7 Ways To Truly Understand 'Holding Space For Defying Gravity': The Viral Wicked Meme Explained

The phrase "holding space for defying gravity" has become the internet's newest obsession, catapulting from a seemingly ambiguous interview comment into a viral meme that perfectly captures the current zeitgeist of emotional vulnerability and dramatic self-empowerment. As of December 2025, this phrase is far more than just a pop culture joke; it represents a profound, albeit humorous, collision between therapeutic language and the high-stakes drama of the musical Wicked. The phenomenon originated from an interview promoting the 2024 film adaptation, and its rapid spread highlights a collective desire to process intense emotions—like those evoked by the song "Defying Gravity"—with a non-judgmental, therapeutic presence.

This article dives deep into the true meaning, the viral origin, and the powerful psychological application of the phrase. We will deconstruct the two core components—"holding space" and "defying gravity"—to reveal why this concept is resonating so deeply with audiences who are looking to embrace their own inner Elphaba and Glinda, allowing themselves to feel the full, unadulterated power of their journey.

The Viral Origin: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and the Wicked Interview

The entire "holding space" phenomenon can be traced directly back to a promotional interview for the highly anticipated Wicked film, starring Ariana Grande (Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba). The exchange involved journalist Tracey E. Gilchrist, who mentioned to the stars that people were "taking the lyrics of 'Defying Gravity' and really holding space with that, and feeling power in that".

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• The Journalists' Intent: Gilchrist's comment was based on observations of fans' emotional and spiritual connection to the song's themes of self-acceptance and rebellion. The journalist sought to validate the intense, almost therapeutic bond fans have with the musical.
• The Viral Moment: The specific phrasing—combining the therapeutic jargon "holding space" with the dramatic musical number "Defying Gravity"—struck a chord with viewers. The earnestness of the comment, coupled with the slightly bewildered reactions of the stars, instantly made the clip meme-worthy.
• The Meme's Evolution: The phrase quickly went viral across social media platforms. It became a shorthand for intensely feeling a dramatic moment, or for offering exaggerated, non-helpful emotional support, often used humorously to describe any moment of dramatic self-realization or emotional climax.

The virality of this moment is a testament to how modern audiences are processing media: by blending genuine emotional connection with ironic detachment and therapeutic language. It's a way of acknowledging the power of the song while simultaneously poking fun at the jargon often used to describe deep emotional experiences.

Deconstructing the Two Core Concepts

To truly hold space for "Defying Gravity" means understanding the distinct, powerful definitions of its two halves: the psychological process and the thematic declaration.

1. The Psychological Concept of "Holding Space"

"Holding space" is a well-established concept in psychology, therapy, and spiritual practices. It is a profound act of non-judgmental presence and emotional support.

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• Definition: It means being fully present—physically, emotionally, and mentally—for another person's experience without trying to fix, judge, or control the outcome.
• Key Components:
  • Non-Judgmental Presence: Allowing the person (or emotion) to simply *be* without imposing your own views or solutions.
  • Empathy and Validation: Making room for their experience and perspective, validating their emotional state.
  • Self-Awareness: The person holding space must be self-aware of their own shortcomings and vulnerabilities to avoid projecting.
  • Empowerment: This practice fosters self-assurance and confidence in the other person, promoting empowerment rather than dependence.
• Application: In a therapeutic context, holding space for a patient allows them to process difficult emotions, trauma, or complex life decisions in a safe, contained environment.

2. The Thematic Power of "Defying Gravity"

"Defying Gravity" is the iconic, soaring Act I finale from the musical Wicked, composed by Stephen Schwartz. The song is a powerful declaration of radical self-acceptance and rebellion against societal constraints.

• Context in Wicked: The song marks the moment Elphaba (the future Wicked Witch of the West) chooses her own destiny, rejecting the expectations and rules of the Wizard and the world of Oz. She embraces her "wickedness" and her power, literally taking flight.
• Themes: The lyrics are a manifesto for personal empowerment, self-determination, and breaking free from limitations. Phrases like "I'm through with playing by the rules of someone else's game" and "No one's gonna bring me down" resonate as anthems for anyone feeling marginalized or misunderstood.
• Emotional Resonance: The song’s dramatic arc and powerful climax make it a cathartic experience for audiences, symbolizing the moment a person decides to stop apologizing for who they are and embrace their true, powerful self.

7 Ways to Apply "Holding Space for Defying Gravity" in Your Life

When the two concepts merge, "holding space for defying gravity" becomes a powerful, practical philosophy for personal growth. It is the act of consciously allowing yourself (or someone else) to feel the full, dramatic, and sometimes terrifying weight of a transformative, rule-breaking moment.

1. Embrace Your Own "Elphaba Moment"

This is about recognizing and validating the moments in your life where you choose to go against the grain, where you decide to "defy gravity" by choosing your own path over societal or familial expectations. Holding space here means not judging the fear or the drama of that decision.

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2. Practice Non-Judgmental Self-Compassion

Hold space for yourself. Allow yourself to feel the intense emotions—the anger, the fear, the exhilaration—that come with major life changes or standing up for yourself. Do not criticize the drama; simply witness it and validate its presence as part of the process.

3. Validate Others' Emotional Climaxes

When a friend or loved one is going through a massive, transformative moment—their own "Defying Gravity"—your role is not to offer advice, but to be a non-anxious presence. Let them soar, let them rage, and simply hold the container for their experience.

4. Separate the Self from Societal Rules

The song is about realizing that "something has changed within me." Holding space for this means allowing the internal shift to occur without immediately trying to fit it into a box or a rulebook. It’s about accepting the new, powerful self that emerges when you reject the "rules of someone else's game."

5. Use the Phrase as a Humorous Emotional Release

On a lighter note, the meme itself is a form of holding space. When you use the phrase, you are humorously acknowledging the over-the-top emotional intensity of a situation ("I'm just holding space for the lyrics of this dramatic breakup song") while simultaneously validating the genuine feeling behind it.

6. The Art of Deep Listening

Holding space requires deep listening—not just to the words, but to the underlying emotion. In the context of "Defying Gravity," this means listening to the call for freedom and power. When you apply this to others, you are listening to their deepest desire for self-determination.

7. Fostering a Safe Environment for Vulnerability

The ultimate goal of holding space is to create safety. When you "hold space for defying gravity," you are creating a safe zone where radical self-acceptance and even rebellion are not only tolerated but encouraged. This is the foundation of true empowerment.

Ultimately, the viral phrase is a fresh, modern reminder that our most powerful, transformative moments—our moments of "defying gravity"—require us to be fully present, non-judgmental, and ready to embrace the drama of becoming our true selves.