You are ultimately responsible for the direction of your journey. If one of the steps in this guide produce stress or harm for you, skip it for the time being and find an alternative that helps you contemplate your life. No religion has a monopoly on truth. If a religion or its followers begin to control or scare you, consider backing up and consulting a different source.

Such practice is often referred to as keeping a “mindfulness journal. “[3] X Research source Its purpose is to reveal to you the thought patterns that govern your life, possibly negatively, so that you may focus on transforming them.

Prioritize what interests you intellectually as well as emotionally; think about what you are curious about, as well as what you might change to live a healthier life. Spiritual journeys can incorporate both intellectual and emotional aspects of your life. Remember that spiritual goals may take a lifetime to accomplish, and often change along the way. [4] X Expert Source Zachary RaineyOrdained Minister Expert Interview. 19 May 2019. Avoid setting deadlines for your goals, or allowing them to stress you out.

Many spiritual journeys are lifelong affairs that constantly build upon themselves. [5] X Expert Source Zachary RaineyOrdained Minister Expert Interview. 19 May 2019. Spirituality is a crucial part of life, and is hardly ever separate from it. Allow your scope to change as is necessary.

Yoga can add a physical component to contemplation and can help you in clarifying your spiritual goals. There are many different variations on meditation. They can be learned and practiced in social settings, whether they be spiritual meetups or regularly-meeting meditation groups led by an expert. These meetups are often free to attend, or ask for a small donation.

Exercise needn’t be exhausting. Moderate exercise, spread out throughout the week, can keep one’s body fit and in shape. [9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Reflective spaces may incorporate images, icons, and posters, smells (such as incense or flowers), and either silence or meditative music.

Many of these plants are illegal to possess or cultivate in the United States. Psychedelic drugs are notorious for carrying the risk of a “bad trip,” which may spiritually confuse or disorient users. Psychoactives can still be largely beneficial when used in a sparing, informed, and limited capacity.

Some sacred places are associated with sacred events, such as the Hajj. It may make more sense to time your visit with religious calendars.

The spiritual journey is there to serve you, and though it may not be comfortable at times, you should be able to see how it is improving your relationship to yourself, others, and your sense of compassion. Getting to know yourself is a life-long journey. [13] X Expert Source Jessica Elliott, ACC, CECCertified Executive Coach Expert Interview. 12 February 2020. You can try different ways to understand your changing personality. [14] X Research source [15] X Expert Source Jessica Elliott, ACC, CECCertified Executive Coach Expert Interview. 12 February 2020. Check out podcasts, audiobooks, retreats, or anything else that supports personal growth, but make sure it speaks to you. Get experimental on your self-discovery journey and know there are no failures, only different paths of discovery. [16] X Research source [17] X Expert Source Jessica Elliott, ACC, CECCertified Executive Coach Expert Interview. 12 February 2020.

You may want to accompany your studies with educational courses. Universities, community colleges, and continuing education centers offer courses in the history of religious practices and texts. If you do read scholarly texts alongside sacred texts, be aware that there is a difference between theology and “religious studies. " Religious studies can be thought of as studying religion from its outside, while theology is often written by practitioners of that religion. [19] X Research source

Other civic institutions may have a chaplain on staff who are skilled guides when it comes to certain topics, such as grief or loss. Such institutions include hospitals or army outposts, but you may need to be a regular user of their services to consult with their chaplain.

Avoid figures that actively request financial support, promise reliable answers, or who seem to be selling something. Oftentimes, they are not counting your spiritual journey as a priority. If you can afford it, traveling to retreats, camps, and spiritual meetups can be a healthy way to expand your horizons and meet new people.

Not only is this a way to find mentors, this is also may lead you to mentoring others, which can enrich your journey.