Chapter 32

One Must Write Down One’s Thoughts

In an hour of reflection or during prostrations—suddenly there will appear thoughts that are saving, or guiding, or clarifying; you must notice them and write them down.

(Letter 1458. Vol. 8, p. 197)

On thoughts born during prayer

You keep excerpts: good. It occurred to me to ask you: do thoughts come to you while reading or praying—good thoughts about the order of spiritual life? If they do, keep a notebook or small journal and write them down as they come, right then, without composing, but only expressing what came. Someone among the ascetics—I forgot who—never let them pass but always wrote them on the wall with charcoal. So write them down. Later you will sometimes leaf through them and thereby refresh good remembrances. I mean such thoughts as are born of themselves, occupy your attention, and stir the heart—good, edifying thoughts.

(Letter 730. Vol. 4, p. 218)