Directions: In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Inner peace (or peace of mind) refers to a ___(1)___ state of psychological or spiritual calm despite the potential presence of stressors. Being "at peace" is considered by many to be healthy (homeostasis) and the opposite of being ___(2)___, and is considered to be a state where our mind performs at an ___(3)___ level with positive outcomes. Peace of mind is thus generally associated with bliss, happiness, and ___(4)___. Peace of mind, serenity, and calmness are descriptions of a ___(5)___ free from the effects of stress. In some cultures, inner peace is considered a state of consciousness or enlightenment that may be ___(6)___ by various forms of training, such as breathing exercises, prayer, meditation, tai chi, or yoga, for example. Many spiritual practices refer to this peace as an experience of knowing oneself. People have difficulties ___(7)___ their inner spirituality because everyday stressors get the best of them; finding peace and happiness in the little joys of life can seem difficult, and results do not seem all that ___(8)___. Achieving spirituality is a step-by-step process; there are ways through which one can become more spiritual every day.