I will say drinking out of shells forces you to portion it right. I'm as guilty as the next guy of dumping a whole batch into a Big Gulp cup or something and guzzling kava outside somewhere.... But drinking a 5-8oz shell every few mins or so really gives me a more insightful kava session. It forces one to balance the full shell out in front, take in it's unique aroma, and knock it back all at once... Washing it down your throat and taking a few slow breaths to reflect.
Spiritual? .. maybe