The monastic practice of offering thoughts to a spiritual elder for help in discernment. The relationship underlying this practice was the entire basis of Egyptian desert monasticism. The interactions between these abbas/ammas and their disciples . . . the principle behind the practice was that we cannot have a clear view into our hearts. Spiritual vision is clouded by unresolved and often conflicting desires which are murkiest when our own lives are in question. Thoughts, questions, obsessions need to be brought out into light and air where they can be seen for what they are.
— Columba Stewart, Prayer and Community