Gen Z speak: What is 'holding space' and how to practice it
UNITED STATES — The term “holding space” has taken Gen Z by storm and has become a new term used in everyday vocabulary.
It first went viral from an interview clip of "Wicked" stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The interviewer mentioned the musical’s iconic song "Defying Gravity" and that people are really “holding space” with its lyrics, but what does that really mean?
The virality of the clip led to the newfound discovery of the term “holding space,” but this was not the term’s debut.
“Holding space” is actually not a new concept, and anyone who works in the mental health field will be able to attest to that.
According to a Psychology Today article, to hold space is to create a safe, accepting environment in which one can sit with an idea without judging it. An example of this is to “hold space” for emotions, recognizing that it is ok to feel a certain way about something even though it is not the typical reaction, like feeling sad about moving. This is typically a cause for celebration, but at the same time, it is the closing of a chapter, a change in routine. The future is unknown, and that’s scary.
Canadian author Heather Plett has been discussing this concept over a decade before its viral moment. The origin of the term can be roughly traced back to the work of Donald Winnicott, who was a psychoanalyst. “Holding space” is a common tool that modern day mental health specialists tend to use in their work.
Some people have taken the concept of “holding space” and “defying gravity” to create videos on TikTok. The idea is shown in a little more of a literal sense — jumping off a springboard and being launched in the air is literally defying gravity.
But one can also interpret this in a more abstract way. To “hold space” with these diving fails and accept them as part of the journey.
How does one practice or observe "holding space"? There are three different ways.
1. Be present
In some definitions of “holding space,” this plays an integral role. Essentially, being present would require actually listening and being in the moment and processing everything in real-time.
This would be the first step to not judging something. When someone is wholly present, they do not have time to analyze situations or people; they give their most authentic reaction.
2. Be open
Holding space means no judgement. Not being judgmental includes being open, whether that is to new ideas or a different perspective.
3. Listen
The most important aspect of holding space is to listen. It is easy to make quick dismissals and tune out but to really listen? Not so much. Digest every single word and really understand what they mean.
The rising popularity of the term brings with it the rising awareness of mental health resources. In this instance, it is the idea and importance of holding space, which people can come to learn and use in their everyday lives.
Why this interview clip ever became as viral as it did may be a mystery to many, Ariana and Cynthia included, but the expansion in Gen Z vocabulary never ceases to amaze.
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