Questions to Begin or Expand Your Spiritual Journey

By Arlene F. Harder, MA, MFT and Chris Burdett-Parr

Remember, there are illustrated pages for all these questions. (See introduction.) Also, we would like to point out that the questions are not listed in any particular order of importance. Depending upon where you are on your spiritual journey, different questions will appeal to you at different times.

Questions related to deepening spirituality

Group A

Is there need to look for miracles and angels when there is an abundance of mystery and wonder in life itself?

Why do I, one single individual among billions of people, exist?

What is sacred and holy?

When I learn of a religious belief or spiritual concept that seems to be in conflict with a point of view I currently hold, how open am I to exploring whether there might be merit in that perspective?

Is there evil and, if so, what is the source of evil?

Group B

Was the universe created for some grand purpose, or has it merely evolved in some fashion we will never understand?

For what am I asked to sacrifice?

What is it that my soul, rather than my ego, desires?

Is the divine part of my nature? If so, what does this belief require of me?

What cycle of my spiritual journey is it time for me to focus on now?

Group C

What is prayer?

What principles guide my life?

What kind of support do I need from a spiritual teacher, and what am I willing to give in return?

Are there experiences in my life that cause me to question the religious beliefs I once held?

When my faith falters, does this mean I need to find a way to renew it, or does it indicate my beliefs are changing?

Questions related to living a spiritual life

Group D

Am I willing to learn what prevents me from being the best I can be?

How can I open my heart to love those whose actions make them hard to love?

Can I forgive myself?

How can I learn to be patient with all the unanswered questions I hold in my heart?

What symbol can I use to remind me to stay on the path of my passion and purpose?

Group E

What is important for me to accomplish before I die?

How do I choose those I allow inside the community to which I belong, and those who must remain outside?

When hurt by others, should I understand their motives and forgive them? Why?

Am I willing to change the attitudes and behaviors in myself that are less than my ideal? If so, how?

How can I learn to go beyond the limitations of my prejudices to truly value and appreciate others?

Group F

When tragedies and conflicts turn life upside down, as they inevitably do in everyone's life at one time or another, on what can I rely?

I experience myself as careless and careful, cruel and kind, aggressive and peaceful, selfish and generous;
how can I know who I really am?

What obligation do I have to help
heal the earth and its resources?

How can I bring purpose and passion
to what I do for a living?

How can I become open to accepting truth if it means I must give up opinions for which I have been applauded?

Group G

How do I show gratitude to those who have helped me along life's path?

How can I learn to embrace all that is joyful and life-affirming if my life is in turmoil?

How can I live a life of compassion that expresses truth in all my actions?

How can I learn to move and act more calmly when I am addicted to the adrenaline of doing too much?

Is complexity, confusion and conflict intrinsic to my life, or is it only that I make it seem so because I have not learned how to live simply?