Holes in the Head

Our head is the governing part of our body. We think in our brains, and our brains send signals through the nervous system to the rest of our bodies. 

It’s no accident that “head” is an ancient and still current symbol of authority and rule: Head coach, Head of School, Head chef, heading up the investigation.

But it’s rather arresting to notice that our heads are among the most porous parts of our body, with intake points for sights, sounds, smells, and tastes; for light, vibrations, air, food and drink. 

The other main openings in our bodies aren’t for intake but for outflow. And, of course, certain kinds of outflows come from the openings in our heads – tears, earwax, mucous, carbon dioxide, vomit, spit, words. But what makes the head unique is its capacity to take the world in.

There’s a lesson in that: Heads rule, but heads are designed for input. Heads rule, but heads are designed to be receivers.