The action of rigorously inspecting or evaluating one's thoughts, conduct, motives, etc., in order to identify one's sins or failings; an instance of…

Used in collocation with heart or soul with reference to the rigorous scrutiny or examination of one’s beliefs, feelings, motives, or actions, as in…

Examination of one's motives, thoughts, feelings, etc.; introspection; (also) an act or instance of this.

Originally: deep and searching examination of one's soul or conscience. Later (often in non-religious contexts): penetrating, critical, or anxious…

The action of turning the thoughts inwards, i.e. to one's own mind or soul, or to the contemplation of inward or spiritual things.

The action or an act of searching a soul, or the soul; = soul-searching, n.