When was the last time you felt connected to something greater than yourself?
In a world where scientific materialism dominate, the question of spiritual connection often gets dismissed. Yet, I think it’s worth wondering whether our mental health crisis could be coming from a deeper, collective unmet need for transcendental connection.
In my eBook Freedom Through Feelings, in the chapter about the emotional need for connection, I include the need for transcendental connection as an integral part of the wider need for connection. This made me realise how much spirituality has taken a back stage in most people’s lives — at least the ones I know — , and it led me to wonder if our mental health crisis actually a reflection of our collective spiritual starvation.
Throughout history, every culture has embraced some form of spirituality or religion. These practices served as pathways to connect with the divine, with nature, or with something greater than ourselves. Today, however, spirituality seems confined to small communities, or end up being distorted into cults or rigid religious frameworks that don't resonate with everyone.
While science and technology have undoubtedly improved our lives, there is a growing sense that something is missing. Many people struggle with loneliness and a pervasive sense of emptiness, even when surrounded by all the material comforts. Most of us have shifted our reliance from faith to money, technology, social media, and science. But is this enough?
Could it be that our longing for spiritual connection is more than a matter of belief or tradition? Perhaps it’s a fundamental emotional need — a longing to experience transcendence, to find meaning and comfort beyond the material world. But could it be that we're struggling because we are looking for it in the wrong things?
Spirituality is not about subscribing to a particular religion or set of beliefs. It’s more about actively surrendering control and experiencing connection with something greater than yourself.
The benefits of spirituality for emotional wellbeing.
Studies* increasingly show that spirituality can enhance mental resilience, reduce stress, and provide a sense of purpose and meaning. It’s not just about adhering to a specific belief system and following its rules; it’s about cultivating practices that nourish the soul and offer moments of peace and slowing down. It's about cultivating the practice of surrendering yourself to a loving embrace, a refuge ready to hold and support you no matter what.
For me, feeling connected to nature, the divine, the universe — or however you conceptualise it — helps me release the need to control things. It enables me to trust that I can navigate whatever challenges life presents, by remembering that I’m a small drop of the ocean of life that connects everything. In other words, it nourishes my emotional needs for safety and belonging.
Have you experienced moments of transcendence or connection?
What practices or beliefs bring you comfort and inner peace?
And if spirituality isn’t part of your life, do you think you could benefit from it?
Hi! I’m creating products that help people reconnect with themselves through their emotions, needs, vulnerabilities, imperfections, and all the beautiful things that make us human.
In late August / early September 2024, I’m launching the jornee app, aiming to empower people to reclaim control of their emotional well-being, by learning to tune into their unmet emotional needs. You can sign up for early access here.
If you want to learn more about emotional freedom, jornee and our mission, consider signing up for jornee or following us on social media to stay in touch.
*Reference: Larson, D. B., & Larson, S. S. (2003). Spirituality’s Potential Relevance to Physical and Emotional Health: A Brief Review of Quantitative Research. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 31(1), 37–51. https://doi.org/10.1177/009164710303100104
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