Walking the Modern Shepherd’s Path

our flock of navajo-churro sheep is more than a charming backdrop—they’re teachers. following the rhythm of their days has transformed how we live, work, and rest at casa portal.

the modern shepherd’s life is less about herding and more about listening. our sheep move slowly, grazing with full attention, reminding us there’s no rush to the next thing.

when we first got the flock, i thought they would be “work.” and they are—there’s feeding, shearing, tending to the land. but in between those tasks are long, quiet moments leaning on a fence post, coffee in hand, watching them graze. they’ve shown me that tending is as much about presence as it is about care.

guests often find themselves wandering toward the pastures, drawn by soft bleats. some watch from a distance, while others join in during shearing season or help gather plants for natural dye workshops.

whether you seek them out or stumble upon them, the sheep remind us of a slower, more intentional way of being.