Buddhism Quote by Paul Ekman
“Crucial to how we feel is being aware of how we are feeling in the moment. The sine qua non of that is to realize that you are being emotional in the first place. The earlier you recognize an emotion, the more choice you will have in dealing with it. In Buddhist terms, it's recognizing the spark before the flame. In Western terms, it's trying to increase the gap between impulse and saying or doing something you might regret later.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Emotions Revealed by Paul Ekman, 2003
Recognizing emotions early gives us a larger window to choose our response, reducing impulsive actions and regret.
In simple terms: Early emotional awareness creates space for better choices.
Key Takeaway
Pause, label, then decide.
Themes
psychology
mindfulness
self‑awareness
emotional intelligence
behavioral control
Mood
calm
insightful
empowering
Type
practical
educational
When to use this quote
- Therapy sessions
- conflict resolution
- stress management
- leadership coaching
- personal decision‑making
Key Concepts
Cognitive appraisal
impulse regulation
mindful practice
emotional literacy
Questions to Reflect On
- What techniques help you notice emotions quickly?
- How does labeling affect your reaction?
A Different Perspective
People may struggle to accurately label emotions in the moment, limiting the benefit.
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