I think it’s fascinating because it is saying that for some people, possession of these things is safe and ok and for others it isn’t, depending on the emotional structure and beliefs you bring to owning that thing.

I think it's fascinating too, but for me I'm focused on the spectrum of behavior - something I think we tend to downplay. A long time I ago I realized I'm not all that smart. I take a long time to process things, I can't make mental connections quickly, my memory is terrible so what I've learned falls through a mental sieve all the time. My siblings are all very clever, and so I grew up thinking I was pretty slow. I don't say this to get sympathy because I don't think this is a thing that is sad or bad or pitiful.

And why? Because our mental strengths fall somewhere on a spectrum just like our physical strengths. I'm not a fast runner, I never have been. I can't run very long either, but I can trek, slowly plodding along without complaint or discomfort. Is it sad that I can't run fast or for a long time? I don't think so. It's all I've ever known and though I can work on it and increase my stamina, I'll never catch up to those who have more of these abilities naturally. It's the same with mental strength. We exist on a spectrum.

I read this quote and I immediately think some of us just don't have the cognitive flexibility others do, and a quick and intense change in situations is for some of us, the equivalent of trying to sprint for 5 miles. It's not only going to be difficult, we're going to hurt ourselves if we've never trained and jump right into it. But even all the training won't equip me with the mental strength, physical strength, or cognitive flexibility of those who are naturally equipped with such features. It's good to train, but good to know my limitations.

So this quote strikes me as a really practical idea. It's like saying, look, if you aren't strong, you might reconsider entering the Ardblair Stones competition. Only it's saying, look, if you don't have a lot of cognitive flexibility, you might reconsider attaching yourself to things that can be lost or taken away without notice. Because we exist on a spectrum and it's good to know where we fit on that spectrum.