Emotions are like muscles

Emotions are like muscles. They can be there when you need them. You can use them or not use them. But the muscles need to be exercised as well. An emotion is an initial reaction to an event that triggers you. The training of the muscle allows you to control your reaction to the trigger. self, emotion, definition, process

— from The Heart in the Cockpit (Emotion/Awe/Anxiety/Regret/Empathy)

In the book

They are there when you need them. You can use them or not use them — but, like any muscle, they have to be exercised, and what you train is not the trigger but your reaction to the trigger. You cannot stop the world from triggering you. — The Heart in the Cockpit (Emotion/Awe/Anxiety/Regret/Empathy)

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