Written by Shannon Wise, MM, MS : Resident in Counseling
Chances are, if you’re a movie or theater fan, you’ve encountered Elphaba’s iconic song either in a live performance or on the big screen in Wicked sometime over the past year. You might even have belted it out at the top of your lungs in the shower or in your car, like I’ve done on many long family road trips over the years.
If you’re not familiar with “Defying Gravity”, the lyrics are a powerful example of finding inner strength and choosing to rise above the weight of adversity:
Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leap
It's time to try defying gravity
I think I'll try defying gravity
And you can't pull me down
While these words speak to a turning point in Elphaba’s identity and life story, they also hold meaning for anyone feeling weighed down by negative circumstances or painful emotions. Feelings of sadness, helplessness or uncertainty can feel like heavy burdens- ones that can lead to longer term depression or anxiety if they are held onto for too long. Work stress, family responsibilities, conflict, the death of a loved one, job uncertainty- we all have seasons that feel heavier than others. How can we defy gravity in these times?
Sometimes defying gravity starts with taking a quiet moment to pause and reflect on what is really going on inside. Self-reflection can provide clarity and a sense of release, opening up new possibilities. If you’re feeling pulled down, try asking yourself these questions:
Who is one person I can reach out to that will help me unburden these heavy feelings?
What is one thing on my calendar that I can let go of to lighten my load?
Is there a belief I’m holding onto that is creating internal pressure and emotional heaviness? (I have to make others happy, I have to be perfect, I should be able to handle this alone, etc.) Can I practice letting go of this belief and embrace another life-giving statement instead?
At other times, it might be hard to even know what is weighing us down, and we need an outside perspective to help us defy gravity. Working with a therapist can help identify hidden burdens, bringing a broader perspective that provides release, insight, and creative solutions. If you are struggling with feeling pulled down, know that you are not alone and that you don’t have to struggle alone. Life is a mixture of light and dark moments, but we all have the ability to build inner strength and rise above challenging circumstances.
Everyone deserves the chance to fly.