Player 1: How difficult is this spell?
GM: Well, considering that it's out of your league, an 8. Since you're under attack as well, I'd make it a 9.
Player 1: Oh. Ok, well I meditate to lower the difficulty?
GM: Meditate? You're being attacked!
Player 1: I know. If I don't do anything, they won't hurt me. I meditate for 3 turns to lower the difficulty to 6.