The Method
The S.A.M method is heavily steeped in the Science of Neuroplasticity – the ability of the brain to learn and un-learn as well as to change and adapt to the environment. ‘Neuro’ references our brain cells whilst ‘plasticity’ is the ability that our learning cells have to be flexible and adaptive to our changing circumstances.
Negative behaviours can be brought on by a saturation of stress hormones and overuse of the limbic brain. Reaction and impulsiveness become default responses. A stressor may represent an external challenge such as a divorce, a loss or a difficult colleague or boss. It could also be a human condition like depression or anxiety that we learn and become – in response to our immediate environment.
Coping mechanisms are adopted in response to these environmental conditions. What we focus on most of the time we learn, reinforce and become. These uncomfortable states tell us that we are not functioning optimally and give us both clue and cue that something needs changing, learning or unlearning.
S.A.M ~ Superablemind ~ A method for training the mind and brain in such a way that teaches us how to better shape and regulate our thoughts, emotions, events and human conditions. It re-wires the brain and mind to seven behaviours, forty-three ideologies and three incantations that empower us to access a more functional, rational and creative level of mind.
Neuroscience affirms it takes 65.6 days to re-wire the brain, to change a behaviour, to learn something new and for that behaviour to become the new normal. It teaches us how the brain works, but that knowledge is useless unless we know how to apply it to our everyday lives. Having the science is not the same as having the solution, but it is the foundation. How do we take advantage of our body’s natural functions and build systems and strategies into our lives which harness the potential of our brain performance? S.A.M is the toolbox that enables us to take ownership of and embed behaviours and habits into our routines, helping us become more effective, efficient, productive and connected.
We are not at the mercy of our circumstances but the emotions provoked by those circumstances. If we can change our perception, we can change our responses. S.A.M gives you the power to do just that.
S.A.M ~ Superablemind was created by Anastasia Hatzavasilou in November 2013 on the back of three decades of study and research into various areas of mind and brain development. Psychology, anthropology, Zen, Buddhism, Sufism, Mindfulness, Quantum Science, Neuropsychology, Neurobiology, Neuroplasticity, Neurogenesis and Epigenetics to name a few. The method was further developed with five years of clinical practice, helping clients of all ages, backgrounds and human conditions. Stress, depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD, anorexia, bulimia, self-harm, menopause, addiction, academic performance, low self-esteem, neurological pathologies, infertility stress, and many people who had the desire to self-improve. You may ask, how can one method, one approach address so many human conditions?
No personality, or life, traits or behaviours are set in stone. This is because the human brain is malleable, sculpt-able and re-wirable! This means that we can learn and un-learn behaviours and thought processes that have become traits of our personality. We can use our mind in such a way that impacts the functionality of the brain.
We know that stress impacts both learning and performance in children and adults. It also affects our ability to connect deeply and enjoy and maintain healthy relationships.
Stress is an experience that has been created from mind-set. When left unchecked and allowed to become our default response, it impacts brain functionality, our immune system and biology, our energy levels, our sleep patterns, our interpersonal relationships, the quality of our communication and connections and ultimately, our performance across the board in every area of life. We need to move away from the idea that we are managing stress to the more attractive idea of being able to embrace our challenges as opportunities to develop and enhance our skill set and find pleasure and satisfaction in being able to learn and evolve in our lives.
“The design of the human brain is more like a cosmos than an island. An individual neurone can achieve absolutely nothing alone. When that individual neurone works in concert with other neurones, putting humans on the moon becomes possible. For better or worse we learn through our interaction with other humans. When we learn to communicate in the language of humanism we create high quality, stable neural connections that allow our brains to flourish. We put ourselves on the moon in our own small way.The difference that this can make to our lives and the lives of those around us is enormous. Humanism allows us to maintain a deep sense of inner calm in the face of some of life’s great challenges. Good judgement and rational behaviour come from a calm mind, so I consider the pursuit of a calm mind fantastically worthwhile. Neil Armstrong’s slow, calm pulse was legendary within NASA. Without it he would never have been selected to be the very first man on the moon. “
Anastasia Hatzivasilou
Founder of Superablemind the S.A.M. Method