If life’s been feeling a little heavy lately like you’re just floating without direction or purpose it might be time to pause and shift gears. Sometimes, what we really need is to reconnect with ourselves on a deeper level. That’s where a spiritual journey can come in.
Now, don’t get it twisted, a spiritual journey doesn’t have to be about religion (although it can be, if that’s what calls to you). It’s really about tuning out the noise, letting go of the past, and turning inward to find clarity, peace, and presence.
Everyone’s journey looks a little different, but the heart of it stays the same to feel grounded again, to grow, and to find your way back home to yourself.
If you’re ready to begin, here are 7 gentle ways to start your own spiritual journey and maybe even start living a little lighter.
7 Tips For Starting Your Spiritual Journey
Remember, everyone undertakes their own unique spiritual journey, and therefore there are no hard and fast rules as to how your spiritual journey should look like. However, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure about where to start, we have some guiding tips that will make the process easier.
1. Identify a purpose
Everyone has their own reason for going on a spiritual journey, and it’s important to know what yours is. Before you start, take a moment to ask yourself why you’re being called to this path—and what you hope to find along the way.
Here are a few reasons that might resonate with you:
- You’re looking for ways to grow and better yourself
- You’re trying to make sense of life and everything happening around you
- You’ve been through something tough and want a fresh start
- You want to reconnect with who you are and figure out what truly matters to you
Once you’re clear on your why, everything becomes a little easier. It gives you something to come back to when things feel uncertain, and it helps you map out a journey that actually feels aligned with your heart.
Best Places for Soul Searching & Clarity:
- Rishikesh, India
- Sedona, Arizona, USA
- Mount Shasta, California, USA
- Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
- Assisi, Italy
2. Make a spiritual roadmap
When you go on a road trip or a hike, you need to plan out your destinations and your schedule. The same goes for your spiritual journey! Once you’ve figured out the purpose behind your spiritual journey, you’ll need to think about how you’ll reach your goal.
For example, do you intend to join a yoga class? Or take a vacation from work and travel? Or maybe you’re planning to spend more time in nature and pick up gardening. Whatever it is, it’s important to make some general plans on what you would like to do or focus on.
Best Places to Begin a Guided Journey:
- Camino de Santiago, Spain
- Kyoto, Japan
- Lumbini, Nepal
- Varanasi, India
- Isle of Iona, Scotland
3. Start small
Heading towards a spiritual journey can be a very overwhelming process for many of us. If you are new to this journey then it is important to do something big. You can also start small. If you start something like “do yoga everyday after work”, or “start a garden”, it might be difficult for you to stick to it every day then you may give up.
So it is best to start things small and slow. Start with giving yourself a small and realistic goal that you can really achieve. Instead of doing yoga every day you can do yoga every third or four days of a week.
Keep in mind that it is your own spiritual journey and it is only yours. so there is no need to rush yourself. Go with the flow!
Peaceful Getaways to Ease Into the Journey:
- Dharamshala, India
- Glacier National Park, USA
- Pai, Thailand
- Lago de Atitlán, Guatemala
- Luang Prabang, Laos
4. Find or create a safe space for reflection
It is very difficult to find a place that is quiet and relaxes your body, your soul and your mind. Being able to find a place that reflects on the day is an important part of every spiritual journey. This should be a place that makes you feel safe and relaxed. This should be, mostly importantly, a place that you feel the most safe in. You can also make your own place, like making a blanket fort in your room, finding a private spot or any place that you feel will be best for you.
It doesn’t matter where it is but it should be a sacred and private place so that you can meditate safely and comfortably. You may even want to consider adding scented candles, essential oils, blankets and pillows to make the place as comfy as possible.
Best Spots for Retreats or Sacred Solitude:
- Tuscany, Italy
- The Blue Mountains, Australia
- Nosara, Costa Rica
- Big Sur, California, USA
- Hampi, India
5. Meditate
You have found a perfect space for you now it’s up to meditation. But why is it necessary? Although it is not an easy skill to pick up, it is extremely good for your mental and spiritual well-being. It connects you more with spirituality! meditation not not only allows you to empower your emotions but also connect your inner self with the universe. and that is why meditation is considered as one of the most important aspects in spirituality regardless of any of the goals.
If you are someone who is a new boy to meditation then there are tons of resources available online so you can choose wisely. There are a number of YouTube videos for meditation and meditation apps such as Calm or Headspace that will guide any beginners through meditation.
Top Meditation-Friendly Destinations:
- Bodh Gaya, India
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Koh Phangan, Thailand
- Pokhara, Nepal
- Ella, Sri Lanka
6. Be open to new experiences
And maybe the most important thing to remember is to keep an open mind. On your spiritual journey, you might come across things you’ve never tried or even considered before. And that’s okay. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone.
If meditation or yoga have never been your thing, now’s the time to set those doubts aside and just give it a go. Or if you’re someone who prefers staying indoors, even a short walk in the park could shift something in you.
It’s about approaching everything with curiosity, like seeing the world with fresh eyes. Let yourself be surprised.
7. Pick up journaling
If journaling isn’t already part of your routine, your spiritual journey might be the perfect time to start. Writing things down gives you the space to slow down, reflect, and really meet yourself where you’re at.
You don’t need to have all the answers just a pen, a quiet moment, and the willingness to be honest. There are so many thoughtful prompts online that can help guide your writing, and you’ll be surprised by what comes up when you give yourself the chance to go deeper.
And if writing by hand feels like too much, digital journals like Journey make it super easy. You can even add photos, videos, or voice notes to capture your thoughts in whatever way feels most to you.
A spiritual journey isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about remembering who you’ve always been. So wherever you go, go with intention. Go with a soft heart. And most of all, go with love.
You’re not just planning a trip you’re creating a space for your soul to breathe.