The 7 Steps of Stillness
In the midst of modern life, the human mind is often overwhelmed by distraction, worry, and restless thought. Yet deep within every person lives a quiet inner presence — a source of truth, love, guidance, and spiritual awareness. Stillness is the conscious practice of turning inward to reconnect with this Divine Center known as “the Inner Voice”.
Stillness is not about rigid rituals or escaping the world; it is about creating moments of inner calm where the noise of daily life begins to settle. In this receptive state, clarity, peace, wisdom, and spiritual insight naturally emerge. Through prayer, meditation, reflection, and quiet listening, individuals become more attuned to the loving guidance already present within them.
Over time, the practice of Stillness nurtures emotional balance, spiritual growth, inner healing, and a deeper sense of purpose, helping each person align more fully with truth, love, peace, and compassionate living.
STEP 1: Physical Relaxation
To remain in the stillness undisturbed by discomfort, choose a physically relaxing position. You may sit or recline, so long as you stay awake and aware. Now, take several deep breaths and release them slowly. Let your body thoroughly unwind. Close your eyes and let yourself thoroughly relax.
STEP 2: Mental Stillness
The mind is naturally active – thoughts, worries, plans, fears and anxieties can all come rushing in. Tell your mind to “be still!” Pick a centering point: repeat a mantra, listen to instrumental music, or visualize a pleasant scene to refocus your thoughts when your mind begins to wander. When you notice other thoughts have crept back into your mind, simply re-focus on your centering point. When you feel relaxed and at peace, open to the relationship you share with your Inner Spirit and begin:
STEP 3: Talk to God
The best friend, wisest counselor, and most loving parent you will ever know already dwells in you. What is on your mind? What is in your heart? You can share these things unreservedly. You are not judged. Your Inner Spirit is your direct connection to God—your Divine Source, who knows you intimately and accepts you just the way you are. In the same manner as you would share your day with a spouse or a close companion, share it with God. You do the talking; God is doing the listening.
STEP 4: Ask for Help
This is your time to ask for help, also called prayer. In the previous step, you may have recognized where, and what kind of spiritual help you need from your Spirit Parent. Remember, there is always a solution; everything is resolvable with God’s help. If you do not know what to ask for, ask your Inner Spirit, “What do I need now to grow spiritually?” Also, spend a few moments praying for others; say the prayers for them that they cannot say for themselves.
STEP 5: Give Thanks—Gratitude for What You Have
Simply give thanks for everything good in life that has been given; what you are genuinely thankful for. Offer your appreciation and praise to the Divine Source of everything true, beautiful, and good. What do you have to be thankful for? Everything! Life, love, family, friends, health. Recognize the Divine Hand in your life and acknowledge Spirit’s gifts.
STEP 6: Silent Listening
What does your Inner Voice wish to say to you? Return to your centering point, tune your listening within, and wait. You may not hear a booming voice telling you what to do, but you may begin to perceive that God is trying to talk to you from afar; the message may only be subtly and faintly discerned. You may even think you haven’t received anything at this time. But later, tomorrow, or in a few days suddenly an answer will flash into your mind, or someone may say the words you need to hear, or you might find them in a book. It takes a while, sometimes, for the Spirit Within to pierce through the static layers of consciousness. But rest assured, your Inner Voice will indeed respond. When you recognize a message, you may be surprised and delighted with the means by which it arrived.
STEP 7: The Embrace
Receive the love and guidance God has for you. By opening your heart and mind in the previous steps, you can now just relax and receive. Envision and sense yourself in the most beautiful, loving situation you have ever experienced, and ask Spirit to amplify that feeling in you. You will be refreshed and renewed from within. Divine Source is feeding you internally; this is your soul’s nourishment. The more you experience LOVE, the more you multiply the desire to be in that state. And the more God’s LOVE and wisdom radiate within you, the more you bring to the outer world. Life begins to unfold in faith and joy!
Note: This article is based on a CPM interview with Donna D’Ingillo conducted on April 11, 2025. For more information on the Seven Steps of Stillness.
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