Welcome to Trail Markers

If you've been on a hiking trail, you've likely seen a cairn. These human-made piles of stones have served many purposes, both in ancient and contemporary times, all over the world. They have been used as landmarks, in ceremonies, and for hunting. Sometimes they tell you where something or someone is buried.

Hikers often use cairns as trail markers. In especially dense forests or in intensely networked trail systems, cairns highlight the path or indicate the way. They may also warn you about a potentially treacherous path or an unexpected drop on a mountain side. Cairns are there to ask for your attention, for you to be present, observe, and take in what's around you.

Cairns are also an indication that someone has been there before you. Someone has taken the time to prove that they were there. They have left their mark on the world. They have erected this little stone monument because they want you to see something that they think is important.

I decided to call this blog Trail Markers in the hopes that it can serve as a point of reference along the path. On Trail Markers, we'll honor the leaders who have come before us. I'll use this space to talk about things that I have learned or to process things that I'm pondering, and I invite you to learn and ponder with me. Let's post about books we have read and music that inspires us. We can use Trail Markers to discuss leadership, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, freedom, and perseverance. Like the trail ahead, there will be ups and downs, highs and lows. This will be a space to share what we learn when we are present, observe, and take in what's around us.

Enjoy the journey.

---