In a world where viral moments come and go in the blink of an eye, it’s rare for a simple phrase to capture the zeitgeist and ignite meaningful conversations. But that’s exactly what happened during the press tour for the highly-anticipated Wicked movie, when journalist Tracy E Gilchrist asked actor Cynthia Erivo about fans “holding space” for the iconic song Defying Gravity. Erivo’s emotional response, and the subsequent meme-ification of the moment, has left many wondering: what does “holding space” actually mean, and why has it resonated so deeply with people?
The Origins of “Holding Space”
While the term has recently gained mainstream attention, the concept of holding space has been around for decades, particularly in therapeutic and self-help contexts. Its roots can be traced back to the work of psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott in the 1950s and 60s, who wrote about the importance of a “maternal holding environment” – essentially, a safe space where individuals can explore their emotions without judgment.
Over time, this idea has evolved and expanded, with many experts now using “holding space” to describe the act of being fully present and supportive for someone else, without trying to fix their problems or impose your own perspective. As Heather Plett, a Canadian writer and coach who runs workshops on the topic, explains:
The way I define it is that it’s a practise that we do when we show up for another person in support of whatever they’re going through. We do that without judgment, or without trying to layer our own story on to theirs, and we offer them compassion and support while allowing them to have their own sovereignty.
– Heather Plett, Writer and Coach
Holding Space in Pop Culture
The Wicked press tour moment was not the first time “holding space” has entered the pop culture lexicon, but it was perhaps the most high-profile example to date. For many fans, hearing Erivo speak so passionately about the power of Defying Gravity – a song that has become an anthem of resilience and self-acceptance – was a deeply moving experience. It validated their own emotional connection to the music and the message, and made them feel seen and understood.
As Gilchrist herself reflected in the aftermath of the viral moment:
To me, it means to be in the moment, to be fully open to something and to not be cynical. To hear something – maybe a song like Defying Gravity that you have heard hundreds of times – and to have it hit you in a new way.
– Tracy E Gilchrist, Journalist
More Than Just a Buzzword
Of course, as with any viral trend, there are those who dismiss “holding space” as just another buzzword or piece of self-help jargon. But for many, particularly in marginalized communities, the term carries a deeper significance. As inclusion consultant Benjy Kusi notes, it has been used in LGBTQ+ spaces for years as a way of creating a supportive environment for people to share their lived experiences.
Ultimately, whether you see “holding space” as a powerful tool for emotional connection or just the latest viral fad, there’s no denying the impact it has had on the cultural conversation. It has sparked discussions about vulnerability, empathy, and what it means to truly be there for someone else – conversations that feel more vital than ever in an increasingly disconnected world.
The Power of Being Present
At its core, holding space is about the transformative power of presence – of showing up fully for another person, without judgment or agenda. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most important thing we can offer someone is our undivided attention and unconditional support.
In a culture that often prioritizes fixing problems and offering advice, holding space challenges us to simply be with someone in their pain or joy, to witness their experience without trying to change it. It’s a radical act of compassion and acceptance, one that has the power to deepen our relationships and foster genuine connection.
So the next time you find yourself moved by a song, a story, or another person’s journey, take a moment to hold space for that emotion – to let it wash over you without judgment or resistance. You might just find that in doing so, you create a little more room for empathy, vulnerability, and human connection in your own life and in the world around you.
As the Wicked press tour has shown us, sometimes the most profound moments come from the simplest gestures – like two people sitting together, holding space for the power of a shared emotional experience. In a world that often feels fractured and divided, that’s a kind of magic worth celebrating.
