KD reminds us that it is what is underneath the names that we chant which matters. He also borrows a line from longtime friend Sharon Salzberg by encouraging the practice of Loving Kindness, through which we make a concentrated effort to soften to ourselves and eventually to others. After all, where will we find peace of mind if we can’t be at ease with ourselves? Paying attention is heavily emphasized as a means for remaining present, even in higher states of consciousness. Where we place our attention is primary in determining how we will react to the ever-changing world that surrounds us.