This is pretty straightforward, but it's worth pointing out. The Nephites and the Lamanites went through a period of peace and righteousness. They traded and traveled freely among each other, and things were good, so the Lord blessed and prospered them.
As often happens with prosperity, there began to be some wickedness among them. The Gadianton robbers grew strong, and the people, especially the Nephites, became more and more wicked.
"35 And thus we see that the Spirit of the Lord began to withdraw from the Nephites, because of the wickedness and the hardness of their hearts.
36 And thus we see that the Lord began to pour out his Spirit upon the Lamanites, because of their easiness and willingness to believe in his words." (Helaman 6:35-36)
The phrase "And thus we see" occurs frequently in the scriptures, and it usually shows up in a spot where the author wants to point something out about cause and effect, or the consequences, good or bad, of the peoples' actions.
In this context, it is explaining the basics of how to lose the Spirit. When we're wicked, it will withdraw. Also, when our hearts grow harder. When we're not willing to listen to righteous words, and even if we hear them, we're not willing to make any changes in order to heed the words.
When we're righteous and when we are willing to not only hear, but heed the teachings, the Spirit grows stronger with us.
The Spirit is key to our testimonies, and to making good choices. He helps us and protects us. It is important to have the Spirit. So how do we do that? Well, if we are righteous, and display ease and willingness to follow the gospel teachings, we will have the Spirit.
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