There is something so tender about this to me, about being willing to have your makeup wash off, your eyes tear up, your nose start to run. Its tender partly because it harkens back to infancy, to your mother washing your face with love and lots or water, tending to you, making you clean all over again.
In Anne Lamott's "Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith," she reflects on the vulnerability of letting go of one's facade, particularly during moments of emotional exposure. The act of allowing tears to flow and makeup to be washed away symbolizes a deep connection to one's true self, stripped of pretense. This experience evokes feelings of tenderness and sincerity, highlighting human fragility in a world that often encourages repression of emotions.
Lamott further connects this vulnerability to the innocence of childhood, reminiscing about a mother's nurturing care. The imagery of a mother lovingly cleaning her child reminds us of the comfort and safety found in such moments. This relationship between self-acceptance and maternal love underscores the importance of embracing our emotions and imperfections, fostering a sense of authenticity and renewal in adulthood.
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