Where would you go to do some soul searching?

Question

I really need some time alone and away from everything and everyone and do some soul searching. Any ideas on what to do?

Answer 1

go to the mountains and find a peaceful spot

Answer 2

I think you can soul search without actually going anywhere, but most people do need a change of scenery. While some people would take comfort in a quiet, natural, scenic environment, some people do their best thinking in an environment that is quite opposite.

Finding any place that brings you peace usually helps to clear your mind. I live a few hours from the Rocky Mountains, so I try to go once or twice a year to clear my mind and reflect on my life. I actually stay in a cabin in a small mountain town on the mountain. Some people would prefer to be on a beach near water. It's whatever is most comfortable for you. Good luck!

Answer 3

Go where the wild things are: the ocean, the forest, the woods, the desert...go where it is quiet, there are no people, and you can feel the earth under your feet without distraction.

I am a professional sojourner. My best contemplation has been on remote Bahamian beaches and cold Colorado mountains. Take a good spiritual book, something by Sharma or Richard Back. And carry a Bible, even if it isn't your bag. Jesus figured out a lot of stuff the rest of us are just starting to grasp.

Oh, yes: if you want to do something profound and can take a few days to go to Boston, go to www.ssje.org and consider a retreat with my monk friends. Best of luck and my prayers are with you. Jose

Answer 4

With rising gas prices, few people can afford to physically go anywhere.

Soul-Searching really doesn't require people to physically go anywhere. It's really more about Introspection and Meditation. However, it also needs to be done in a conducive environ ment because if time alone is misspent, it can lead to more depression and dwelling on problems.

Recentering yourself requires focusing on the problem areas in your life in a constructive manner and cultivating the strengths you have rather than dwelling on your shortcomings.

This may seem pretty straight forward, but a lot of people fall into depression or can't help but dwell on the bad stuff because those things weigh on them. When you have a lot of time to think, your mind will wander. Sometimes if left unchecked, it will wander into the wrong places.

You can physically get away from everyone, but that won't really change things because you'll still need to deal with them at some point.

I would suggest you start a Journal or Blog. You can get a free Blog at Live Journal (http://livejournal.com). Jot all your ideas and thoughts down. If you don't have anything that comes to mind, visit the News Feeds like CNN, AOL, or Yahoo News. I personally like reading the Strange News on AOL. You can comment on that.

Sometimes thinking about other people's situations, problems, and what you see in the news will pull you away. There are people out there with all kinds of problems and sometimes noticing theirs will help you put yours in perspective.

I assume your life isn't so hectic like someone living in a war-torn countries worrying about their house getting bombed or strafed by fighter aircraft. There are a lot of things to be grateful for and that can help you recenter yourself.

Sometimes people have to see how bad things are in other places to be able to put their own life in perspective. Maybe you think seclusion and pulling yourself away from others is the answer, but soul-searching can also include triangulating your own position with respect to others.

Usually I recommend people go and start their own web site because it's worth the investment and because you're creating something. People will go and buy coffee at Starbucks.

For a $50.00 setup fee and $10/month, you can have your own web site and express yourself, which can be artistic expression. Sometimes people just need a creative outlet. If you're interested in doing something creative, you can click on my Profile and sign up to get a site running and start building things.

You can do your introspection and soul-searching, but you can be constructive. When you have your own site, you can have your own Blog as well. I keep an Advice Column where I comment on stuff.

http://rodillon.com/advice.

I find it to be constructive because it gets my creative juices flowing and it also sharpens my Logic Skills. I leave something tangible so that it shows I've been doing something with my time.

While you can do soul-searching, what will you have to show for it once you get back? At least you can make the most of your time while you're on your journey and keep track of your Journey with a Blog.

Though if you just want to focus on a Blog, Live Journal maybe sufficient for your needs.

Answer 5

There is a method of accomplishing such a feat without involving going anywhere... other than within your own mind.. You are capable of turning of the music, tv or whatever distractions there are in the house. Then just sit in the middle of your bed... shut out the world and look at yourself and see where you are (in your life) then where you want it to be in the future. Can accomplish quite an evaluation in this manner.

Your mind is the secret, not where you are located. Too many rely on the external things, rather than spending time on the internal.

Answer 6

Someplace where your only companion is nature. I like to go to the shores of Lake Michigan. It's big enough to pass for the ocean, I can always find a spot on the beach where there is nobody else around and the sounds of the wave crashing help me put things into perspective. I've heard of people going to the quiet end of a park, a walk in the woods, canooing, etc. I also learned in school, that when you go back to basics, meaning nature, it's easier to clear your mind and focus.

Answer 7

Adrienne , I am so sorry to hear of your losing Grandpa.Was He very old?
Did you spend your vacations with him? Is Grandma still here? Is she far away? IF not, why not go visit her and see if you can help her with her grieving? Have you tried this already and still feel that you need to have time to yourself?

How far are you from a beach? Spend some time near running water. Bring your favourite music or a favourite book . Bring something to write in.Do u play an instument? Is it portable enough to bring along?

The best things in life do not come from " Best of Luck ",. ITs not about luck , its about attitude. Be your best and the luck will follow.
Peace . Gene D

Answer 8

The beach and sit down and watch the waves. I also like the church sitting quietly and praying. A drive to any place that you find peaceful. Make sure it is somewhat near other people for safety and just listen to music that you enjoy or whatever relaxes you. I personally like nature and there is a lot of places like parks that you can sit away from others. Good luck!

Answer 9

the mountains are nice...but personally i like the sound of moving water...a stream...a river the ocean...even a lake or a pond with some nice scrub pines all around so they whisper to you when the wind blows...there a lot of answers to a lot of life's questions in the wind...in the trees...in the water...you would be surprised where you can find a peaceful spot...parks...back yards...I've even achieved solitude on my roof before!!!didn't tell anyone i was up there and no one bothered me!!!stare at the sky...listen the birds...finding shapes in the clouds...it sounds juvenile but it takes a mindless activity to gain in-site and do all the introspective stuff your wanting to do...oh yea...climbing a tree is also very nice...

Answer 10

yes Just been there I have been going thru alot of things and couldnt think ,until one day a friend said these words to me you have to get on the outside of your circus world to be able to make the right desicions ,and I have small ones so I could not get away like I needed but ,I started walking in the woods on a public trail and found myself setting down and just thinking and seeking my answer ,I have been much better doing this but ,for me it was a child issue and money ,so I could go far but this really helped me .good Luck my friend

Answer 11

The Grand Canyon Islands in Jamaica.