Sensational Toothbrushing

       Much of the book "Keep Your Brain Alive" focuses on the senses.   The authors write that non-routine sensory experiences can "produce novel activity patterns in nerve cell circuits" -- which is, apparently, a good thing.

       The authors advise activities like driving with heavy gloves or mittens on so that you have to rely on things other than your sense of fine touch to steer the car or change radio stations. This is one piece of advice I will not be taking.  I don't much like the thought of experimenting with sensory control while in heavy traffic behind the wheel of a 5,000-pound motorized vehicle. Other, perhaps safer ideas include simply opening the windows while you drive, to let in a "tapestry" of smells and sounds. I tried it yesterday and smelled car fumes and the banging of the bass from the too-loud radio of the car in the next lane. 

       Another suggestion of the authors is to try brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand. I am right-handed, but am pretty comfortable using my left hand for most tasks. So to heighten any difficulty I might experience, I made the activity more complex by first preparing and drinking my coffee, checking my e-mail and reading the newspaper -- all using my left hand. None of these made any impression on me.

       Then came the toothbrushing. With my left hand, I undid the lid of the toothpaste tube and put the toothpaste on the toothbrush, with ease.  Then I started to brush.  

       And, for perhaps the first time in years, I was aware of the feel of the toothbrush going across my teeth and gums and aware too of the shape of the teeth in my mouth. I could hear the sound of the bristles as they brushed away -- individual "ch-ch--chee-ch" sounds. I found myself slowing down to experience with my senses something that had always been automatic before.  

       I was stunned. 

       Before this experiment, toothbrushing had been a mindless, routine experience for me. I'm sure my dentist would consider this part of the reason I have plaque on my teeth (although never a cavity). And to be quite honest, I do think I came away with cleaner teeth after using my left hand to brush . For several minutes afterward, I ran my tongue over my smooth teeth, luxuriating in the feeling of a clean mouth. Or maybe it is just that my sensory receptors were abruptly more aware that something had happened.

       I tried this left-handed toothbrushing again yesterday and again was more aware of the experience. But today, it had gone back to being routine -- even with my left hand.

       But the authors had made their point. 

       I will continue to look for new and original ways to shake up my daily routine. 

       The authors say it can be as easy as wearing my watch on my other wrist or changing the location of my waste basket. I definitely like the thought that along the way, my brain might become more alert and responsive to what often seems like a pretty routine way of life.