The human race is continually growing and unfolding, slowly, from the lower manifestations of the gross material world into the higher, more refined manifestations of the Spirit. But, even today, Spirit is only vaguely discernable through the many confining sheaths of the lower, animal self. It is there, nevertheless, even in the animal itself. If one wishes to make the most of the physical life, he or she must have confidence that Spirit will lead him or her to what is right.

The theories of many disciplines, such as yoga or the martial arts, are based upon the belief that the Instinctive Mind will lead the physical body to do that which is necessary to maintain its health, under normal conditions. Spirit, the true identity of every human, desires as perfect an instrument as possible for its expression. And, the instinct for Self-Preservation, which lies at the heart of the Survival Mindset that we examined in an earlier chapter, is also a manifestation of the Spirit.

Civilization, however, often makes it impossible for humans to live completely natural lives. But, Spirit is ever on the alert for ways to lead us back to Nature.

This evolution from human animal to human "Being" takes place in spurts, though, not in gradual stages. This is obvious to anyone who has noticed the human tendency toward cultural fads and cycles of consciousness. Every few generations there are movements to "get back to the Earth" and a resurgence of spiritual teachings, contrary to the current scientific ideals of the time. In fact, science itself has fathered many of the new spiritual traditions.

We will explore this topic of Spirit in great depth throughout the remaining pages of this book. But, for now, it should be enough to know that even things of the physical world are born of the Spirit.