If we feel empty or lonely despite having enough materially, how to respond to such feelings?

The loneliness we experience while trying to find our spiritual path—the emptiness or void within us despite having whatever modest physical comforts we need—is, in one sense, auspicious. Although distress itself is never pleasant, it can be purposeful and powerful.

Human existence is, in a way, a progressive evolution. We find shelters—things that give us security, strength, and satisfaction. But as we grow and our consciousness expands, those very shelters that once protected us can become constricting shells.

Just like a baby bird needs its eggshell for survival and growth at first, we need a certain level of physical comfort, satisfaction, and worldly accomplishment to feel our existence has worth. However, many people remain at this stage of consciousness for a long time, making those shells their comfort zones.

If we feel unfulfilled despite having reasonable material provisions, it indicates that we are beginning to outgrow our shell.

That shell can include many things, such as our current relationships. When a bird breaks through the shell, it is often a painful and effortful process, but ultimately, the bird emerges free and strong enough to soar high and experience life on a grander scale.

The same principle applies to us, though our process may differ. Our breaking free doesn’t need to be painful or abrupt. We don’t necessarily have to abandon or reject existing relationships or engagements, but we may need to add something more.

This sense of loneliness and emptiness is actually the call of our spirit from deep within, prompting us to seek something beyond physical pleasure and comfort. We can embrace these feelings—not shy away from them or view them as negative—but use them as an invitation to explore new friends, wisdom, and practices.

If we find someone in our current circles who understands our spiritual longings, that can help us navigate this growth phase with less distress or trauma. There is nothing untoward about this process.

If we process this emptiness thoughtfully and with balance, we can evolve to a higher level in life without undue rupture and progress toward discovering our own spirituality.