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# Tenderness and tending
- URL: https://emilymorter.com/tenderness-and-tending/
- Published: 2025-10-20T21:00:33.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-14T04:11:49.000Z
- Description: emotionally charged times, ongoing balance, leaning into softness
- Author: Emily Morter
- Tags: Writing

Oct 2025

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We are still in the changeable season of spring/poorneet. The wind gusts through our yard, rattling the flyscreens and making whirlwinds of old blossoms and feathers that the chickens are molting. A fine layer of pollen and grit covers our outdoor furniture. Dust and dog hairs blow down the hallway whenever I open a window. Doors slam. I’m jumpier than usual and my skin feels itchy dry.

These are **emotionally charged times** and the weather stirs us even more. For me, it feels brittle, static-y and overwhelming. I’m often flustered and frustrated with my inability to cope with simple things. Waves of emotion keep crashing over me.

It’s an **ongoing balance** to navigate with sensitivity and patience…

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/ec/5dece2dd-1b31-4e64-87f1-1d453618bd9f/content/images/2026/08/9b5bf3f0-fd58-4f56-bdd7-3d078fb4bd4e_1536x2048-jpeg.jpg)

Crashing waves at Ventnor beach, Boonwurung Country, Sep 2025

I have been visualising these emotional waves as something I can surrender to. Sometimes that means being tossed around or swept along, but other times it can feel like being carried and held by oceanic tides.

Practically, I have been exfoliating and moisturising my skin, rinsing and using lubricating eyedrops, dusting-vacuuming-mopping the house, drinking more to stay hydrated. I also lie in the dark with a warm cloth over my eyes, rest with legs up the wall or just pause for a few minutes to still my racing thoughts.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/ec/5dece2dd-1b31-4e64-87f1-1d453618bd9f/content/images/2026/08/7ea0fb45-2ec7-47cb-afa8-0fd927ef7f6c_4080x3060-jpeg.jpg)

Soft koala wisdom, French Island, Sep 2025

This week my husband unexpectedly flew to the Netherlands to support his mum at a family funeral. I’m feeling destabilised as I notice all the parts of our life that are entwined and adjust to a routine without him. And also,I’menjoying the spaciousness of finding a rhythm of my own.

I know this time apart will be a big shift for both of us, so I’m tracking the memories and reflections that bubble up.

I’m **leaning into softness**. Focusing on tenderness and tending. Remembering ‘*my body is seasonal and relational*’ (from Sophie Strand [Make My Healing a Party Everyone Is Invited To](https://sophiestrand.substack.com/p/make-my-healing-a-party-everyone)).

I’m reminding myself that what irritates me in others is also in me… c*an I radiate loving kindness, for myself and others?*

**Inspiration**

[Jane Goodall, In Memoriam](https://onbeing.org/programs/jane-goodall-what-it-means-to-be-human/?ref=emilymorter.com)

[Share the Dignity](https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/itsinthebag?ref=emilymorter.com)

[Treaty "this one is ours, Naarm 2025"](https://firstpeoplesvic.org/news/historic-treaty-bill-passes-victorian-lower-house/?ref=emilymorter.com)

Much Love,

Emily

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