What if brushing your teeth with the other hand could rewire your brain and improve your memory? In our latest Living to 100 Club podcast episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jim Houliston — an ambidextrous educator, athlete, and artist — whose unique approach to brain health centers on the concept of Dual Dominance.
Jim is a strong advocate for Mirror Movement Development (MMD). This is a practice rooted in training both sides of the body to improve coordination, cognition, and physical well-being. His method includes activities like mirror reading, ambidextrous drawing, and left-handed brushing. And he’s made it a cornerstone of his work in healthy aging and lifelong learning.
🔄 Highlights from Our Conversation:
Mirror Movements and Brain Rewiring
Jim shared how skateboarding first taught him the benefits of using both sides of the body, and how those discoveries evolved into a lifelong practice. These movements, he explains, promote new neural pathways and improve alignment, balance, and even memory.
Ambidexterity for Longevity
Nutrition and exercise are two pillars of longevity. But Jim proposes a third: dual dominance. He believes training the non-dominant side isn’t just a quirky skill. It’s a serious tool for brain and body health.
Brush, Type, and Read Differently
From brushing your teeth with your left hand to using a mirrored keyboard or reading reversed text, Jim shared practical, at-home strategies to start your ambidextrous journey today.
Famous Minds and Mixed Hands
Benjamin Franklin practiced mirror reading. Leonardo da Vinci wrote left-handed. Jimi Hendrix defied his father’s expectations by flipping his guitar. Jim makes a compelling case that great minds often think—and move—on both sides.
From Street Art to Science
Jim’s ambidextrous artwork is currently on display at the Carmel Valley Library through September 30. He’s also seeking partnerships with research institutions like UCSD and SDSU to explore the neuroscience behind dual dominance.
📚 Resources and Next Steps
Jim’s book, Big 3: MMD, History is Ambidextrous, is available on Amazon, [Kindle], and [Audible], and his rebranded site Dual Dominant will soon offer more exercises, resources, and research links.
For anyone interested in brain health, performance, or simply learning something new, Jim’s message is clear: Start with your other hand.
🎧 Look for the full Podcast episode coming soon.
📍 Visit the exhibit: Carmel Valley Library through Sept 30
📖 Explore more: Ambilife.org (new site coming soon, DualDominance.com)
Dr. Joseph Casciani is a psychologist, author, and founder of the Living to 100 Club, where he promotes psychologically healthy aging through education, community, and inspiration. With over 30 years working with older adults, he now leads a nationwide movement to reframe the experience of aging—one conversation, card deck, and podcast at a time.
🔗 Explore more at Livingto100.club
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