I call it the “Whispering Time.” Early in the morning, Red and I go out to the pasture. I am learning to work with him quietly, almost silently. I whisper the commands, a spiritual exercise for him, for me. I speak softly, to center me, to focus him. I listen to the birds, watch the sun come up. The sheep are comfortable with Red now, they listen to him, respond to him. He directs them like a maestro, it is a partnership – him, me, them. Karen Thompson used a “whoosh” to launch Red, and I love that command. This week, I will do a silent herding, only hand signals, body movement. I love the whispering time, it soothes the soul, brings out something old and wonderful in me, in the world. Come and see.