soul-searching [light relief]

Yeh, those lines would both sound and be expressed better that way, though  as it stands, the penultimate line does reflect somewhat on the attitude of the 'seeker' and the dubious nature of the process. I like the last line alternative -- it helps to obscure whatever meaning may or may not be loitering in that passage. I'm also absurdly grateful for the shovel proposal - I'll be sure to hang one between the defibrillator and the endoscope.

Naturally, I disclaim any association with the narrator's exploits, whilst privately acknowledging that, in both composition and research, it was fun while it lasted.