[kuzbaslachek]

Yet most people function on beliefs of one thing or another, it is equal in effect to focus on ones own belief than other peoples since we are a belief-based social structure. The truth is a bit trickier.

I don't like using the word 'higher', as a fact at least. However the Astral is 'higher', than the physical as a metaphoric allusion to *some other truth* at least.
In this sense fluidity of forms == vibration (as another allusion).
The physical world is just like that Astral but it is smaller, and the Astral is bigger -- to extend the metaphor.

Astral forms participate in physical matter at least, however if I wish to pursue truth I look to the astral because it is a sub-form of the Monadic expression, and from there the physical is born and the whole Samsara begins. Of course the physical is further from the Monad, but in the astral it is possible to be closer to our origin.
Quantum Mechanics will demonstrate that the belief in a fixed physical reality is obselete, we are limitless beings and hold the code to liberation within our own soul (not in some other place we cannot reach).

I think it is then important to look inward and 'upward' for truth, but our social norms would have us looking outward with a focus on deep material entrenchment (supported with notions such as Religion).
For me the physical life is not conducive to the spiritual work, but this is not a constant -- it is what we made it in our conscious (or perhaps not) descent into materialism and greed.