In this piece, I reflect on the idea of “listening” and how it goes beyond just hearing words—it’s about truly digesting them, like food for the mind. I explore how each word carries emotional weight and meaning, and how different people “digest” language based on their upbringing, emotional intelligence, and life experiences. Through a personal experience—striking up a conversation with a fellow passenger during a long flight—I highlight how words, when truly listened to, can resonate deeply, stirring both emotional and intellectual responses. The interaction shifts from a casual exchange to a profound, almost sensory experience, where each word feels like it has its own texture, tone, and significance. By framing language this way, I ask myself—and you—the question: Is love an emotion we feel, or is it a skill we learn? I challenge myself to dive deeper into the art of listening, making space to absorb the full richness of what someone is saying, not just the words they speak, but the intent behind them. Next time you find yourself in a conversation, don’t just listen—digest the words. Really let them settle in. Notice how they feel in your mind, how they shape the way you understand the person speaking. Try to get beneath the surface and feel the emotional charge behind their words. It’s like savoring a meal—you never know what deep, complex flavors you might discover. So ask yourself, when was the last time you let someone’s words truly nourish you? And when was the last time you truly offered someone else that gift?