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Is soul searching a good thing?

Soul searching—or the idea of nourishing your soul—is an important exercise every person can and should partake in. Simply put, it's the desire to look more deeply for meaning in your life, says Kelley Kitely, LCSW, a Chicago social worker and best-selling author of MY self: An Autobiography of Survival.

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Soul searching—or the idea of nourishing your soul—is an important exercise every person can and should partake in. Simply put, it’s the desire to look more deeply for meaning in your life, says Kelley Kitely, LCSW, a Chicago social worker and best-selling author of “Most people engage in soul searching (or should) when life seems out of sync, or when they're in a rut, experiencing negative feelings towards their careers or relationships" she explains. But if you don’t know where to start—or exactly what to do—try following these expert-recommended tips to nourish your soul and find that deeper meaning in your everyday existence.

Spend some time alone.

“Taking a moment to put yourself first is not selfish—it actually allows you to replenish and be present in the moment for others,” says LaQuista Erinna, LCSW, a New Jersey social worker.

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Try touring a local attraction, going for a stroll in the park, or sitting down with your journal to really give yourself some "me" time to recognize what you're missing.

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Then, connect with new people.

“Strike up a conversation with someone in line at the grocery store, say hello to the cashier, or warmly smile at a stranger,” suggests Erinna. “While technology and social media have connected us to family, friends, and celebrities, we still crave that human connection. "Being kind or friendly to a stranger will make you feel good inside,” and help you get back in sync with yourself by seeing yourself reflected through someone else's yes.

But, disconnect with social media.

Equally important to the soul-nourishing equation is to spend time away from your besties—at least digitally speaking. “Be present in the here and now: ignore social media, log out of your apps, and turn off your notifications for at least an hour a day,” advises Dominic Gaziano, MD, a Chicago-based internist. We know you've heard this one before, but it can't be overstated how helpful this step can be.

Partake in a spiritual practice.

Keep in mind that the word "spiritual" is not necessarily equated with any kind of religious practice, but rather one that’s from within. Dr. Nancy Mramor, a Pittsburgh psychotherapist, recommends taking up meditation in your soul-searching journey. “It changes the brain, nervous system and mood,” she says. Try one of these expert-picked meditation apps to get started with just a few minutes of inwards reflection a day.

Try a new hobby.

Maybe meditation falls into this one, but it could be anything really—try your hand at painting, writing, or even just power walking. “Do what brings you joy—creative endeavors particularly encouraged,” says Dr. Mramor. “Any activity that puts you in the state of "flow," where you lose track of time and space and get lost in your bliss will nourish you.”

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Kitely agrees. “Trying out a new hobby helps us to get outside our comfort zone which awakens new skill and growth—creative outlets can ignite us even if we don’t necessarily think we’re good at the activity." For more ways to live your best life plus all things Oprah, sign up for our newsletter!

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How do you know when your soul recognizes someone?

Signs of a Soul Connection You feel like you've known a person for a long time—even if you've just met. You meet them during an important transition in life, like a move or breakup. You both notice a lot of coincidences, like showing up in the same places.

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Madeleine Flamiano . Madeleine Flamiano is an Editing Fellow at wikiHow based in Berkeley, California, as well as a Team Organizer, Copy Editor, and Movie Critic for Incluvie. Madeleine has 12 years of experience in literacy advocacy and the creative arts that span tutoring, teaching, writing, public relations, and non-profit support. She has penned seven novels under a pseudonym and loves all escapist genres, from cozy fantasies to hard-boiled sci-fi. Madeleine is also an experienced Pokémon player and gamer. Her professional path started at NaNoWriMo, where she scripted and hosted a series on worldbuilding. Madeleine graduated from Mills College with a B.A. in English with a concentration in Literature and a Minor in Philosophy. This article has been viewed 28,241 times.

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