In a world of screens, notifications, and the pressure to multi-task, sheep shearing is a refreshing diversion from the digital world. It requires a great deal of both intention and attention, and there is something romantic about focusing on a task where you have to be both strong and delicate in your movements.

The real trick in shearing isn’t learning the pattern of the shearing strokes, which lessens the time involved in removing the wool, but in immobilizing sheep by the various holds that give them no leverage to struggle. A helpless sheep is a quiet sheep. Rendering sheep helpless cannot be done by force alone, for forcible holding makes them struggle more. Try to stay relaxed while you work.