As a Society, are we moving away from Spiritual Values Rooted Deeply in Time?

Let’s talk about something that’s been on a lot of people’s minds lately: Are we, as a society, moving away from spiritual values that have been rooted deeply in time? It’s an interesting question, especially in this fast-paced, technology-driven world we live in. You don’t have to look far to see that we’re more connected than ever—through social media, the internet, 24/7 news cycles—but are we more disconnected from the spiritual foundations that have shaped us for generations?

I think we can all agree that life feels different now compared to how it was for our parents or grandparents. The spiritual traditions and values that once seemed unshakeable sometimes feel like they’re slipping into the background of modern life. But are we truly abandoning these values, or are we just finding new ways to express them? Let’s dive into this topic and see if we can make sense of it together.

The Shift in How We Define “Spiritual Values”

First things first: What do we mean by “spiritual values”? These are the guiding principles that help us live meaningful, compassionate, and connected lives. They’ve traditionally come from religious teachings or cultural traditions—things like kindness, gratitude, humility, service to others, and the understanding that life is about more than just material success. They remind us that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.

But here’s the tricky part: What once might have been called “spiritual values” might look a little different today. Many of us aren’t practicing spirituality the way our grandparents did. For some, Sunday morning services have been replaced with yoga classes, meditation apps, or even a quiet walk in nature. We’re still seeking connection, but maybe we’re just using different tools to get there.

So, does this mean we’re moving away from spiritual values, or are we simply evolving in how we engage with them? I think the answer lies somewhere in between.

The Influence of Technology and Modern Life

Let’s face it: technology is everywhere. We carry smartphones in our pockets, and the internet is always just a click away. This constant connectivity has definitely changed the way we live and, in some cases, the way we prioritize our values. It’s easy to get swept up in the busyness of life—work, social media, endless notifications—and forget to pause and reflect on the deeper aspects of existence.

You’ve probably had one of those days where you’re scrolling through Instagram or TikTok, and before you know it, an hour has passed, and you feel a little, well, empty. That’s not exactly what I’d call a spiritual experience, right? Technology, while incredible, can easily distract us from more reflective, mindful moments.

But it’s not all bad. Technology also gives us access to spiritual resources like never before. Meditation apps, online communities, podcasts about mindfulness, and even digital versions of ancient texts are just a tap away. So while technology can pull us away from spiritual values, it can also help us reconnect with them. It’s all about balance—something that’s easier said than done, I know!

Are We Losing Connection to Tradition?

For many of us, the spiritual values we grew up with were handed down through religious traditions or cultural customs. These rituals gave life a certain rhythm and structure—whether it was attending weekly services, observing holidays, or gathering with family for special meals. They were moments to reflect, to give thanks, to feel part of something timeless.

But in today’s world, a lot of us aren’t as tied to those traditions anymore. Maybe we’ve drifted away from the religion we grew up with, or maybe we’re too busy to honour those practices in the same way. I get it—life is hectic, and finding time for quiet reflection can feel like another item on an already overwhelming to-do list.

That said, just because we’re not following the same traditions doesn’t mean we’re abandoning spiritual values. Some people find their spiritual nourishment in different ways—through volunteer work, connecting with nature, or even engaging in deep conversations with friends about the meaning of life. These activities may not look like traditional “religious” practices, but they still reflect core spiritual values like kindness, gratitude, and community.

The Rise of Individual Spirituality

Something interesting has been happening over the last few decades: more and more people describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious.” They might not belong to any specific religion, but they still believe in something greater than themselves and are committed to living a meaningful life. This shift reflects a more individual approach to spirituality, where people are creating their own unique practices, pulling from different traditions, philosophies, or personal experiences.

Maybe you’re one of these people. You might meditate in the mornings, light candles for intention, read books on mindfulness, or find your spiritual connection through creative expression. This kind of spirituality feels personal, adaptable, and deeply connected to who you are as an individual.

The beauty of this is that it allows people to explore their spirituality in ways that resonate most with them. However, the challenge is that it can sometimes feel isolating. Without the structure of a religious community, it’s easy to feel like you’re on your own spiritual island, figuring it out as you go. So, while we’re gaining personal freedom in our spiritual expression, we might be losing some of the collective support that traditional spiritual communities provide.

Are We Moving Away from Spiritual Values or Evolving?

This brings us to the heart of the matter: Are we really moving away from spiritual values, or are we simply evolving? It’s tempting to look at modern life—the hustle, the focus on material success, the constant distractions—and think we’ve lost our way. But I’m not so sure that’s true. Yes, the way we engage with spiritual values has changed, but the core values themselves—compassion, love, service, gratitude—remain as relevant as ever.

In fact, I think part of what’s happening is that we’re finding new ways to express these timeless values. We might not be attending church every week, but we’re still showing up for each other in meaningful ways. Whether it’s through volunteering, advocating for social justice, or simply being there for a friend in need, these acts of kindness and connection are spiritual at their core.

The Importance of Reflection

That said, it’s important to reflect on where we are and where we’re going. Modern life is busy, and it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of it all, losing sight of what really matters. Taking time to reflect on your values and how you’re living them out can be a powerful way to stay grounded in a world that’s always pushing forward.

Maybe this means carving out time for mindfulness practices, spending time in nature, or reconnecting with a tradition that once brought you peace. Or perhaps it’s about finding small, daily ways to embody spiritual values—like practicing gratitude, showing kindness to others, or taking a moment each day to centre yourself.

Final Thoughts

So, are we moving away from spiritual values rooted deeply in time? Maybe. But I don’t think we’re abandoning them. We’re evolving, just like everything else in this world. Our expressions of spirituality may look different from those of our ancestors, but the core values—love, compassion, connection—are still very much alive.

The challenge, of course, is to stay intentional. In a world that’s moving faster than ever, we have to make space for those moments of stillness, reflection, and connection to something greater than ourselves. And as long as we’re doing that, I think those deeply rooted spiritual values will continue to thrive, even if they take on new forms along the way.