Meditation refers to a broad array of mindfulness practices that promotes relaxation, build internal energy or life force, and foster compassion, love, patience, generosity, and forgiveness. Many people believe the purpose of meditation is to tune out or temporarily escape from life, but the opposite is true. The purpose of meditation is to tune in. Beyond de-stressing, meditation helps clients find their own peace–the peace that, in many spiritual traditions, “passes all understanding”. Although a seemingly simple technique, mindfulness operates on a several key levels. It allows us to notice cravings before they take hold. It strengthens our “muscles of attention”, making it easier to let go of addictive thoughts. It makes us better equipped to experience cravings without having to react to them. And it enhances our ability to cope with stress, which means we’re less likely to turn to pleasure as a crutch in the first place.