The real Self is spirit, the real mind is soul which is connected to Universal Consciousness. In most of us, those facilities are dormant, unawakened as if in a coma or as a seed that has not been planted and allowed to grow. We can allow it to stay that way, and just function as a material being and cease to exist when our physical body dies or we can do our best to awaken those facilities and, through God's Grace, become immortal.

    Many make the first choice, to remain strictly a material, and therefore mortal, being, either by default or by not believing there is an alternative. Worse yet, I think, are those who do want to awaken their soul, but fall prey to one of the false churches that tell them they need make no effort to do so other than attend the church and dump their wallet in the collection basket.

    Some though are awakening to the truth, at least enough to be aware that there is a spiritual world and effort is needed to get there just as one needs to make an effort to get out of a deep hole one has fallen into. Yes, others will help you, especially the angels and God, but if you make no effort to head down that path, you will simply be left behind.