TThere's always connection to Hashem which comes through following the Torah, and eventually the intense connection we will have in the next world. Every mitzvah intensifies that connection, every aveira weakens that connection. The neshama feels pain when it is disconnected. Since spirituality is filtered through physicality in this world, we don't feel that intense connection. It's just hard to imagine that connection when we are so engrossed in the physical world, which is why a motivation attached to the physical world is way more motivating. Like that small breath of gratitude to Hashem(for helping us win), and the absence of guilt that we are able to feel in this world. It is a small breath of the spirituality we will feel in the next world.
This body is like a coat, when we take it off(die), it uncovers the fire of spirituality within. The fire burns much brighter with more pleasure/pain when we die. The neshama naturally yearns to connect to Hashem. Perhaps We want to connect to other people because they are made from the breath of G-d. When we let others down, we feel disconnected and feel pain, in the same way disconnection from G-d works.
When we do good we feel worthy of connection, both to ourselves, others, and G-d.
Life, religion, it is a gumball machine. Little gumballs with the fire of coconnection.