soul-search
Look deeply inward
To soul-search is to examine one's deepest feelings, motives, and values, usually during a difficult decision or after a troubling event.
The noun soul-searching describes this process of honest self-reflection: After much soul-searching, she decided to leave the company.
Both forms suggest serious introspection rather than casual thought.
Return light or thought
- examineStudy with attention
- contemplateConsider something thoroughly
- meditateQuiet mental focus
- ponderThink deeply about
question · evaluate · analyze · assess · look inward · probe · scrutinize · explore
Focused attention practice
- prayerAddress to deity
- retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
- pilgrimageReligious journey to shrine
- awakeningReturn to consciousness
enlightenment · mindfulness · yoga · ashram · monastery · solitude · fasting · vision quest
Meeting of routes
- turning pointDecisive moment of change
- dilemmaForced choice between undesirables
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
- doubtLack of firm belief
questioning · upheaval · transition · midlife · reckoning · wake-up call · existential · breakdown
reflect
Return light or thought
- examineStudy with attention
- contemplateConsider something thoroughly
- meditateQuiet mental focus
ponder · question · evaluate · analyze · assess · look inward · probe · scrutinize · explore · investigate
meditation
Focused attention practice
- prayerAddress to deity
- retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
- pilgrimageReligious journey to shrine
awakening · enlightenment · mindfulness · yoga · ashram · monastery · solitude · fasting · vision quest · sweat lodge
crossroads
Meeting of routes
- turning pointDecisive moment of change
- dilemmaForced choice between undesirables
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
doubt · questioning · upheaval · transition · midlife · reckoning · wake-up call · existential · breakdown · pivotal moment
- engageengage, immerse, delve, dive, plunge
- Looking Backremember, recall, memory, reminisce, reminiscing
- second thoughtssecond thoughts, reconsideration, rethinking, change of mind, change of heart
soul-searchgloss over
Minimize or conceal flaws
scratch the surface · go through the motions · coast · autopilot · shrug off
soul-searchevade
Escape by cunning
repress · deny · suppress · bury one's head in the sand · rationalize