Life in the high country of Colorado is punctuated by seasons, each with its own pace, tied to specific work and activities that keep our ranch productive.

As I reflect on those seasons, it occurs to me that I may not have appreciated winter. With the intensity of fall work and the anticipation of calving, irrigating, fencing and the many requirements of spring, perhaps winter never got its due.

The artist Angie Weiland-Crosby offers an invitation to the season that lies between harvest and planting: “Winter knows to hush, still, listen, so the soul can speak.”

Contemporary life has blurred our acknowledgment of the seasons — busyness, immediacy and speed dominate our attention as we race from task to task, screen to screen, while filling every hour of the calendar with more activity. We are in danger of losing touch with the power and opportunity that comes from embracing the unique cadence of each season. Especially winter.

There is a stillness coupled with a gentle call to contemplation that falls over our little place on this earth when the heavy flakes of snow descend from a gray sky to blanket our landscape. The cattle seem to quiet, eyes half closed as they chew their cud, soft puffs of vapor rising from each as even their breathing seems to settle into a different rhythm.

The cold awakens senses. Mittens, winter coats, steaming cups of coffee and the allure of a crackling fire in a woodstove all beckon us to a time of pause. To reflect. To count our blessings. To renew vision. To take stock of purpose. To recalibrate to our true north values.

A positive

Old Man Winter is often the image conjured up as temperatures fall, but it should not be viewed as the end of life or the final season. Rather, it is a reminder wisdom needs its own time. We have been blessed with a season when we are more open to contemplation and entering an intentional process of renewal.

We may be tempted to focus on the calendar, tasks and to-do lists; but to do so is to miss an opportunity for personal and professional growth that strengthens the foundation upon which we stand in all the other seasons. Winter is the ideal season to ask questions that are too often left unaddressed:

• What is the state and health of my most valued relationships?
• Is my attitude and mindset healthy? What do I need to change to enhance a mindset of abundance and commitment to true north principles? In what ways have I become cynical, negative or agitated? What steps are to be taken to shift my attitude and behavior?
• What is the status of my leadership? How am I affecting others?
• Are the members of my team and family growing or stagnating?
• Do I have a written list of gratitude affirmations — an inventory of the blessings, joys and wonders born from my experience as a rancher and steward?
• Have I taken the time to just stop in the middle of the feed ground, turn off the tractor and bale feeder, step into the middle of the herd and experience the wonder of being surrounded and immersed in life?
• Am I the master of my emotions? Do I understand that true gentleness is strength under control?
• What can I let go of, and what dreams should I pursue?
• Who am I becoming?

Winter reading

Winter is often a time when our creativity and spirit of innovation awakens, and we are wise to embrace that exploration. Allow me to offer a few book recommendations that might enhance your winter season: