Holding Space: How a “Wicked” Meme Can Be Useful

Taking Time To Be In The Moment With Finals Approaching

You simply cannot escape the most recent film phenomenon, “Wicked.” The film has topped the box office and is being praised by critics, audiences and fans of the original musical alike. The prequel musical complimentary to the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz,” follows the origin story of the witches from the 1939 classic. Ariana Grande stars as the privileged Glinda who will become the Good Witch, while Cynthia Erivo portrays the ostracized Elphaba, whose destiny is to become the Wicked Witch of the West. As the film has been in production for almost a decade, it has become highly publicized and talked about. “Wicked” has also spawned multiple memes, particularly circulating around the current press tour that the stars of the film are on. One such meme includes the newly popularized phrase “holding space.”  During one press interview, reporter Tracy E. Gilchrist explained to Grande and Erivo that she had seen posts circulating on social media of fans taking the lyrics of the movie’s signature song, the powerful “Defying Gravity,” and holding space with that. The stars seemed honored and emotional about this revelation, but fans were perplexed. What does “holding space” even mean? 

According to Psychology Today, holding space consists of being physically and mentally open to your emotions, as well as others’ emotions if they are present. It also consists of creating a safe and comfortable environment for yourself and/or others without judgment. This can be a good way to resolve conflict, protect inner peace, heal, and empathize with others. 

While this has become a funny meme and “popular” TikTok trend, it can be relevant to college students at this time of year. As finals are closely approaching and it is becoming crunch time for assignments, it can be an extremely stressful time for college students. As funny as it sounds, one way to alleviate some of this stress can be accomplished through “holding space.” Rather than listening to “Defying Gravity” on repeat (no judgment there, by the way), taking the time for yourself during this time is crucial for your physical and mental health. Oftentimes, it can feel like you are drowning in work and other activities to have time for anything else. However, taking the time to be present with your emotions, whatever they may be, may help us feel better connected to ourselves as well as a source of relaxation. As most of us know from psychological studies, we operate best at an optimal amount of arousal, which includes some stress but not overbearing stress. Holding space can be a useful tactic for maintaining that optimal level of arousal. Check in with your friends and practice holding space during these difficult times, hearing each other openly, and without judgment. No one wants to suffer in silence. Oh, and go see “Wicked.” It’s worth it.