I also thanks to Dr. Sachin and Jaiprakash who showed us a path which we are now following with ease. Apologist for some delay and posting without good pics.

True stories..(from IPWS)

2011-12-07T04:30:00.001-08:00

Hello Friends,

I am back after 2 months. work pressure and exams kept me at bay. However there
were 2 things that I did very different which I would want to share in these 2
months

A] Accept oneself as a Stammerer

This was one core concept I came to know just 2 months back through the TISA
blog. And I haven't felt happier than ever before in my life once I applied
this in my life.

Since I am a mild stutterer, I always made a conscious attempt to come across
other people as a fluent speaker. In the process to impress people I used to end
up stammering.

By accepting myself as a stammerer I have become more free in my conversations.
I no longer feel frustrated when I get stuck on something . It's been a pleasant
journey since then. I also discovered that world is definitely a nice and
harmonious place to live in. After I applied this concept at my workplace, I
have found that whether I stammer or not; people still treat you in a fair way
and if not all, a majority of them are more than willing to listen to you no
matter if your speech appears cluttered, broken or stuck.

B] Brahmavidya course

I was recommended this course by my fellow friend Vaibhav Talegaonkar who in
turn was recommended by Mr.Peerbhai in this forum.

I have covered 7 sessions of the basic course and feel very glad that I joined
it. At least, now I know how to correctly breath and avoid shallow breaths
(which I feel is the core of my problem). Apart from correct breathing
techniques, the course also enlightens you on different methods of Positive
thinking and meditation.

The best part is that the teachers / Brahmavidya trust are very dedicated and
sincere towards their cause of spiritual teaching.

At about Rs.750 for a 22 week basic course, its definitely more than value for
money. I highly recommend this.

Regards,
Shyam

how to care stammering....

2011-12-07T02:50:00.000-08:00

my worm wellcome to all my stammering friendzz.... I m chakit samanta..4m kolkata. I m doing PG 4m NPTI, nagpur. And i m a stammerer.
I m very much thankful to all the guidance 4m Dr.sachin that now i m leading a much better life.
i m following certain techniques like prolongation & bouncing, which have helpd me a lot in caring my stammering problem.
I would like 2 say to my stammering friendz that u should be following these techniques and can easily make your life much more fruitful.....
stammerrers need to learn few more techniques like preblock, post block eyc....to be honest these things cant be shared through mail...
but friendz, u may be of any age group you r always welcomed to contact me.....
my mob no.-07304814559

fed up

2011-12-06T03:08:00.000-08:00

stammering and fear of stammering affecting my life very badlly these days ..i m fed up of these fear ,shame ,guilt , inferiority complex ..lack of confidance , ..i am very depressed ..i cant mix up with people .. I am in business ..so i have to communicate well .. I want to do many things in life but stammering holding me back ..i have to overcome this fear and inferiority complex at any cost ..othervise my life will be ruined ..what shall i do to boost my confidance an improve my self image ?? ... Kabhi kabhi aisa lagta hai ki mai aisi life jee kyu raha hu ;(......please suggest me .....i need help

A Delhi stutter friends Meet

2011-12-05T09:56:00.001-08:00

Hi Friends,

On the initiative of Delhi SHG, a mini communication workshop was organized atNitin Ji's residence, Indirapuram, DELHI NCR on 4th December. The main purposeof this event was to focus on communication skill so the event consisted ofmany activities like introduction, reading, speech games, debate, groupdiscussion, question answers and telephoic converstion. There were 10 membersand there names are Nitin, Pramendra, Umesh, Sikander, Tejo Thomas, Arun,Sachin Tayagi, Saurav, Shalendra and Rajulingam. Sachin tayagi, Saurav, Shalendra andRajulingam were the new members and Delhi SHG welcomed them whole heartdly.

We all had a good discussion and learned a lot from other's experiences. Intelephonic conversation we had to call airlines and Five Star hotel for booking inquiry. Earlier, Everyone was a bit hesitant but the best thing is that we alltried and had good discussion with them. It has made us fee that "it isnot a big deal" we can do it. Everyone played the speech game very nicelyand there was a tie between both the teams. There was a big involvement in Debateand group discussion on a given topic. The good thing is that everyoneparticipated in the discussion and put their point. It was very interesting andlooked like the real discussion aired on TV.
Overall, we had a good time and it made us think beyond stammering also. Thankseveryone for making it a successful event. A special thank to Nitin, Pramendraand Umesh for organizing the meeting.

A detailed review with pics will be posted very soon by Umesh. Please be patience :-)

Posted by:-

Sikander

NC 2nd Round: Expectations

2011-12-05T04:31:00.001-08:00

This is a run up to NC- collecting "expectations" from ALL the participants. Once we have a SENSE of expectations, we will be able to utilize our resources (esp. time) accordingly, so that all participants can get an "optimum" experince out of this first collective effort at national level. Here is Harish, our inhouse editor. We will keep adding more at the bottom, as we keep getting these notes from participants.

Harish Usgaonkar : Opportunities Galore

First National Conference of people whostammer, is going to happen in India this year end. I feel privilegedto be a part of this initiative, and look forward to be there as aparticipant. For me, meeting other people who stammer has always beena solace. In the conference I look forward to meet a lot more peoplewho stammer, under one roof. There’s nothing like sharing eachother’s stories and experiences with people who have had similardifficulties as mine. At the conference, I also look to network withstammerers with different backgrounds across the country and get toknow the similarities and differences with the experiences astammerer goes through.

The first part of the NC is going to bea 2-day workshop. TISA workshops have always been a ‘learn whilehaving fun’ activity, and during these 2 days I look forward tolearn lots of things from the experience of Dr. Sachin, JP and othersfrom TISA who have facilitated several workshops across the country.

The 3-day conference that follows willbe a great opportunity to gain knowledge about stammering fromprofessionals like Dr. Mahapatra and other speech therapists andexperts. Learning more and gaining knowledge I believe will helpleaps and bounds as we discover our own recovery paths. Delivering apresentation on role of writing, while sharing my own experienceswill be a one of it’s kind experience for me, and I look to put mypresentation and communication skills to test.

Meeting and interacting with Mr. ElaineWigdor Robin, is something that I am eagerly waiting for. NC iscoming with opportunities galore. It’s a new beginning, and time tospeak and say, “Yes, we have a voice!”.

About Me

I am Harish Usgaonker, hailing from thebeautiful coastal state – Goa. I hold a masters degree in IT, andpresently work as a Sr. Software Engineer in NE Technologies (Goa). Ihave delve into a lot of hobbies, but I enjoy writing and graphicdesigning the most, besides also trying my hands in mimicry andsinging. I love doing creative things. My ambition is to start abusiness of my own some day, and my dream is to publish a novel.

Elaine Saitta

I am grateful that you are puttingthe time into organizing this event. As a past leader of the NSA I know first-handhow time consuming this process is for you and your team. And thank you foryour nice thoughts about my pod cast interview.

What I expect? I am really lookingforward to meeting other people who stutter. Wherever I go I enjoy meetingothers who stutter. I was very excited to learn that the first conference inIndia was happening when I planned to be in India. I am hoping to learn about self-helpin India as well as how stuttering is perceived by others. The social interaction time between the participantsis what I cherish the most about conferences. The workshops are informative and great but it is the people to peopleinteractions and conversations that I enjoy so much. I am looking forward to meeting someinteresting people and sharing stories.

Again, thank you

Elaine
Raja Bhattacharjee
My expectations from NC....is just to have lots of fun.... meet and make new friends and of course visit bhuveneshwar...

Satyendra Srivastava (sachin)
My expectations are huge and that makes me a little nervous! But in a nice healthy sort of way. It inspires and encourages me to outperform myself. My first expectation is that we meet and discover the diversity hidden under that one small word: pws. I hope participants are relaxed, feel free to stammer or speak any which way, they want to, at any given moment, rather than be under the pressure of some kind of ISO standard of "public speaking"! Because people learn most when they are relaxed. I also hope that family members and women will participate freely and openly. I am sure people will listen to each other with respect and openness and observe time limits sincerely. While morning sessions sizzle with new information and interesting discussions - afternoon and evenings, I hope, are more relaxed and spontaneous, with movie shows, talent shows, impromptu talks and MIMICRY (watch out for Harish!).

There will be 3 (two definitely) SLPs among us. I hope to learn from them and I also hope that PWS will be able to share with them and help them too, to understand the complex phenomena called "stammering" better. Young volunteers of TISA will be managing a lot of things- I hope they will discover the hidden talent for Event Management in themselves and each other- and a team spirit will develop over three days, which will outlast decades. I will be meeting some people for the first time and that certainly makes me excited like a little boy on first day of the school! I am definitely looking forward to meeting Professor Mahapatra and Dr Elaine. Finally, I hope TISA will set a Gold standard for all the future NCs and chart a clear path for self help among people who stammer. Haklao magar Pyar se! Yes, why not?

Umesh Rawat
I hope i will surely attend this first and biggest function that is National conference of stuttering. These are my expectation which i will hope that we will try to fulfill there.

1. I will surely get a chance to meet all the recovered stammers who achieve this with great patience and courage. It will be most good thing for me.
2. I will get a chance to make good relationship with them and increase my social skills
as well as my friend circle.
3. If i would lucky then I will got a chance to perform on stage which is my all time dream.
4. It will also increase my patience and listening skills by listening a lot of sound from stuttering mouths :-)
5. There will be a good atmosphere to use my techniques like bouncing etc. and it will lead to more acceptance and fearless.
6 I will surely enjoy a lot of talk about stammering and it's experts and public view on it.
7. I will enjoy the new place and new friends. I really love traveling to new places.
8. Last but not least is, no one can stop me there to stutter :-)

Lalit Pandey
although i am much satisfied with NC agenda but selfishly i expect little more.... like

       plan for site seeing(if possible circulate the plan)
       celebration of new year with music,dance and food
       chance to listen recovery story from recover pws
       if possible 5 min presentation(or any topic) in stage

thanks, Lalit.

Dr Srikant Panda

Dear Sir,

I may be allowed to present few lines regarding the acoustical aspects of stammering. I would also like to put an open question for those working with speech sounds as to explain the occurrence of ANTI- FORMANT.This question may kindly be discussed @ TISA.

With regards,

Dr. Srikant Panda

Asst Prof. Raajdhani Engineering College

Bhubaneswar

Glossophobia

2011-12-05T03:36:00.001-08:00

When it came to speaking on stage, I was horrible! Just could not say a word! TM helped me greatly. I am fine now..

Is this a much cherished case of a stammer cure through public speaking? Sounds like that but not necessary.. There are two different disorders which look and behave alike: Stammering and Glossophobia (a social anxiety disorder). Latter is also known as "Stage fright" and it can be as disabling as Stammering. But it responds to social approaches used by TM and other public speaking platforms or institutions.. Of course, public speaking will desensitize a pws, build up his confidence but it is not a CURE; it is not a holistic therapy for stammering. A pws will need more than that- like block correction techniques, motor and cognitive skills to deal with his special issues and above all that inner emotional healing (of the "ice-berg"), which comes from being a part of an accepting community. Read more to understand about Glossophobia here..

What are you good at?

2011-12-05T02:48:00.001-08:00

"I decided to leave my comfort zone and give my first TV interview."Gustafson decided to speak to the Golf Channel. The editing team worked for two hours on the 70 minutes it took her to answer nine questions. The result? A three-and-a-half-minute interview.

These lines caught my eyes. Yes, it is the story of a female golf player, who made it good in spite of severe stammering, she faced. As I went through the whole story, an idea struck me. It appears that children who excel at something- sports, studies, drama, singing, drawing, any extra curricular activity or talent- are finally able to pull themselves out of the mess, in which stammering pushes their early life, inner as well as external. In case of Sophie, the positive role sports played is quite evident.

May be we need to ask ourselves- what am I good at? What can I excel at? And if we find nothing- then, may be- am I good at stammering at least? I remember the case of the American pws, who became the highest paid entertainer, when he realized that making people laugh was not difficult for him as a pws... Read more.

World Disability Day

2011-12-03T05:03:00.001-08:00

Are people with "regular" disability better adjusted in their environment, with their inner self as compared to average pws? Pawan and I went and particiapted in the disability rally in Vikasnagar and interacted with many people to understand that question- as well as, understand what do people think about stammering? While Pawan handled the camera, I interviewed people .. On the whole a nice afternoon, spent with a vibrant group of people. While others learned about stammering from us, we learned a LOT about the big big world out there of people facing other issues, daily and triumphantly. We met parents, special educators, students etc. Our sincere thanks to Anugrah Team and Mr Vinai Saini for letting us be a part of this great meeting, wonderful gathering. Here is the video..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1DwYNkpYas

My approach towards stammering

2011-12-03T00:36:00.001-08:00

hi ,I would like to share my experience with different techniques I tried to cure stammering.

1)Slow technique :In this you are supposed to speak slow ,if you keep speaking slowly you'll get the right speed with which you are supposed to speak .This technique worked well for me but made me uncomfortable though gave me a lot of confidence .I was able to keep this up for 2 weeks maximum.

2)Rhtdm :Every person has a different accent ,but we stammers try to speak directly without following any accent so if we speak like we are singing a song ,we can speak fluently .I tried it maximum for 2 days .

3)Accepting stammering: We stammer more when we try to hide any feature of our stammering so we should talk about stammering whenever we feel like talking about it .I am working on it from the time I got to know about it ,it makes me feel good and makes me feel a part of the crowd .

4)Meditation:I downloaded baba ramdev's prananayam video and did it for maximum 21 days ,it helped my speech a lot and made me feel more happy and calm .Then I left it because of lack of willpower.
If anyone wants to try any of these techniques he can contact me for further illustration or you can share your experiences with these techniques .

Ashtavakra- the sage, bent in 8 places..

2011-12-02T20:03:00.001-08:00

It is meditation and Samadhi which bind you. (1-15; Ashtavakra Gita)

Wow! What a bold statement! Makes no sense at first sight. But it comes from a man who transformed King Janak into “Videha”- man without body consciousness, a Jivanmukta- Free while living. When I was a child, I often looked for a god or goddess with disability- and found none- and felt sad about it. Then, many years later, I found Sage Ashtavakra- literally, bent in eight places (result of childhood Rickets? Polio?).

I further read on the commentary on Ashtavakra Gita for insights:
“Many seekers give up all desire and seek salvation sincerely. As they continue, they fall in a trap: They replace all worldly desires with a huge desire for “salvation”- which again is a bondage but of subtle kind. Because it is subtle, they cant see it for what it is. They meditate and expect something to happen- some mystic sound, some other worldly light, some miracle, indicating their salvation or liberation. For them, this expectation itself has become the big bondage. You are spirit absolute! What else is there other than you- to be achieved? Nothing. Realize this and be at peace with yourself! That is the sublime message from Ashtavakra. Obviously, this is for those seekers who have given up all other worldly desires- it is not for the beginner...”

I was wondering about the meaning and its relevance to us, pws, when I got this email:

Dear Sir,
I am 36 years old man working in Public Sector, situated at ABC almost 140 km far from XYZ. I have been suffering from stammering for almost last 20 years. I have gone through several treatments in the form of speech therapy/counseling/psycho-therapy, some improvement took place at every stage but 100% improvement not achieved, still stammering problem exist. I want to take speech therapy which may consist of group discussion, public speaking psychotherapy & follow up after completing therapy program, I can spend 15 continuous days, Please suggest me some speech therapists in surrounding ... region. I got information about you from TISA, Can I contact you?
Thanking you.
Regards.
MK

I read it twice. He has stammered for 20 years and has tried all therapies. He is in a good job. But he is still in the search for “something”. I imagine, if I could contact his colleagues at work and asked them for their opinion of MK, they might say: MK is a regular guy- fine fellow; we have no issues with him! But the fact remains- He is not at peace with himself yet. What is to be done? Some people will say: Give him hope, give him some technique to be followed for 45 days, do this, do that..

In stead I think, I would like to send him to Sage Ashtavakra! I think MK is a “advanced seeker”, fit enough to approach Ashtavakra. And if he did, I am sure he will get this sutra from the great sage:
“Search for fluency and dream of Cure IS your stammering. Nothing else. Give it up. Remain at 'HOME'. Be at peace! ”
Who knows, he too may turn into a “Videha” like King Janak.

But the big question is, will MK approach Ashtavakra and his philosophy? Will SYSTEM (society) allow him to do so? Do leave your comments and tell me what shall I suggest to MK.. He will appreciate, I am sure. Let me conclude on a musical note (like Vinod Dua):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQOxW9PCBhs

Chennai chugs on..

2011-12-02T00:13:00.001-08:00

Dear friends,

The details of the next Chennai chapter meeting are given below.

VENUE	MINI CONFERENCE HALL, Y.W.C.A.INTERNATIONAL GUEST HOUSE, #1086, E.V.R.PERIYAR SALAI (POONAMALLI HIGH ROAD), (ABOUT 1 KM FROM EGMORE RLY. STATION AND NEAR DINATHANTHI OFFICE) CHENNAI-600084.
DATE	10.12.2011 (Saturday)
TIME	4 PM TO 8 PM

In this meeting a power point presentation on acceptance of stammering (which is to be presented jointly by me and Vishal in the inaugural NC at Bubaneshwar) will be presented.

Pl make use of this opportunity.

Regards,

Manimaran

हम कैसे बोलते हैं?

2011-12-01T05:57:00.000-08:00

बोलना एक विस्तृत प्रक्रिया हैं। वह संरचनाएँ जिनका उपयोग, चूसने, काटने, चबाने एवं निगलने के लिए किया जाता हैं, वही बोली के उत्पादन में उपयोगी लायी जाती हैं। गले में स्थित स्वर यंत्र (vocal cords), जो कि फेफडों में किसी बाहरी वस्तु के जाने को रोकने के लिए बनायी गयी हैं, उसका उपयोग आवाज निकालने में किया जाता हैं। फेफडों से बाहर निकाली गयी हवा का उपयोग कठ ध्वनि में कंपन पैदा करने के लिए जिससे कि आवाज पैदा हैं, किया जाता हैं। आवाज उसी तरह पैदा होती हैं, जैसे कि एक गुब्बारा आवाज पैदा करता हैं, जब उसका मुँह चौडा किया जाता हैं। इस प्रकार वे संरचनाएँ जो कि साँस लेने एवं खाने कि लिए किया जाता हैं। हालाकि, दिमाग इन सबका मुख्य नियंत्रक (master controller) हैं। बोलना एक साँस लेने की, अभिव्यक्त करने की एवं ध्वनि निकालने की नियंत्रित प्रक्रिया हैं।

बोलना उन आवाजों को कहते हैं जो कि मुँह से निकाली जाती हैं एवं शब्दों का स्वरूप लेती हैं। बोलने के लिए बहुत सी चीज़ों का क्रम में होना जरूरी हैं, जैसे कि :

* अगर दिमाग किसी से संवाद स्थापित करना चाहता हैं तो दिमाग में विचार /बात आनी चाहिए।
* दिमाग की बात को मुख तक भेजना जरूरी हैं।
* दिमाग का मुख को बोलना जरूरी हैं कि किन शब्दों को कहा जाना हैं और उन शब्दों के लिए किस प्रकार की आवाज निकाली जाए।
* उच्चारण एवं बोलने के पैटर्न को सम्मिलित किया जाना चाहिए।
* दिमाग का जबडों के पसलियों को उचित संदेश भेजना भी ज़रूरी हैं, उन पसलियों को जो कि आवाज पैदा करती हैं एवं जीभ, होठ एवं जबडों को नियंत्रित करती हैं।
* इन पसलियों में मजबूती एवं दिमाग द्वारा नियंत्रित होने की क्षमता होनी चाहिए।
* फेफडों में पर्याप्त हवा होनी चाहिए एवं छाती की पसलियाँ पर्याप्त रूप से मजबूत होनी चाहिए ताकि वोकल कॉर्ड (vocal cords) में कंपन पैदा कर सकें। हवा का अन्दर नहीं, बाहर जाना, उपयोगी संवाद के लिए जरूरी हैं।
* वोकल कॉड्‌र्स का अच्छी हालत में होना जरूरी हैं ताकि भाषण स्पष्ट हो एवं जोर से सुना जा सके।
* बोले गए शब्द हमारी श्रवण-शक्ति द्वारा परखे जाते हैं। यह बोले गए शब्दों के पुनर्विचार परिस्थिति के लिए नए शब्द सीखने में मदद करता हैं। अगर बोले गए शब्द ठीक से नहीं सुने जाते हैं,तो वाचा की पुनर्निमिती के समय बोलने में गडबडी होगी ।
* दूसरा व्यक्ति हमारें साथ संवाद इच्छुक होना चाहिए एवं सुनने के लिए राजी होना चाहिए।

Amitsingh Kushwah
09300939758

One day Communication Workshop for Delhi SHG

2011-11-30T12:01:00.000-08:00

Delhi SHG is very excited to announce its First Mini Workshop on 4/12/2011 (Sunday). It is first of its kind 'Pilot Workshop', consisting various interactive activities like public speaking, GD/PI etc. All of you are most welcome to take part and learn by sharing your valuable experiences with stammering. There will be NO Registration Fees.

NOTE: There is a change in Venue and Timings. It is going to be held at Mr. Nitin Tomar's flat at Indirapuram, Ghaziabad at 10:30 AM. All the respected members should reach SHIPRA MALL by 10:15 AM. Nitin Sir will guide us from there.

AGENDA for the workshop

Venue: 23/12, Ashoka Road, Shipra Sun City, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad. It is adjacent to Shipra mall and easily accessible from Vaishali and Noida City Center metro stations. It is next to a 22 storey building - 'Regalia Heights' in Shipra Sun City.

Please see the map below for exact location. [Special Thanks to Google!! :)]

For any query please contact-- Pramendra (+91-9654-36-3005), Umesh (+91-9068-32-2345).

Thanking You

Regards

Pramendra

View Larger Map

Acceptance...

2011-11-29T07:48:00.001-08:00

Acceptance, being the core principle of TISA, is going to be the most explorable concept in our NC @ bhubneshwar...i guess.

So i would like to take the opportunity to share my understanding and belief about ACCEPTANCE.

Let us switch off the microscope from stammering for a bit and zoom to see what does ACCEPTANCE stands for, in a human life as a whole.

After reading and listening to few noble personalities from whom I am much influenced, I can conclude that ACCEPTANCE means to accept the life as it is.No struggle or strive for any change.To being in one selves nature is ACCEPTANCE.To be in complete peace with own nature is ACCEPTANCE.

Hence, in regard to stammering, ACCEPTANCE must imply no further craving for any change (improvement) in speaking fluency. ACCEPTANCE must mean that stammering is not anymore a PROBLEM to be resolved.

Implies that the then-present speech must be accepted whole heartedly diminishing all the false dreams of any fluency.

ACCEPTANCE must not be seen as a magical tool for OVERNIGHT FLUENCY IMPROVER.

On the path of ACCEPTANCE, i still can't isolate myself from the un-necessary dreams of fluency in speech.Still a number of times, i crave for remarkable fluent speech, that also in a very short span of time....a hallmark stamp of low level of patience, a general property of all creatures called stammerers.

But, getting known to the true meaning of ACCEPTANCE, i will accept my speech one day completely rising above the un-necessary dreams of fluency.This truth will let me enjoy my talking rather than juggling around for hypothetical fluency.

"With truth only, life becomes a joyride of love,bliss and freedom"

Judy Kuster speaks on NC

2011-11-29T00:03:00.000-08:00

Watch Judith Kuster an American Speech-Language and Hearing Association certified speech-language pathologist and an emeritus professor in the Department of Speech, Hearing and Rehabilitation Services, Minnesota State University, Mankato , speak on the the first National Conference of TISA and why you should attend it.

Hotel Bookings

2011-11-27T09:20:00.000-08:00

PFB the bookings schedule for NC. If any error, mail us at info "at" stammer.in

Hostel Accomodation: Abhishek, Mohit, Pramendra, Rakesh.

Hotel Accomodation:

Check in Date/Time	Check out Date/Time	No of rooms	Booked in the name	Other People in the room(s)
27th Dec 2011, 12 noon	2nd Jan 2012, 8 AM	2	Jai Prakash	Sachin, Dhruv, Sumit
27th Dec 2011,	2nd Jan 2012	1	Mitesh	Harish
27th Dec 2011, 12 noon	30th Dec 2012, 8 AM	1	Sumit	Booked for Sumit's parents
29th Dec 2011, 5 AM	1st Jan	1	Vivek	Romi
29th Dec 2011, 6 pm	1st Jan	1	Lalit	Ashish
29th Dec 2011	2nd Jan	1	Elaine Saitta	--
29th Dec 2011, 8 PM	1st Jan 2012, 8 PM	4	Manimaran	Chennai Group
30th Dec 2011	1st Jan 2012	1	Jai Prakash	For TISA guest

JOBS...

2011-11-26T23:14:00.000-08:00

It is an discussion on ‘Stutt-L', a google group related to stammering, with the headlines – Jobs, where the members (mostly PWS) shares their views about their experiences and beliefs on job opportunities and working conditions for PWS.

By seeing the discussion board, I can figure out a bunch of members exchanging multiple views; the number of members hardly reaching 2 digits.

Few members shared their own real life experiences where either they struggled through number of interviews to get a decent job or they were asked to exit their then-jobs. In the former case, they were directly given the feedbacks regarding their different speech for rejection, but in latter, they were fired with some reasons such as non suitable personality for the desired jobs indirectly pointing their stammering for the termination from job.

But the point is – they all got jobs sooner or later and are enjoying quite well their jobs and they all believe that – THE SHOW MUST GO ON… few members revealed the very fact that they have de-sensitized a lot from the negative emotions regarding stammering, still, some times they feel mightily sad and depressed over some incidents related to their different speech.

“Whatever may be the conditions, they are bound to depart….so just flow with life”

Production: Rossi and Srivastava

2011-11-25T19:49:00.001-08:00

Just listened to two stammerers, talking hind legs OFF a donkey! Yes, one was famous Rossi and the other was "yours truly" (sachin). Never knew, that it can be such fun to be interviewed! I wish Job interviews were like this for a change..Hey, HRD guys, please learn something from Daniele Rossi about how to interview a stutterer.. here is the link: http://www.stutteringiscool.com/stuttering/stuttering-conference-in-india/

Shortness of breath and 45 days..

2011-11-24T19:26:00.001-08:00

Hello sir, sir iss link (on Facebook, on Khan Market picture) mein jo rohit verma hain aaplog unko itne polite way mein kyun respond kar rahe hain!! I have gone through his blog, kuch fayde ka nhi dika.. Main wahan likhna chah rahi thi but I thot other TISA people may object.
Sir aap rohit ji ko meri taraf se itna bol dijiyega ke agar unki techniques itni hi achi hain toh unke blog k follower kahan hai!!
Aur sabse badi baat stammering koi mazak nhi hai k 45 days mein control ho jaye, toh phir toh duniya ka koi stammer nhi karta na aristotel na newton na darwin na lenin na mr beans. Atleast in sab ke paas toh mr rohit se jyada potential tha apni chhezon ko sahi karne ka aur unpe gaur karne ka.
Unke hisab se stammering sirf breathing control se sahi ho jati hai, but ITS ABSOLUTELY WRONG, stammering kam karne k liye confidence aur neccesary modulation in voice n pitch and patience sabse zaroori hai. Woh koi kisi ko nahi sikha sakta, uske liye aaps mein baat karna aur chezon ko samjhna uski practice karna zaroori hai. Stammerin koi superficial thing nhi hai woh inssan ke zehen se jab tak nhi hategi tab tak woh cure nhi hoga.. TISA andar se inssan ko shakti ya boliye accepting power sikhate hai dat they proudly accept k yes dey do stutter.
Sir TISA inssan ko jeene ka jazba dete hain. I dont think iss jazbe se bada koi treatment nhi hai.
Sir main shayad apna msg sahi se aap tak nhi pahuncha payi hu, but i hope aap samjh jaenge.
Sir please aap log unka protest kijiye, unne jo kaha hai ekdam baseless kaha hai..
Regards
(A blog reader)

trip to Mathura

2011-11-24T04:54:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday I was in Mathura to attend friend’s sister marriage, their I met with a young 15 year old boy ,he was stammering .I asked my friend to arrange a formal meeting with that boy (he is cousin of my friend).

My friend introduced us...then i asked some question like …..r u stammering since birth, how do u feel about this ,how this stared ,do u fell fear in class etc etc……..he told me that he is stammering since childhood and his stammering stared due to reaction of medicine during sever illness .he feel fear in class room but he continuously saying that he have no problem with stammering but i notice he is substituting words & avoiding some names etc.

I told him that i also stammer & people use to make fun of me & lived a bad school life but now got help from a doctor and stammer less...now he started taking interest in our conversation but not asking any question..

He is in ninth' std ,naive & from interior village of mathura. i was bit confused how to start like should i tell him bouncing ,prolongation or about acceptance.......i knew that follow up of technique or concept is nearly impossible so told him that he is not alone there are many pws like him & he has to fight with his fear & gave some example how he can fight with his fear also advised him to speak slowly and practice of slow speaking .

At last I assured him he should feel free to call me any time …..Next day we visited some holy temple of mathura ,barsana....then back to delhi

Last Date for booking of accomodation

2011-11-23T21:31:00.000-08:00

Dear all,

Today is the last day for registrations with accomodation. (Registrations will be confirmed ONLY once you pay your registration fees!) All though the registrations will be open till 30th Nov But then you will have to make your own arrangements.

regards,

Special Participant to NC!

2011-11-22T21:36:00.000-08:00

Wow ! We are expecting a practicing SLP from US : Ms
Elaine Wigdor Robin, who hails from Seattle, Washington. She has been
an active member of the National Stuttering Association (NSA) for many
years. She has held several NSA positions such as Chapter Leader,
Regional Chapter Coordinator, Board of Directors member, and Executive
Director.

Elaine is a SLP in the Seattle school system and also works in private
practice with children who stutter. She coordinates a teen support
group as well as youth and adult workshops locally and nationally. To
know more about her check out :
http://stutterrockstar.wordpress.com/2011/01/27/letting-go-of-fear-episode-43/
http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/PWSspeak/saitta.html
or Google Elaine Saitta.

We all look forward to learn from her many things, especially, how to work with children and youth who stammer.

Delhi SHG welcomed Dr. Arshad to the group

2011-11-21T05:36:00.000-08:00

On 20th Nov, Delhi SHG had a meeting at Central Park. There were Pramen(Organizer), Harshvir Singh, Amit Dikshit and Me. There was also a new member in Delhi SHG Dr. Arshad Alam, a wonderful person.The meeting started with introduction round. Arshad told us about his experiences with stammering throughout his life. It was very inspiring for rest of us. Arshad also explained us the formation of speech, it was very informative for us. We had a good discussion on bouncing and prolongation. Pramen demonstrated bouncing and prolongation to us. Then we recited some poems in front of many strangers and we were not very nervous. It was really a great experience for us. We were missing the presence of Umesh, Abhishek, Pinakin, Tijo and other members. (Sorry, Photo was not taken, so cant upload the picture of the meeting.)

Thanks Pramen for holding the meeting.

With regards
Sikander

Hiten from UK appeals..

2011-11-20T09:30:00.001-08:00

Hiten (stuttering hub) makes a very passionate (and well reasoned too)- appeal to all of us to make this NC a success. Check this:

http://stutteringhub.com/stuttering_hub/2011/11/first-national-conference-on-stammering-and-self-help-in-india.html

DELHI SHG MEETING

2011-11-18T20:33:00.000-08:00

Delhi SHG is excited to announce our next meeting on 20/11/2011 (Sunday) at Central Park near Connaught Place on 11 AM. All of you are most welcome to join and share your valuable experiences with stammering.

Thank you

Regards
Pramendra
+91-96543-63005

It needs CONFIDENCE not fluency!

2011-11-17T21:49:00.000-08:00

Hi, I am Pramendra an engineering graduate, working as an entrepreneur in New Delhi (India) with some of my friends.

Yesterday, an amazing thing happened with me which I want to share with you here. We were seeking information for short code mobile phone messaging service (The 5 digit number service) for our business needs. We needed to go to various service providers’ offices and inquired them so I preferred to bring one of my co-worker with me, also an engineering graduate from a renowned college of the country. When we reached at one of the office, the friend with me was a bit reluctant to talk to the manager (provided he is a very talkative and not at all a shy person). It was shocking for me because I, like many of us, believed the reason for my not so good communication is my stammer or my avoidance to communicate because I have that constant fear of getting trapped in a block running in my mind. I always believed that great listening skills, good English, fluency and some elegant modulation in voice are the keys to be an effective speaker and....... “He has all of them then why he is being so much reluctant and excusing in spite of knowing the fact that I stammer and might not be able to communicate that well!!!”

Finally, I talked with them with my prolonged pronunciations, pauses and some blocks too and succeeded to inquire all the information we needed. Then at one of the offices a receptionist connected us to their chief at the head office on phone. “Telephonic conversation is the prominent part of my stammering fear and my friend knows this very well.” So, I handed over the phone and asked him to inquire. Again he was reluctant at first, then somehow took it and after some trembling conversation he returned me the phone saying... “Abe tumhi karo, pata nhi kya kah raha hai yaar!” (I don’t understand what he is saying, you better do it.) I took the phone instantly and after some initial troubles I somehow succeeded to inquire what we needed to know. While talking I observed the person on the other side has very commanding voice and even more effective English.

While returning to home I was thinking about what happened there. I am sure that English is not at all a problem for my friend, then what it was making him so uncomfortable! Then I realized it was ‘CONFIDENCE’.

While talking about communication we always talk about:

Great listening skills
Use of effective words
Slow rate
Impressive voice modulation
Genuine pitch etc.

and these all are very important.....

But we often forget to mention an important part of communication i.e.“CONFIDENCE TO COMMUNICATE WELL.” I realized it is a very important part and trust me if you have this many other needs mentioned above will follow automatically.

Thank you

Regards

Pramendra

Tamso Ma jyotirgamaya (Lead us unto light)

2011-11-17T07:20:00.001-08:00

When I want to think deeply, I go onsolo-treks. Just came back from Nag-Tibba. Cold? O my God, it wasfffffreezing on the top.. Well, as I was walking alone, I was thinking about this curebusiness: so many people wanting to take us out of the “darkness”(=Acceptance) towards the light (of what?), without even caring to find out what does TISAactually mean by that word! I dont want to deny the possibility of cure out of hand. As a doctor, I have known "exceptions". But for every one true exception there are a thousands of imitators, frauds and charlatans unfortunately.

I do think there is a real but VERY rare caseof cure; Among children (under 14 years), about 10% stammer and bythe time they become adults (early twenties), only ONE percent arestill stammering- like you and me. So, what happens to others? These9% children do recover spontaneously, without any therapy. This isone reason, why success rates of many therapies meant for children(like Lidcombe) have been questioned. Are you reporting as cure, whatis happening normally anyway?

This spontaneous recovery is theoutcome of natural maturation of speech centers and nerves. I wont besurprised IF these natural processes may continue in RARE individualseven in later adult life: a rare case of genuine “cure” withouttherapy or external help. But can such individuals claim to know the trick andhelp others? Obviously not. This is why British StammeringAssociation says: there is no UNIVERSAL cure for stammering (link).In other words, somewhere someone sometime may EXPERIENCE a cure, but it cannot be generalized to others. Check that link for more.

Such spontaneous cure is known in otherconditions too- like cancer. Someone was told that you have 3 monthsto live. But he survived and a blood test showed that cancer hadMIRACULOUSLY disappeared. Can such men go around sharing their cure?Can other people suffering from cancer give up proper therapy orself-help and start taking such “Chinese miracle water”?

So, that was about 0.1 percent ofcases- the rare and genuine case of cure. Now let us turn to the rest99.9 % claiming CURE; My understanding based on research is:

1. These majority of cases claimingCURE have only developed good control- not cure; Last time, I wastalking to one such guy- he was talking carefully and slowly. I couldsense the fear behind each word. Is he going to propose to his girl like this- I genuinely wondered (and smiled)! He had been told: Dont getexcited. Speak slowly- and voila, you are cured! Now, he wantsto take us out of the darkness, towards such a cure! You can easilyimagine what would happen to him in a group discussion, in anargument on road, in a stressful interview. But right now, he is“cured”!

2. Many of these “cured” people havedeveloped a water-tight comfort zone around them: it could be a “curecenter” or a change in status, a job where they can not be challengedor questioned. In the comfort zone, their own little world, they can go around claiming that they are "cured". What happens when they step out? Here is a true case study: A “cured” IPWS who runsa stammering cure center, decided to join local politics and stand for elections. For the firsttime, he stepped out of his cocoon, as he began addressing public meetings. His “problems” were back atonce! He actually phoned me: All my fears have come back; I amhaving difficulties. What should I do?

3. Many of them claim a cure for someulterior motives : It boosts up their EGO. While other poor guys are huntingfor solutions, I have “cured” myself- wow! and now I can help others. You can see itin their on-line comments and often desperate requests: Here is mynumber, please call me. This is plain and simple ego-trip. If they were genuinely interested in helping others, they would start a PHYSICAL self-help group in the city they live in, the college they study at or join an existing SHG. Instead, they claim: I am too busy, I can counsel only on phone! Second motive is money. One such guy, who had notraining or background in speech-therapy, actually an IT hardwareguy, was charging Rs 1000 per one hour session in Kolkata from 5 pws.

We all can hide our dis-fluencies andact as "cured" for some time, under some situations - I can do it - andmotivation will be very strong to do so, if we can get paid Rs 1000 per hour for just chatting up some desperate pws. Remember the Spasht group on FB? Where are they today?

4. Interestingly, all these people whoclaim cure and question TISA's philosophy of acceptance, never dotheir homework properly; they put on their web page under causes of stammering, hilarious stufflike this: any fear in childhood, Jaundice, running out of breath...(Imagine, 100 meter dash or climbing stairs to your office can leadyou to stammer..and People with asthma, they too will bestammering at this rate!).

5. So, what is TISA's take on CURE? Yes, we toosay that there is a cure: you can cure stuttering mindset, with alittle hard work, and without spending thousands. Above all, you can overcome the FEAR! A little biologicaldis-fluency, which may still be left behind, hurts no one. It onlymakes you human - and rather cute..
To, close on a melodious note- click the link, sit back and listen- to the words carefully.. TISA too has lit up a lamp in the darkness of distrust, misgivings and ignorance.. Light your little lamp and come to Bhubaneshwar..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo65JONUKA4

TISA Patna!!

2011-11-16T12:04:00.000-08:00

Mohit Kumar from Patna wants to start a SHG. This is a great opportunity for people in Patna. Here are his details :
9905592774
moht007kumar@rediffmail.com

And for all those of you wondering what to do in a SHG, check out the following links :
http://t-tisa.blogspot.com/2011/04/shgs.html
http://t-tisa.blogspot.com/2008/05/running-self-help-groups-support-groups.html
http://www.scribd.com/doc/53716299/SHG-Manual
http://t-tisa.blogspot.com/2008/05/running-self-help-groups-support-groups.html

Bangalore TISA Meet

2011-11-16T02:32:00.000-08:00

Well, on the historical day on 11.11.11; I decided to send out the invitation to meet on 11.12.11. Yup, it was a short notice and as expected no one was available. But, late night (which I checked next day morning) I received a mail from Sudhee… confirming his availability. We decided to meet at the place where we usually meets. Yup, we both normally meet on Sunday based on each other availability (which is atleast twice a month.)

1 We met at one of the many parks which HAL has within their surroundings. This time we met at the Park behind the HAL Police Station. We started with ususal discussion about the life.. Job & Family. We talked about the mediation and realized we both have same situation. We are able to medidate with concentration for 3-4min before the mind starts wandering… And mostly it’s the office thoughts which takes most of the time. The thoughts lasts for 10-15min before we realize.. we should be controlling our thoughts.

2. @Office :
a. Again the situation seems to be same for both of us. Example; if we have a meeting and we have few important points to make.. its in our mind. At that time the speech runs like Shatabdi express. At the end of the speech only we realize it could have been better.
b. Now, again in the same meet if we are un-prepared and suddenly someone ask something.. we are able to answer quicky with less stammer.

Therefore, points to be noted:
- When we have thoughts in back of our mind which we try to expect more of us and try to think more of stammering rather than actual speech.
- When we know the answer and someone suddenly ask that .. we are able to complete the speech with less difficulty.

Apart from that we normally discuss about the Emotional Freedom Technique, Acceptance, Freedom of Speech. I will be out for a Trek in next two week. Please contact Sudheendran for more TISA meet.

Upcoming Presentation

2011-11-16T00:56:00.001-08:00

I'll be giving a presentation soon in front of about 500 people .The thing I've decided about my speech disfluency is that Ill not work on it anymore Ive been trying from a long time and now its time to quit and let the almighty handle it.Other thing Ive noticed is that most of the girls dont like speech disfluency at least in me probably because it makes me feel insecure ,thus it has been a hard time for me with girls ,but in a way its good as fb is most of the time filled with status about how bad someone is feeling after a breakup.Coming back on the topic presentation is on 26th ,yeah this one ,wish me luck ehhh.

Un-official FAQ for NC

2011-11-15T20:23:00.000-08:00

A young reader has send us this FAQ. Hesays that TISA is not able to answer REAL questions in a way that isunderstood by common people. Therefore, he took the trouble ofdeveloping this FAQ. TISA takes no responsibility and apologizes inadvance if it offends some.

FAQ by a young reader

1. How will conference benefit me? ME,not TISA?

You will meet many stammerers just likeyou. So far you have grown up thinking that only YOU talk funny, thatonly YOU are weird.. When you meet room full of weirdos, your Farakkadam of pent up feelings will burst: you will stammer like hell, youwill laugh and cry like a Bollywood starlet, but you will have aRELEASE lasting for a long long time..

2. I have been to many CURE centers inIndia. I even went to Australia. I am still stammering. What goodthis conference is going to do for me?

This conference will put an END to yoursearch for CURE and blowing up your Dad's (well?) gotten money likeDeewali patakhas. You will discover that stammering is not a diseasefor which you must seek cure. You will realise that like everyoneelse, you just need to communicate better. Hey, come on, stammeringis only stammering- not AIDS. Even people with AIDS are doing somevery cool things.. Check this and learn something from these toughguys:

http://www.onetoughpirate.com

http://www.redskyhealing.com/Inspirational-Stories-Living-With-HIV-AIDS.html

3. Will I get a chance to speak in theconference?

NO. Absolutely not. The whole world isagainst you. TISA included. We all have ganged up on you!! Come onman- what do you think? After you have paid Rs 1000, who can stopyou? Only thing- you must stammer. Otherwise no.

4. If I bring my family, they will justget bored. They dont stammer, what will they do in the conference?

Dude, I know your family better thanyou do. You see, they have been wanting for a long long time, to knowwhy you sometime act funny, why you sometime freeze mid-sentence, asif you had seen a ghost etc. etc. But they have been waiting for theright opportunity. In fact, TISA will organize a separate session forthem and believe me, they will have lot of fun- more than you!

5. I would have come, had you invitedsomeone like Mr XYZ, of that famous ABC cure center. What good moreand more knowledge is going to do?

Have you heard: AIDS ka gyan, bachayeJaan. ? No? Okay – run out side in the street (yes, as you are) andreturn when you see this common wall writing somewhere.

So what does it mean? It means,Conditions for which there is no CURE, knowledge about them is yourbest friend and safeguard. As to inviting this or that therapist-well - you are the only therapist who can cure yourself. And we haveinvited you umpteen times. Are YOU coming or not?

6. I would rather be with my family andfriends over the new year..

That is fine. But are you SURE thatthey would rather be with you on the new year's eve? Well, no offensemeant- but chances are you will be with family only physically, likea well dressed mannequin! If they ask you to sing, dance for them orshare a joke, will you oblige them? Will you keep away from yourlatest fancy gadgets, your blackberry, your fancy tablet, and givethem your full attention for just one hour? If I know you well, youwill keep googling for stammering cure and visit TISA blog forupdates and videos of the conference.. Tell me I am WRONG and I willgive you a free ticket to Bhubaneshwar!

7. I am very busy in my work/ studies.I cant come.

Are you so busy that you wont go outfor a beer on 31^st evening with the gang- and sleep lateon 1^st Jan? Yes, you should work very hard from 30^thDec to 1^st Jan, if you have been cutting capers throughout the year. But if you have worked/ studied through out the year,getting the leave should not be difficult.

8. I have not spoken to my manager forthe leave. He likes my work. I might spoil my impression on him. Anappraisal is round the corner.

Everything has a “First time”.Sooner the better. (Turant Daan, Maha Kalyan) Suppose you keep quiet,never let your manager know that you stammer and get that overseasassignment! Suppose, once in France, you get that nice bout ofstammering and the client phones your boss: What kind of guy have yousent us? He STAMMERS! Cant understand a single word..”

What will you do then? Why put youfears in a recurring Fixed deposit?

Break into that FD or aish kar lo, agarmera kaha mano to- warna French seekhna shuru kar do.. Est-ce quec'est clair ?

9. I was planning to come but there isno celebrity invited, so I cooled off.

Hey, do you think celebrity will cometo meet just 16 pws ! TISA did invite KKKKatrina, but her secretarysaid: she comes only if the registration is 1000+. Can you guaranteethat? Do you think she will come and tell you how to speak in amedium lengthening style while hopping on one leg? if you just wantto see her dance, just go to youtube- TISA has just posted her latestvideo at their channel: http://www.youtube.com/satksri

10. Why did not TISA invite Ritik? Iwould have come, if you had invited him..

Of course he is coming. Yes, he hasregistered and is coming from Jhumari Talayya. This Ritik has been intouch with TISA for last six months and can do all the Ritiknumbers..and has 6 pack abs too. Okay, you wanted that other Ritik totell us how he overcame his issues? But do you really think hismethod will help you overcome YOUR issues? Really? Come on, dont makeme change my opinion that stammerers are intelligent people.

11. So what is the big thing about theconference?

Aha, full marks to you for asking anintelligent question! The big things: A). Professor Mahapatra willgive the keynote address on “Role of Self help in stammering”. B). Dr Alok Roy, Chairman, Medica Synergie group of Health carecompanies will give a talk on “Innovations in service delivery andself help for stammering”. C) A SLP will share about indirect/Direct (Lidcombe) therapy for children who stammer. D) Apresentation on what causes stammering? By sachin; plus many morefrom audience on the theme of self help. Everyone will get a chanceto grab the microphone.. E) a jamming evening on 31^stnight. Let us see if you can dance like Ritik.. F) Sight seeing on2^nd Jan to Puri, Konark etc. G)Informal sessions on theside lines, where Anuj will tell you about the latest technique:Vocal cord management.. Umesh will tell you how to crack interviews..Sikander will give you acting lessons.. Parmendra will tell you howto “sell” yourself.. and much more.

12. I am a girl. I am afraid, I will bethe only girl in this conference..

Wow. What more could you ask for? Youwill have no competition! Everyone will listen very thoughtfullywhenever you would talk..You will be like a VIP. An authority onwomen's experience of stammering! I wish I was a girl and stammered..

You could speak on “Genderdifferentials in Fluency disorders, leading to significant &deviant academic outcomes in an industrialized urban community..”etc. etc. Get in touch with our own Dr Akash Acharya, to help youprepare on this theme..

Okay- to be honest, TISA is trying andhopeful to have some women participants. I myself have told all thegirls in my college (-spoke to many for the first time-), and leftmessages at women's groups on yahoo and elsewhere. We sincerelybelieve that no conference is complete without women's participation.

13. I am from Hariyana. Dont understanda word of English. So what is the point?

Arrey, tu Hindi to samjhey ke nasamjhey? Jab mai tere se bolla ki sari gall-baat Hindi me howegi, totu aise sawal kyu poochhey bar bar.. arrey tujhey kitni bar samjhauki ham log Hindi me kam haklawe hai, isi liye bat chit to Hindi me hihogi na? Samjhaa? Ya wahi aa ke samjhau terre ko?

14 I cant commit now. Cant I come justlike that?

Okay. You are the 69^th guywho said that. Suppose, I say yes, okay. Then, all these 69 peoplewill NOT register and MAY drop in suddenly on any day of the NC. Andask organizers: where can we stay? Suppose the organizers say: wellwe arranged only for the 40 who registered. We dont know how to helpyou, sorry...

Imagine the confusion then: 69stammerers, who dont speak Oriya, the local language, running aroundthe whole city.. This might create law & order situation!

Wont it be easier to make up your mindnow and help TISA plan properly?

15 I am a SLP. I want to come.

Okay, you may if you promise that youwont start: “We are the only center which makes CURE possible inIndia” and start seeking clients and selling your wares. You have plenty of opportunitiesfor doing it elsewhere. This event is to promote self-help. If youcome, you come as a student and learn from people who stammer.