You and I are all as much continuous with the physical universe as a wave is continuous with the ocean.
But I'll tell you what hermits realize. If you go off into a far, far forest and get very quiet, you'll come to understand that you're connected with everything.
Zen does not confuse spirituality with thinking about God while one is peeling potatoes. Zen spirituality is just to peel the potatoes. And in a way, thats just how its supposed to be.