Stay mindful during a foliage hike

We live in a busy modern age. In recent years, mindfulness has emerged as a tool to cope with the modern rush. The writer Jon Kabat-Zinn wrote a book in 1994 called “Wherever You Go, There You Are.” Since then the mindfulness movement has mushroomed, with Kabat-Zinn still a central figure. Locally in Carroll County, one of his advanced students named Diane Johnson of Conway has taught courses in mindfulness to community members, teachers and students.

But this is a hiking column. I want to remind you to take mindfulness with you into the mountains. Foliage season is a good time for that. I will also suggest a couple hikes.