A Reflection on Connection, Simplicity, and Stillness
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, many people wonder: were people more spiritual in the past? When we picture spiritual people, we often imagine quiet thinkers, nature lovers, or wise elders who spent more time with the earth than with screens. There’s a growing belief that spirituality was once more accessible, more natural, and more deeply woven into daily life. But was it? Or is our perception clouded by nostalgia?
To understand the nature of spirituality across time, we must first ask what it means to be spiritual. Is it about rituals, solitude, prayer, and meditation? Or is it something more subtle—an inner alignment with peace, purpose, and presence? Regardless of the era, spiritual people are not defined by their environment but by their willingness to tune in, to reflect, and to listen beyond the noise.
The Illusion of the “Spiritual Past”
It’s tempting to think that people in the past were more spiritual simply because their lives were quieter. There were fewer distractions, no smartphones or social media feeds, and a far stronger connection to the land. Many people grew their own food, spent long hours in nature, and gathered with neighbors instead of sitting alone in front of a screen. But were they more spiritually awake, or were they simply more attuned to natural rhythms?
Spiritual people, past or present, thrive in simplicity. In earlier times, simplicity wasn’t a choice—it was a way of life. Without electricity, people lived by sunlight and moonlight. Meals were often made from scratch, involving mindful preparation and gratitude for the harvest. Walking was a daily necessity. All of this cultivated an environment ripe for spiritual awareness. It wasn’t that people were inherently more spiritual—it’s that their lives made it easier to be present.
Disconnection in the Modern Age
Today, the pace of life has accelerated. We are constantly plugged in, connected to everyone and everything—except, perhaps, to ourselves. Notifications ping all day. The pressure to perform, produce, and stay “on” leaves little room for quiet contemplation. It becomes harder to simply be.
Yet the irony is this: we have more access to spiritual teachings than ever before. Online libraries, guided meditations, virtual retreats, and countless spiritual books are available at our fingertips. But access does not equal alignment. Being surrounded by spiritual content is not the same as embodying it.
Spiritual people are not created by content consumption. They are formed through stillness, presence, and inward focus. In this sense, the distractions of modern life pose a real challenge—but not an impossible one.
The True Nature of “Just Being”
Much of the yearning for the past stems from a longing for what some call “just being.” In a time before endless to-do lists and digital overload, people had more opportunities to sit quietly with themselves. To breathe. To notice the way the sun fell across a garden bed. To watch the clouds shift. These moments of stillness are not just poetic—they are powerful.
When we take time to breathe, relax, and contemplate—not worry—we naturally return to spiritual clarity. The mind slows. The body softens. Insight bubbles to the surface. This isn’t reserved for monks or mystics. Anyone, in any era, can reach this state. But it takes intention.
If you want to feel more like the spiritual people you admire—whether from the past or present—make space for stillness. Prioritize solitude. Schedule time not for doing, but for being. Let go of productivity as a measure of worth and sink into presence.
Nature as the Original Temple
Another reason people in the past may have seemed more spiritual is their closeness to nature. For centuries, nature was not recreational—it was essential. People depended on the land for food, water, and healing. They observed the cycles of the moon, the migration of birds, the blooming of flowers, and the shift of seasons.
Nature offered a daily reminder of life’s mysteries and its sacred order. In the garden, in the fields, on a quiet walk to the village well—these were places where people naturally connected with the divine. Not necessarily with formal prayer, but through awe and awareness.
Today, spiritual people can reclaim this connection. Take off your shoes and walk barefoot on the grass. Grow a small herb garden. Watch the sunrise with your morning tea. These seemingly simple acts open a portal to the same kind of presence that shaped the lives of our ancestors. And in doing so, you invite in the mystical, the intuitive, the sacred.
Were People More Spiritual in the Past?
In truth, people weren’t more spiritual—they were simply less distracted. They didn’t have to carve out time to disconnect. Life naturally offered moments of connection. But that doesn’t mean spirituality is lost today. If anything, it’s more necessary than ever.
Spiritual people today must work intentionally to protect their inner world. They must be more discerning with their time, more conscious of what they consume, and more committed to carving out space for reflection. It’s not harder—it’s just different.
If you feel disconnected, uninspired, or overwhelmed, don’t long for the past. Reclaim the practices that kept people spiritually aligned—walk, rest, breathe, be. It’s not about going backward. It’s about returning to what has always worked.
The Path Back to Presence
Here are a few gentle ways to cultivate the presence that once came more naturally:
1. Create Tech-Free Zones: Dedicate parts of your home or day where phones and screens are not allowed. This creates sacred space for clarity to return.
2. Connect with the Earth: Whether it’s gardening, hiking, or simply sitting outside, let the natural world speak to your spirit.
3. Practice Daily Stillness: Just ten minutes of silence a day can reset your nervous system and allow intuitive wisdom to rise.
4. Be in Community: True spiritual people often find connection through shared presence. Host a tea circle, meditate with friends, or simply spend time in meaningful conversation.
5. Laugh and Relax: Spirituality is not only solemn. Joy is sacred, too. Allow yourself to enjoy life fully.
See You in the Garden
So, were people more spiritual in the past? Perhaps their lives made it easier to hear the whisper of the soul. But today, you can still hear it. The whisper hasn’t gone silent—you just have to turn down the volume of the world to hear it.
Spiritual people exist in every era. They are not defined by time, but by choice. The choice to be present. The choice to pause. The choice to notice and respond to life with awareness.
If you want to feel more connected, more aligned, and more alive, go outside. Sit in the garden. Watch the bees. Feel the wind. Smile at the sky. The sacred is still here, always waiting for you to return.
See you in the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Be More Spiritual
Q: What does it mean to be spiritual?
A: Being spiritual means living with awareness of something greater than yourself—whether that’s a connection to nature, the universe, the divine, or your inner truth. It’s not about religion or dogma. It’s about deepening your sense of purpose, cultivating presence, and aligning your life with your values and inner wisdom.
Q: Do I need to follow a specific path or religion to be spiritual?
A: No. Spirituality is personal. You can be deeply spiritual without identifying with a specific religion. Some people find their spirituality through meditation, nature, creativity, service, or mindfulness. What matters is that your path brings you closer to clarity, compassion, and connection.
Q: How do I begin a spiritual practice?
A: Start small. Begin with daily stillness—whether it’s meditation, quiet reflection, or journaling. Spend time in nature. Read spiritual books that inspire you. Set an intention each morning. Your practice doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to be consistent.
Q: How can I stay spiritual in a busy, modern life?
A: Make space for presence within your day. Even a few minutes of conscious breathing or mindful walking can reconnect you with your spiritual self. Create tech-free zones or moments of silence. Spirituality isn’t about escaping life—it’s about being fully present within it.
Q: What are some signs that I’m becoming more spiritual?
A: You may notice increased intuition, emotional awareness, or synchronicities. You might feel more peaceful, more drawn to nature, or more sensitive to energy. You may also become less reactive and more grounded in love, compassion, and acceptance.
Q: Can I be spiritual without meditating?
A: Absolutely. While meditation is a powerful tool, it’s not the only one. Gardening, dancing, cooking with intention, praying, creating art, or walking in nature can all be spiritual acts when done with mindfulness and presence.
Q: Why do I feel disconnected, even when I try to be spiritual?
A: Disconnection often arises when your mind is cluttered or your heart is guarded. Be gentle with yourself. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is rest or simply sit in silence. Spirituality isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Return to your breath, and try again.
Q: How do I deal with people who don’t understand my spiritual path?
A: Stay true to your journey. Not everyone will understand, and that’s okay. Spiritual people walk many different paths. Respect others’ choices, and gently set boundaries when needed. Your growth doesn’t require their approval—only your commitment.
Q: What is the most important thing to remember on a spiritual journey?
A: That it is a journey, not a destination. You will have highs and lows, clarity and confusion. Keep returning to stillness. Keep asking meaningful questions. Keep trusting the quiet voice within you. Your path is unfolding perfectly, even when it feels uncertain.
