How to Not Overthink Your Spiritual Journey
How to explore spirituality without overthinking labels. Learn simple mindfulness practices (like meditation, gratitude, and trusting synchronicities) to connect deeply, quiet the mind and awaken intuition.
Dear Spirited Earthling,
A spiritual journey is, at its heart, about finding meaning, purpose, and connecting with something bigger than yourself. For some, a spiritual journey is tied to religious practices and traditions, leaning into faith within the framework of the chosen religion. For others, a spiritual journey is experienced through more philosophical practices like meditation, connecting with nature, and self-reflection. Therefore, a spiritual journey can mean different things to different people, depending on overarching beliefs.
Aspects of a Spiritual Journey
Here are some common aspects of a spiritual journey (not in any particular because much is experienced simultaneously):
1. Self-exploration and personal growth
A spiritual journey often begins with self-reflection (where you question your identity, purpose, and what truly matters to you). It's a process of exploring your inner self, values, and desires. You reflect on experiences, patterns, and emotions. Sometimes it involves facing things you might have ignored or suppressed as you begin to let go of ego, fears, and attachments that no longer serve you.
Use journal prompts to help you with self-exploration and personal growth:
· Exploring Shadow Work to Love Your Whole Inner Self
· Promising Ways to Understand and Explore Self-Expression
· Understand Your Values and Beliefs with Helpful Journal Prompts
· Greatest Benefits and Themes of Self-Discovery and Self-Reflection Journaling
2. Seeking divine connection
Regardless of what you call the higher power you believe in, a spiritual journey looks to deepen your connection with divine energy. It is through this alignment that you seek (and come to realise) a greater sense of meaning and purpose in life. This connection can bring a sense of peace and belonging. This connection can be developed with like prayer, meditation, or mindfulness. You deepen your self-awareness and awareness of the interconnectedness of the world.
Recommended reads: Adopting Powerful 'Universe Conspires in Helping You' Mindset and Trusting the Process: Why it Feels Impossible (and How to Do It Anyway)
3. Healing and transformation
Spiritual journeys are often motivated by the desire to heal (emotionally, mentally, physically). Limiting beliefs begin to be challenged and behaviours realign with higher vibrational energy and your purpose. As shifts in consciousness occur, it is common to have ‘aha’ moments that help you detach from an ever-increasing materialistic world, helping you find a sense of inner peace and contentment.
4. (Messy) Surrender and growth in challenges
As on any journey, a spiritual journey has ups and downs, good times and challenges. There will be doubts, struggles, and times that feel like they’re testing your faith. It is a process of surrender – learning to trust, have patience in the plan, and accepting the unknown. The challenges are opportunities for growth because they often lead to profound insights and sometimes spiritual awakenings.
5. Mindful inclusion and being of service
Being on a spiritual journey often encourages living more in the present moment. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, or prayer can help a person become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and surroundings. There is an application of spiritual insights into daily life (e.g., understanding, gratitude, empathy, forgiveness). While on this journey, it is also common to feel called to be of service to others.
With all of this in mind, here are some common signs you’re on a spiritual journey:
Feeling a pull toward deeper questions ("Why am I here?")
Losing interest in old habits or superficial pursuits
Experiencing synchronicities or a sense of being ‘guided’
Craving solitude, nature, or silence for reflection.
Starting a Spiritual Journey
If you feel like you are just beginning, or looking to re-energise yourself on your journey, here some steps to keep moving forward:
1. Start with self-reflection
Take some time to reflect on where you are in life and what you’re looking for. Ask yourself these questions and think about the answer or use them as journal prompts:
What do I want to learn about myself?
Why am I feeling called to this journey? What am I seeking: peace, meaning, connection, or something else?
What beliefs and experiences have really shaped me?
What makes me happy? What brings me a sense of alignment?
What feels missing or unfulfilled? What brings me out of a sense of alignment?
How do I currently feel about life, and what would make me feel more aligned or whole?
2. Explore Practices
Choose one or two practices to experiment with:
Meditation: Start with 5 minutes daily (apps like Insight Timer or Headspace can guide you). A powerful practice that helps quiet the mind and connect with inner self. Meditation often requires a lot of practice to master.
Mindfulness: Engage fully in the present moment, whether you’re walking, eating, or having a conversation. Practice being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.
Say Prayers or Affirmations: Speak to the Divine (or your higher self) with honesty.
Journal: Write down your thoughts, reflections, or what you're learning about yourself. Sometimes seeing things on paper brings clarity.
Connect with Nature: Sit quietly outside; observe the sky, trees, or water.
Gratitude: List 3 things you’re grateful for each day. As you’re going through your day and something good happens (receiving a compliment, free coffee, or making the bus), say a mental thank you to your higher power.
3. Learn, Unlearn, Relearn (But Trust Your Inner Voice)
Exploring different spiritual teachings can open up new perspectives and ideas that might speak to you. You don’t have to follow any specific tradition or dogma. Reading spiritual books or articles can give you a broader sense of what resonates with your heart. Listening to podcasts, interviews, and talks may carry messages you need to hear.
A spiritual journey is about curiosity and not force. When your inner voice says this is not for you, move on and only take on what aligns with you. If a practice feels heavy or confusing, pause and try something else.
Related reads: Why, How to, and Easy, Doable Ideas to Invest in Yourself and The Best Benefits of Not Being the Smartest Person in the Room
4. Find Community (Optional and can be Helpful)
If you feel drawn to a particular path, tradition, or teacher, it can be helpful to seek guidance. This could mean joining a spiritual community, finding a mentor, or simply talking to someone who’s further along their spiritual path. Sometimes we need that external perspective to help us navigate our own journey.
Some people find peace in joining groups or communities where others are on a similar journey. This could be a meditation group, a book club, or even an online community. Your spiritual journey could lead you to finding your tribe.
“It’s your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.” ~ Rumi
5. Be Patient with the Process
The spiritual journey is often not a linear path, and it can take time to uncover what really resonates with you. Be patient with yourself, and trust that you’re exactly where you need to be, even if the path feels unclear at times. There will be ups and downs, but that’s part of the growth.
Remember: You don’t need to have everything figured out right away. The journey itself is a process of discovery, and it’s okay if you don’t always have all the answers.
6. Be Open to Change
As you grow on your journey, you might feel called to let go of old patterns, beliefs, or attachments that no longer serve you. This could be anything from negative self-talk to old habits or even relationships. Letting go can be uncomfortable at first, but it’s a natural part of the process.
What to release: Negative thought patterns, fear, or self-limiting beliefs. These can often be replaced with more empowering beliefs that align with your spiritual path.
Recommended reads: Understanding the Fear of Change and How to Overcome It and Ultimate Guide to Better Understand and Expand Comfort Zones
7. Be Open to Synchronicities
Sometimes, the universe (or whatever you believe in) communicates with us in subtle ways—through signs, dreams, or unexpected encounters. Stay open to these little “coincidences” that might help guide you on your journey. Many people find that these synchronicities feel like confirmation they’re on the right path.
“Each moment contains a hundred messages from God.” ~ Rumi
A Simple First Week Start
Morning: 5 minutes of deep breathing + set an intention.
Evening: Write 1 thing you learned about yourself that day.
Weekend: Spend 20 minutes in nature (no phone).
Recommended read: Your Invitation to Live an Authentic Rich Life
Starting a Spiritual Journey without Overthinking it
The beauty of a spiritual journey is that there is no ‘right way’ and it doesn’t require anything complicated or heavily structured. It becomes a way of being more than practices you take. Here are some ideas to not overthink your spiritual journey:
1. Do, then reflect
Spirituality thrives in experience, not analysis. Think about what you are doing, after you have done it and not before:
Instead of: What’s the right way to meditate/pray/find meaning?
Do this: I’ll sit quietly for 2 minutes and notice my breath. That’s it.
Afterward: How did that feel? (not, asking if you did it right).
Example: If you’re stuck researching "best spiritual paths," pick one thing (e.g., a 3-minute gratitude journal) and commit to it for 3 days. No overanalysing, no overthinking – just trying.
2. Lower the bar (seriously)
Overthinking often comes from perfectionism. Give yourself permission to:
Start smaller than you think you should (e.g., one mindful sip of tea instead of an hour of meditation). Don’t feel like you need a big plan or commitment right away. Start with something that feels easy and natural, so you can ease into it without pressure.
Start with the (easy) good things: Start to pay attention to what makes you feel more alive, connected, or at peace. What activities, people, or environments make you feel inspired? If you love being in nature, start with taking more walks in the woods or sitting in a park. If reading spiritual books resonates, pick up one that catches your interest. The key is to follow what excites or calms you, and you don’t have to force a practice if it doesn’t feel right.
Be messy and ‘fail’ (e.g., pray in your own words, even if it feels awkward). Your goal is to experience, not to perform. Spirituality is less about following rules and more about being authentic in your connection to yourself and the world around you. (e.g., some days you may forget your practice, this is part of the journey). Don’t put any pressure on yourself.
3. Use your body to quiet your mind
Spirituality isn’t just mental—it’s embodied. Try:
Walking barefoot on grass (focus on sensations).
Shaking out tension (literally move stagnant energy).
Humming or sighing deeply (shifts your nervous system).
These bypass the mind and drop you into the now.
4. Try the 5 second rule
When you feel hesitation (I should meditate but…), count backward: 5… 4… 3… 2… 1 and then do it immediately for just 60 seconds. This disrupts overthinking by activating your instinct to act.
5. Remind yourself of truths and not imaginings
Clarity comes through engagement, not preparation. You’ll learn what resonates by doing, not over-planning.)
My journey is mine, no rules, no rush.
Thinking about swimming won’t get me wet.
When Overthinking Creeps Back In:
Acknowledge it: Ah, there’s my mind trying to ‘figure it all out.’
Thank it: You’re trying to protect me, but I’m safe to explore.
Return to the body: Wiggle your toes, feel your pulse.
Overthinking Interrupter Journal Prompt: What if my spiritual journey is already unfolding perfectly, even in the confusion? What might I notice if I believed that?
Don’t worry about whether you’re “on the right track” or “doing it wrong.” The fact that you’re taking the time to explore and be open to your own journey is the whole point. There’s no destination or finish line, just being with yourself in the moment. Trust that you’re exactly where you need to be. If you keep showing up, even in small ways, the journey will start to reveal itself to you.
A Simple Starting Practice (Right Now):
Pause. Set a timer for 1 minute.
Place a hand on your heart. Feel your breath.
Ask inwardly: "What do I need to know today?"
Listen. Even if you "hear" nothing, trust the silence.
That’s it, you’ve begun.
Defining Your Higher Power Isn’t the Point
You don’t need to believe in one specific thing—or anything at all—to have a meaningful spiritual journey. Whether you connect with God, the Universe, energy, nature, or simply the mystery of being alive, what matters is the connection, not the label.
Spirituality isn’t about fitting into a belief system. It’s about tuning into what feels real and true for you. One day, that might be God. Another day, it could be the flow of the universe or the quiet wisdom of your own heart. All of it is valid. Let the experience evolve. You don’t have to choose or stick to one path, just follow what resonates in the moment.
If traditional terms like “God” don’t feel right, try others: Creator, Divine Energy, Mother Nature, Unseen Support. Or think of the divine not as a being, but as a verb: a flow of love, a moment of synchronicity, the pulse of creativity. When you’re moved by music, overwhelmed by a sunset, or inspired by a conversation - that might be your higher power speaking.
“In fact, many of our commonly held god concepts get in the way. Do not allow the semantics to become one more block for you.” ~ Julia Cameron
Scepticism can be sacred, too. Many people’s understanding of the divine shifts over time. So, give yourself permission to question, explore, and redefine your beliefs as you grow. There’s no wrong way to do this. It’s your journey - let it be honest; let it be yours.
Spirited Earthling is more than just a blog – it's a gathering place for kindred spirits drawn by an interest in self-discovery, the appeal of self-care, and a desire for a deeper connection to themselves and the world. It is written and created for curious minds and spiritual hearts seeking meaning in everyday life. This blog aims to help you curate your wholesome personal growth with free weekly ideas and affordable resources for sale.
As you navigate your personal growth journey using the words and ideas shared here, consider sharing this blog with someone looking for inspiration or motivation on their own journey. We are all spirited earthlings, and can lift each other together with mindful, connected living. I deeply appreciate every read, share, and purchase.
Thank you for being part of this community.
Best wishes, warmest regards
Jordan
Affirmation: I trust my path. I release the need to label, rush, or perfect my spiritual journey. Every small step is sacred.
To-do:
Pause 1x/day: Place a hand on your heart and breathe deeply for 30 seconds.
Nature moment: Spend 5 minutes outside (no phone). Notice one detail (e.g., cloud shapes, bird sounds).
Gratitude jot: Before bed, scribble one thing that felt like a "sign" or a moment of peace.
Journal Prompts:
Today, I felt most connected to ______ when ______.
The thought/emotion I’m ready to release is ______.
One tiny way I’ll honour my spirit tomorrow is ______.
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