First stage: As Animals, we are chasing our impulses. It is just LIFE.
Second stage : As Rational Beings, we are chasing our "personal" desires/goals. Most people, most of the time, are content to feel the satisfaction and move on to the next one.
However, for some, sometimes, a voice emerges, a nagging voice. It says: "What are we even chasing?". The satisfaction is not there anymore. The wall crumbles, the void is overwhelming. Sometimes it is called depression.
Third Stage: This is what some would call “Spiritual”: as Spiritual beings, we are chasing...that void. Or more to the point, the void is chasing us (especially if we ignore it). Yes maybe it is not a "mere" (as you said) emptiness afterall. Maybe we should pay special attention to what this "emptiness" is telling us.