In the whirlwind of modern life, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We rush from task to task, constantly tethered to our screens, juggling work, social obligations, and the never-ending quest for success. But amid the hustle, there is one crucial aspect of our being that often gets neglected: the soul. Today, the average person is inconsistent at best when it comes to nurturing their inner life. This spiritual neglect has become a troubling societal trend, leading to anxiety, depression, and a sense of purposelessness.
The Disconnect from the Soul
The term "soul" can have varied interpretations depending on religious, philosophical, and personal beliefs. For some, the soul is a spiritual entity linked to faith in a higher power, while for others, it represents the essence of a person, a source of identity, purpose, and emotional well-being. Regardless of its definition, the soul or spirit traditionally has been nurtured through practices like prayer, meditation, reflection, and participation in a community of like-minded individuals. However, in our current era, consistent engagement with these practices is becoming rare.
A major factor contributing to this spiritual disconnection is the rise of digital distractions. According to The New York Times, the average person spends more than seven hours a day consuming digital media. In many cases, this means less time for activities that nurture the spirit, such as reading for personal growth, engaging in deep conversations, practicing mindfulness, or simply being in nature. In an interview with The Atlantic, psychologist Sherry Turkle explains how constant technological engagement leaves little room for introspection and solitude, which are vital for spiritual health. As a result, we end up feeling emptier, despite our constant engagement with the outside world.
John Mark Comer echoes this concern in his book The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, describing how our addiction to digital devices and our obsession with productivity create “violence on the soul.” He points out that while many of us long for spiritual fulfillment, the hurried nature of our lives leaves little space to seek it. Comer’s insights ring true: our constant busyness is undermining our ability to engage in practices that offer spiritual nourishment.
This disconnection is not simply about time. It's also about priority. In a world that emphasizes productivity, achievement, and status, taking time to nurture the soul is often viewed as indulgent or nonessential. According to a Washington Post article, Americans now spend less time on personal enrichment activities, including religious and spiritual practices, than ever before. The culture of "hustle" and the pressure to succeed financially can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a sense of purposelessness—symptoms of a neglected spirit.
The Consequences of Neglecting the Soul
Neglecting the soul doesn’t just affect our spiritual health—it has far-reaching consequences for our emotional, mental, and social well-being. Multiple studies link the decline in spiritual practices to rising levels of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Without a strong spiritual foundation, people are more likely to turn to external sources—such as materialism, workaholism, and social media—for validation. Unfortunately, these quick fixes often exacerbate the problem, leaving individuals feeling even more empty and disconnected.
The Barna Group’s research shows that a lack of consistent spiritual practices is correlated with poorer mental health outcomes. For instance, individuals who regularly pray or engage in meditation report lower levels of anxiety and a stronger sense of purpose. This suggests that spiritual neglect is not just a matter of belief but a critical component of overall well-being. When we fail to nourish our souls, we risk becoming overwhelmed by the pressures and uncertainties of life.
On a societal level, this spiritual disconnection contributes to the weakening of social bonds. Robert Putnam’s influential book Bowling Alone highlights the erosion of community life in America, arguing that the decline in religious participation and civic engagement has fractured our social fabric. Spiritual neglect, by reducing opportunities for communal connection, may further exacerbate social isolation and division.
A study by the Pew Research Center found that social trust in the United States is at an all-time low. Only one-third of Americans believe that most people can be trusted—a significant drop from previous decades. This lack of trust can be traced, in part, to the erosion of community structures that were once underpinned by shared spiritual values. When people no longer engage in practices that encourage self-reflection, compassion, and connection, they are less likely to invest in their communities, resulting in a more fragmented and distrustful society.
Searching for Meaning in Secular Spaces
With traditional religious practices on the decline, many people have sought new ways to engage with their spiritual needs. The rise of mindfulness apps, wellness retreats, and New Age practices reflects a growing desire for spiritual fulfillment outside of organized religion. According to The Guardian, this trend signals a shift towards more individualized and flexible forms of spirituality. But while these practices can provide temporary relief from stress and anxiety, they often lack the depth and communal support that are crucial for long-term spiritual growth.
As sociologist Philip Rieff observed, modern society’s focus on the self and its desires has made it difficult for people to engage in practices that require self-discipline and communal responsibility. When spirituality becomes a tool for personal gratification, rather than a practice for nurturing the soul and fostering connections with others, its transformative power is diminished.
There’s also a danger in relying too heavily on secular spirituality for meaning. While practices like yoga or mindfulness can be valuable tools for stress relief, they often don’t address the deeper existential questions that traditional religious frameworks were designed to explore. As John Mark Comer warns, these quick fixes might help alleviate the symptoms of spiritual neglect, but they don’t tackle the root of the problem: a lack of consistent, intentional soul care.
Rekindling Spiritual Practices
So how can we begin to restore balance and nurture our souls more consistently? The first step is to recognize the importance of spiritual health in our lives. Just as we prioritize physical fitness and mental well-being, we must also make time for the practices that nourish our souls. This might involve returning to religious services, prayer, meditation, or simply setting aside time each day for silence and reflection.
John Mark Comer recommends adopting a slower, more intentional pace of life that allows for moments of solitude and spiritual connection. He writes, “An overbusy, hurried life of speed is the new normal in the Western world, and it’s toxic.” Comer’s call for slowing down echoes the advice of many spiritual leaders who emphasize the need for balance in a world that often demands constant activity and productivity.
Barna’s research shows that people who engage in regular spiritual practices are more likely to report a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life. Spiritual engagement offers a way to ground ourselves in a deeper sense of meaning, helping us navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience. Additionally, participating in spiritual communities—whether through traditional religious institutions or other supportive groups—can help foster connections that counteract the loneliness and isolation many people feel today.
What Matters
The average person today is inconsistent in nurturing their soul, and this spiritual neglect has profound personal and societal consequences. In a world driven by productivity, digital distractions, and the relentless pace of modern life, we risk losing touch with the deeper aspects of ourselves that provide meaning and purpose. The decline in traditional spiritual practices, coupled with the rise of anxiety and depression, suggests that our collective soul is in need of healing.
By reclaiming spiritual practices—whether through prayer, meditation, community engagement, or simply making time for stillness—we can begin to restore balance in our lives. As we nurture our souls, we not only enhance our personal well-being but also contribute to a more connected and compassionate society. The path forward may be challenging in a world that often prizes speed and productivity above all else, but it is essential for our collective health and happiness.
The Matters Journaling System is practical and simple starting point to help ensure each day you start with this fundamental state of being human. You can learn more about Matters here, or click here to get started for the first time.