To achieve intellectual and spiritual growth, you need the right inner work tools. A question can be a powerful inner work tool — if you know how to use it. Come and see how deep spiritual reflection questions can unlock your inner wisdom.
We start asking hard questions about life and death as soon as we learn to talk. Our parents, teachers, and other influencers give us answers based on their worldviews. In other words, we don’t always get the answers that encourage us to seek our own answers. Authority figures give us what they want us to believe.
We see the effects of this kind of programming. Over one-half of the world follows one of the prevalent organized religions. These are the Abrahamic religions of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. If you practice one of these faiths, you won’t hear talks about questioning your path. You won’t find space to seek your own answers. But that’s what we are going to do here.
Delving Into Questions about Spirituality
Before we jump into the questions, we want to discuss how to use them. There are many ways to use introspective questions. We will focus on four that give us the time and focus to use deep self-reflection questions. [1] These four tools are automatic writing, journaling, reactive answering, and repetitive questioning.
Techniques and Questions for Self-Discovery and Growth
These are tools for inner work. When combined with questions, they become powerful agents of change.
1. Automatic Writing with a prompt is when you let your hand write whatever comes into your mind without stopping to think. You start with the targeted question and then let it go. You don’t worry about spelling or making sense—you just write whatever wants to come out. This can help you discover thoughts and feelings you didn’t know you had.
2. Journaling with a question prompt gives you a starting place for free-flowing introspection. Just write whatever comes to mind, even if it has nothing to do with the prompt. This tool helps you understand what’s going on inside you and can make you feel calmer and clearer.
3. Reactive Answering is when you quickly answer without thinking too hard. You do this already. When you bump your elbow or stub your toe, you may say something without thinking; you just react. Here, you read or hear a question and respond with the first thing that comes to mind. It shows your true feelings or ideas before you have time to hide or change them.
4. The Repetitive Question Exercise is asking the same question over and over again and answering it each time. The answers will take you places you might not expect. That’s okay. This tool helps you dig deeper into your thoughts and get to the truth hiding underneath. [2]
We’ll describe how and when to use these techniques with questions about spirituality. So, get out your spiritual journal, some notebook paper, and a pen or pencil. You will want to write your answers because your handwriting is also part of the answer.
1. The “W” Deep Spiritual Reflection Questions
Every good detective asks five essential questions: who, what, where, when, and why. Seeking answers to questions about spirituality helps you understand yourself. [3]
For this set of “w” questions, begin by using your spiritual journal. Read the question and its section. Then write the first thing that comes to mind. Don’t worry about spelling or if it makes sense. You are embarking on a journey filled with questions for self-discovery and growth! Don’t write more than a paragraph or two for each question. We’re just getting the first thoughts down on paper. We’ll dig deeper later.
Who am I?
This is one of the deep spiritual reflection questions that almost everyone asks. Even little kids ask, “Who am I?” when they start trying to make sense of the world. It seems like it should be an easy answer, but it’s not.
This question connects all of us, and it often changes based on life circumstances. That’s okay—your answers will change as you grow.
Almost all important questions are important precisely because they are not susceptible to quantitative answers. — Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.
Philosophers have thought about this question for centuries, and there’s no one right answer. Don’t let it frustrate you. Think of your answers as clues in a mystery—each one teaches you something new.
The real point of this question is to help you grow. If your answers never change, it might mean you’re not growing as much as you could. Who we are also reminds us that life doesn’t last forever, and that’s one reason people start asking questions. Read or say the question, “Who am I?” and write the first things that come to mind.
What am I?
“Who” and “what” might sound like the same question, but they aren’t. Asking “what am I?” is about what makes you you—your thoughts, feelings, and purpose. It points us in the direction of beliefs and values, but we aren’t ready to go there just yet.
Science says our bodies are mostly made of just a few elements, like oxygen and carbon. But we know there’s more to us than that. Our mind, memory, and awareness can’t be measured like chemicals. Religion and society try to tell us what we are by giving us labels or roles. But the truth isn’t found outside you—it’s something you discover yourself.
You are more than your body. You are consciousness that is self-aware. You are your thoughts, your instincts, your choices. You are part of a long line of people who came before you. But even with all that, you’re still changing every day.
“What am I?” is one of the questions for self-discovery and growth that sparks our curiosity. It prompts us to investigate the inner world of consciousness. Say the question out loud, “What am I?” Then start writing the first thing that comes to mind.
Where am I
Where you are seems easy to answer, but it’s not so simple. Time and space are things humans measure in ways that don’t always make sense. From space, we’re flying around the sun on a little blue planet. From a spiritual point of view, we might just be energy or vibration.
Go ahead, ask the question, “Where am I?” Write the first thing that comes to mind. Don’t cop out and answer by giving your mailing address.
The willingness to reexamine lifelong beliefs because of conflicting data takes enormous courage… — Donal O’Shea
When am I?
This question confuses a lot of people. So, let’s talk about it first.
“When am I?” is an unusual but powerful question. Most of the time, we ask “what time is it?” or “what year is it?” But “when am I?” shifts the focus from the clock or calendar to your place in time—personally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Asking “when am I?” can help you realize where you are in the story of your life. Are you at the beginning? A turning point? A season of healing? It helps you reflect on your current phase and how it fits into your overall growth. Am I still holding onto the past? Am I present in this moment? Am I dreaming too far ahead?
Okay, now ask the question: “When am I?” Write the first things that come to mind.
Why am I here?
This is one of the deep spiritual reflection questions of all time. Sadly, many people accept simple answers from religion, but those answers don’t always help us grow. Religion can be more about control than discovery.
Why are we here? To remember, and re-create, Who You Are. You use life to create your Self as Who You Are, and Who You’ve Always Wanted to Be. ― Neale Donald Walsch
Instead of just accepting what you’re told, be brave. Ask questions. Look for your own meaning. The “why” question helps you see your life from a bigger perspective. It may even lead you back to the other questions.
Some people get stuck thinking their worth is in what they do or how much money they make. But you’re not just a “human doing”—you’re a human being. Your value goes deeper than that. Go for it, read the question “Why am I” out loud, and write the first things that come to mind.
2. Questions about Being a Follower or Explorer
There are two primary spiritual paths. The first is what we call spiritual exploration, which involves using methods to explore consciousness. Among the tools it uses are deep spiritual reflection questions for self-discovery and growth. This is the path of the explorer. [4]
The second way is to adopt religious beliefs. This is the path of the follower. Many think the second way is the easiest. You simply join a religion, and they tell you what to believe. However, the Western religions mistake myths for facts. The Abrahamic faiths of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism teach people to pretend that myths and legends are real.
The first choice is to use methods to explore and develop your consciousness. These tools come from a variety of ancient and modern sources. They include tools like the Enneagram, the Cultural Assessment Questionnaire, and journaling. It also includes the tools we use in this exercise. Automatic Writing and the Repetitive Question Exercise are often combined with others. These methods help you explore the psyche and provide you with data to help you overcome obstacles to your growth.
The second path makes you a follower of the mythologies and superstitions we call religion. Christianity boasts the largest membership with 2.4 billion. Next, is Islam with 1.9 billion, and Hinduism, 1.15 billion. Those with less than a billion include Buddhism, with 521 million. The Chinese traditional religion has 394 million. Sikhism has 30 million. The third Abrahamic religion, Judaism, has 14.5 million. Jainism comes in with 4.2 million. The Shinto religion has 4 million followers. Zoroastrianism, the root of re-Abrahamic beliefs, has 2.6 million. Rastafarian is the last with 0.6 million.
Many of the religions in the second group are ancient spiritual paths that have restrictions on what they deem appropriate. The questions we propose may be things they don’t want you to ask. So, be mindful of whom you share your experience with this questionnaire.
For the questions in this section, use the reactive answering method. Write what comes first in your journal, then move on.
Are you a follower of religion?
- If so, when did you become a follower?
- Do you remember making an informed decision to join, or was it a part of your family or cultural background?
If you do not follow an organized religion, you are an Explorer.
- Why did you choose this path?
- Did you leave organized religion? If so, what prompted you to do so, and how did you do it?
Write the answers in your spiritual journal under your answers for the “w’s”. You may have already noticed a connection between your answers in these two sections.
3. Spiritual Questions for Self-discovery and Growth
For these questions, get out a notepad. Read the question, write it down, and give a short answer. The process of writing the question gives your mind a chance to start working on it. Don’t worry about grammar or spelling, get your thoughts on paper. It’s not concrete and will come back to see if you want to and are able to change things.
Questions about Core Values
Questions about spirituality often focus on core values, which are the beliefs that guide your choices. They’re the things you stand for, even when it’s hard. Answer these questions on your notepad:
- What do I believe in, no matter what?
- List your top core beliefs. Are they virtues of the spirit or aspects of religious programming?
- What values guide my decisions in challenging moments?
- How does the way I am living reflect my values?
- Have I ever gone against my values, and what did I learn?
- Do I have the ability to change my core beliefs?
- Do I value and respect the beliefs and values of others?
Questions about Internal Dialogue
Your thoughts shape how you see yourself and the world. Take time to notice which thoughts you repeat often. Are they kind, fearful, critical, or hopeful? You might also think about the topics you avoid—those often point to areas that need healing or honesty. Questions to answer:
- What thoughts do I repeat every day?
- Are those thoughts helping or hurting me?
- What do I avoid thinking about—and why?
- When do I feel mentally clear and focused?
Questions about Emotion
Feelings are like messages from inside. Pay attention to the emotions you feel most often and how you deal with them. Do you let yourself feel fully, or do you hide from certain emotions? Notice what brings you joy, sadness, anger, or peace—and how you respond. Questions you need to answer are:
- What emotions do I feel most often?
- How do I react to strong emotions?
- When do I feel most loved?
- Do I allow myself to feel, or do I shut down?
Questions about Change
Growth is a sign that you’re alive and learning. Reflect on how you’ve changed in the last year. What’s different about the way you think, feel, or act? You might notice patterns—what you’re holding onto, or what you’re afraid to let go of. Think about the person you’re becoming. Questions to ask include:
- How have I changed recently?
- What parts of myself am I still discovering?
- What am I afraid to release, even though it’s time?
- What kind of person do I want to grow into?
Questions about Spirituality
Spiritual reflection questions that often don’t have easy answers. They help you connect with the mystery of life—something greater than yourself. Ask what you believe about the soul, the universe, or your place in it. Notice when you feel awe, wonder, or peace. Those are spiritual moments. Questions to answer:
- What do I believe about the soul or spirit, and why?
- To be spiritual means what to me? Is it belief in God, or something else?
- Do I feel connected to something bigger than me? Is it God or something else?
- When do I feel a sense of peace or mystery?
- What big questions do I keep coming back to?
- Do I need to believe in a religion to secure afterlife rewards?
- Are my beliefs related to fear of the loss of something, such as going to hell?
4. Analysis, Recalibrate, Eliminate, And Reprogram
If you followed the instructions for this exercise, you will have some marvelous data to analyze.
First, look through your journal and notebook and see if you find certain things that are the same or similar. Look for similar phrasing, ideas, and concepts. These are patterns of thought; circle them. We’ll work on those first. List the things that appear to be patterns of thought.
Automatic Writing and Repetitive Question Exercise
Now it’s time to use two of the tools we mentioned earlier, automatic writing and the repetitive question exercise. We recommend starting with the automatic writing exercise first.
Automatic Writing
Take one of the patterns you circled and a blank sheet of paper. Write the pattern concept at the top of the paper.
Now, repeat the idea or pattern of the phrase in your mind, or speak it out loud, while you let your hand write on the paper. The only instruction you give to your hand is to write words. Say the phrase or concept of your pattern and write until you reach the end of the page. On average, it takes around 3 to 4 minutes.
When you first start using this process, you may find that your hand has written jibberish. That’s okay. If you can use cursive writing, you will get more data faster than printing. Most people may only be able to spot a word or two in the beginning. The more you do this process, the more you will write things that will come to the surface through the subconscious.
We recommend taking a break every 15 minutes. When you are rested and calm, you get better results.
Repetitive Question
Now, take the same patterns and phrase them as a question. An easy way is to start the sentence, “How do I…” or “Why do I… This tool works even better with a partner who asks the question. They would say, “Tell me a way…”
For example, if you are examining your fear of losing the afterlife in heaven, you might ask yourself: Why do I fear being sent to hell? If you have a partner asking the question, they could say, “Tell me why you fear going to hell?”
Repeat the question at least 5 minutes. It enables you to get below the superficial answers your ego will devise. You want to get to the authentic core answers.
Summation of Analysis of Data
Once you have narrowed down the data to core elements, you can decide what to do with this new insight. If you’ve gone this far, you likely want to improve. Asking deep spiritual reflection questions gives us a picture of where we are now. If we want to grow, we’ll need to have the courage to change. Change means recalibrating your thoughts, beliefs, and values. So, let’s talk about how to do that.
Recalibrate
You decide to make some changes in your beliefs and values. To do this, you must recalibrate your thinking and awareness. This takes slowing down and being present. It also means learning to process things without rushing to conclusions.
To recalibrate, take steps to become more mindful. Practice listening skills. Learn to use technology with intention. For instance, check your health or messages, and set a timer to stop endless distractions. Small changes like these sharpen your attention and help you see the bigger picture.
Eliminate
To eliminate harmful thinking, you must learn to observe your internal dialogue. This way, you can catch yourself from thinking harmful thoughts and taking actions that harm others. Practicing mindfulness meditation can help you to be more aware of your self-talk.
Learn to rephrase beliefs and values as they arise. For example, you see a person of a race different than yours. You think that they want to steal from you. You realize immediately that this is pre-programmed, harmful prejudice. You immediately reframe the thought, they are just different from me, I have no reason to believe they want to do me harm.
Next, get rid of the sources of harmful programming. Exposure to groupthink manipulation tactics has a negative impact on your thinking. Manipulative messages from media, religious groups, or politics reprogram your beliefs and values.
Unhealthy programming of organized religion promotes discrimination, prejudice, and fear-based thinking. Eliminate these harmful beliefs. Use tools like the Repetitive Question Exercise, Comparative Analysis, and the Enneagram.
Reprogram
After clearing space, begin to reprogram your mind with healthy, empowering values. Use mantras, sutras, and affirmations to install new beliefs rooted in clarity and compassion. These tools support deep healing and accelerate your journey into higher consciousness.
Final Thoughts
This article is an inner work exercise in disguise. Deep self-reflective questions for self-discovery and growth uncover the programming of your mind. It shows you how your thoughts and habits were shaped. As you reflect, you’ll naturally begin to ask questions about your core values and what you truly believe. You may also find yourself posing questions about spirituality. These are the questions that help you make better choices and live in a way that feels honest and strong.
References
- Self-Reflecting Methods of Learning Research. SpringerLink
- What was it again? — The pragmatics of repeated questions.University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Best Practice Strategies for Effective Use of Questions as a Teaching Tool.
- Spiritual Experience: Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Implications. Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science