27 Soul-Searching Questions About Spirituality To Help You Grow

Are you a seeker?

Someone who yearns to understand life’s esoteric mysteries?

Or maybe you’re feeling a little lost and want to try something new — something that may help you feel more confident in your skin.

Either way, welcome.

We’re glad you’re here and applaud your curiosity.

To help kickstart your journey, we’ve made a list of over two dozen deep questions about spirituality for your consideration.

What Are The Benefits of Asking Spiritual Growth Questions 

Doctors and research scientists agree that good mental health is essential to living a satisfying and healthy life, and it improves when we’re confident in who we are and what we stand for.

Figuring out where you stand on faith is a huge part of learning yourself. Finding answers requires asking yourself open-ended questions about spirituality.

Even if you’re not a believer, flushing out your viewpoints is beneficial. 

Which leads us to the first question: What are the benefits of questioning spiritual ideas?

Explore New Ideas

Thinking extensively about anything broadens your mental horizon. Plumbing the depths of our spiritual sides — or lack thereof — forces us to think about existence from a more esoteric vantage point, which leads to new ideas.

They may not be logical, cogent, or comfortable ideas — but then again, life isn’t only logical, cogent, and comfortable. 

Challenge Your Status Quo

We’re not suggesting that everyone needs to be an activist who challenges the status quo. Instead, when taking a spiritual inventory, you need to challenge your status quo.

Dissect why you think the way you do. Pinpoint from where your ideas are derived. Consider what your life might look and feel like if you didn’t hold your views. 

Doing this strengthens your self-confidence because you’re more secure in your opinions. 

Strengthens Mental Health

We’re less anxious when we know the roots of our belief system. When we’re less anxious, we command better control over our emotions.

And when our emotions are in check, we enjoy better health. Hence, exploring spiritual questions can support good mental health.

Increases Capacity for Compassion

Studies suggest that people with elevated levels of compassion enjoy more peace of mind. They defer to the most generous explanations and feel a closer connection with those around them.

Barring other mental health hurdles, including depression, anxiety, and unaddressed trauma, they’re also more likely to drink less, exercise more, and eat healthier. 

Profoundly thinking about the nature of existence helps us grow compassion for ourselves and others. 

Connect With Your Higher Self

For some folks, the higher self is a cosmic entity. For others, it’s an idealization of who they hope to be.

Wherever you fall on the scale, exploring esoteric questions helps you flush out a relationship with your higher self.

Building this type of bond or intricately understanding your behavioral goals allows you to set and achieve SMART goals.  

What Types of Questions Should You Ask for Spiritual Growth?

We’ve discussed the benefits of investigating your spiritual side. But what types of questions should you be asking yourself?

Questions about spirituality that will help you grow usually: 

• Challenge your current views
• Force you to acknowledge difficulties and faults
• Elucidate personal historical perspectives (how you got where you are)
• Guide you toward a road of resonance that helps you feel more connected to other people and the natural world

27 Soul-Searching Questions About Spirituality To Help You Grow 

Now, let’s dive into specific questions to consider when doing a spiritual inventory. We recommend tackling each one individually. Moreover, give it time if you don’t have answers to questions at a given moment.

Let the idea stew and move on to another one. Forcing it won’t produce the desired results, so let patience be your conductor.

1. What does spirituality mean to me?

The first question to consider is what spirituality means to you. Is it something outside of yourself or more of an internal thing? In your view, is it inextricably linked to religion or something else? 

Try hard not to confine your thoughts to traditional parameters. Don’t worry about “should.” Instead, focus on what feels “good.” Stretch your perspective. Consider what related thoughts genuinely resonate with you.    

2. Is my spirituality something I want to share or keep private?

Do you believe spirituality is something to share communally or an individual pursuit? Is it something you want to keep to yourself?

If so, what are your motivations? Are you afraid of people criticizing your belief system? If yes, consider why their opinions affect you.  

3. What is the difference between self-help and spiritual development?

Self-help and spiritual development occupy similar spaces. Do you see a difference between the two? Similarities? Do you make an effort to distinguish the two in your own practice?

In your eyes, is it even necessary to do so? Furthermore, do you believe that self-help can morph into cult-adjacent spiritual devotion?

4. Does materialism play a role in my spiritual pursuits?

Wanting and working toward things is normal, so long as you avoid hurting others while striving for them. But not crossing the line is critical.

Are your spiritual pursuits laser-focused on attracting homes, cars, jewels, and expensive vacations into your life? If so, how do you think that affects your thinking and behavior? 

5. Do I believe in deities? Cosmic forces? Controllable spiritual energy?

Does your belief system include deities? Do you believe in gods or goddesses? If so, are you monotheistic or polytheistic?

What about cosmic forces? Energies? Or do you take a more practical and scientific approach to the topic?

6. What does the word truth mean to me?

Definitionally speaking, “truth” is linked to “facts.” But the reality is much different. Truth varies from person to person, from place to place, and from time to time. How do you understand the concept of truth?

Do you recognize your truth as something subjective? How does that fit into your spiritual beliefs?

7. Is spirituality a universal or personal truth?

Dig into the idea of truth a little more. Think about it on both macro and micro levels. Are there any universal truths, like nature?

Or is that even regionally dependent? What about the juxtaposition of personal and community truths? What conflicts and synergies can that engender? 

8. Where do animals fall on the spiritual scale? Plants?

What is your relationship with other species? Do you see them as lower on the spiritual hierarchy? If so, why? What about plants? Do you think they have their own version of cognizance? 

These may seem like silly questions on the surface, but considering them can help define how you view the natural world and your place in it.

9. Is there life after death?

This is one of the big questions. Where do you stand on mortality? Does something happen to our souls after our physical bodies perish? Do you hope there’s life after death but are doubtful?  

10. What do I hope happens after death?

Continuing with the theme, consider what you hope happens after people pass on. A slight variation on the usual question, plumbing these depths stretches your imagination.

It may help you construct a view that fits within your spiritual framework and provides comfort when mortality fears arise.

11. Are people separate from their souls?

Speaking of souls, where do you stand on that question? In your opinion, are they natural phenomena or cultural concepts? Can souls separate from their bodies? Can they be corrupted? 

12. What is the meaning of life?

Some argue that the purpose of life is searching for its meaning. Others insist there’s no point to life; to them, existence is just a beautiful, chaotic accident.

What is the purpose of life to you? Try to go beyond “friends and family.” Think about it in more abstract terms.   

13. What would I sacrifice to know life’s great mysteries?

Imagine a genie landed in your living room and said, “I will tell you all the mysteries of life, from the Universe’s origins to what happens after death. However, you must sacrifice one thing you love.”

What would you do? Would you take the genie up on their offer? What would you be willing to sacrifice for all the answers?

14. How have love and fear shaped my life?

Ponder the forces of love and fear. What acts of the former — or lack thereof — have made you the person you are today?

What about fear? Take it one step further and consider what type of control you have over these forces.

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15. What historical or famous acts of love take your breath away?

Love happens on individual and grand scales. Think of a grand act of love that affected many people. How does it make you feel, emotionally and physically?

Does setting your mind on the idea make you feel better? If so, is it a tool you can use to cheer yourself up when down in the dumps?

16. What is my relationship with intuition?

Do you trust your gut? Better yet, should you trust your gut? Have you done the work to ensure it’s reliable? Or is your shadow self still in control?

17. How does my spirituality differ from that of my family?

Many people inherit their spiritual beliefs from their families and never give them a second thought. Is that your story?

Have you ever questioned your belief framework? What would happen if you changed your mind about what you believe? Would that affect your relationships?

18. How do I handle other people’s spiritual choices?

Are you judgmental about other people’s spiritual choices? Try to dig deep and be honest with yourself. It’s tough to admit we’re unfairly critical, but everyone is to some degree.

Coming to grips with this fact and staring it down can profoundly impact how you see yourself, others, and the world around you. Many people report shedding a considerable amount of stress after taming their inner judge.

19. Do I see a link between mindfulness and spirituality?

Do you think spirituality and mindfulness are linked? In your opinion, is it possible to achieve spiritual clarity in chaotic states? Could mindfulness be considered a luxury? 

20. What role does ritual play in my spirituality?

For many people, ritual and spirituality go hand in hand. Is that the case for you?

Do you see ritual as something energetically powerful or merely a way to formalize practices that science has proven beneficial, like deep breathing, routine keeping, and quieting the mind?   

21. What do I think of the intersection between fate, faith, and free will?

One of the more complicated aspects of sorting out one’s spirituality is determining where all the puzzle pieces fit.

Where does free will fit into your worldview, if at all? What about the forces of fate and faith? Are you in control, or are other energies at work?  

22. Do you sometimes question your faith and spirituality? Why or why not?

Are you fearful of questioning your spirituality? If so, where did you get the idea that doubt is bad? Is it a valid source or something passed down with little introspection?

How does questioning your spirituality make you feel? Scared or empowered?

23. What is the purpose of hardship?

Where does hardship fit into your understanding? Do you believe it’s a spiritual consequence or a random occurrence?

What about the idea that nobody is given a difficulty they cannot handle? Does that idea resonate with you?

24. Do you think everything happens for a reason?

People say it all the time, but do you believe it? Do you think the world is an intricate puzzle puppeteered by an omnipotent force with a master plan?  

25. What has my spiritual path looked like?

Take stock of where you’ve been. Is this a new pursuit, or have you always been interested in exploring esoteric topics? Write it down and re-read your chronology. Does anything pop out?

26. What mistakes must I forgive myself and others for?

Part of spiritual work is accepting yourself — and everyone else — as a flawed entity. What mistakes have you made that need closure?

How can you get the resolution you need? Can you apologize? What about wrongs that have been committed against you? How can you work toward truly forgiving others?

27. What are my spiritual rules?

People thrive when they have a well-defined set of behavioral rules. Consider your spiritual parameters.

What values are most important to you, and how can you incorporate them into your daily life? 

How To Use These Spirituality Questions 

We’ve laid out the questions, but how can you use them? Here are a few options:

• Journal: Use them as journaling prompts. Take one question per session and do a deep dive.
• Meditate: Do an analytical meditation. While sitting quietly, pick apart the issue in your head. When your focus starts to wander, gently redirect it to the topic at hand. 
• Talk to Your Therapist or Coach: Do you work with a psychologist, therapist, or life coach? Broach one or more of the questions during a session and use them as a sounding board. 
• Start a Group: Do you know other people interested in exploring their spiritual sides? Why not start a discussion group? 

Final Thought

Exploring your spiritual side can be an enriching and life-affirming experience — even if you take a more practical, science-based approach.

It’s a great way to get to know yourself better; some would say that’s the ultimate point of life. Good luck!