Defying Gravity: Lessons from Wicked on Embracing Differences and Soaring Higher

Some movies stick with you long after the credits roll. For me, Wicked (2024) was one of those rare cinematic gems. It wasn’t just the visually stunning sets or the melodic soundtrack—it was the concepts woven throughout the story that left an indelible mark on my mind. From friendships that challenge societal stereotypes to the ways in which people misinterpret others based on surface-level traits, Wicked offered more than just entertainment; it offered a mirror to some of our own realities. Let’s dig into the brilliance of this film, shall we?

Opposites Attract, But Do They Really?

At the heart of Wicked is the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda—two women who, on the surface, couldn’t be more different. Glinda, the sparkly, bubbly darling who fits into society’s mold, and Elphaba, the misunderstood outcast with green skin, whose mere appearance makes others clutch their pearls. Their connection feels so unlikely, yet it works because they see beyond what others can. Isn’t that the crux of so many relationships? We’re often drawn to people who seem like our opposite, but that’s only because others are too distracted by the obvious differences to notice the depth beneath.

The film reminded me how society’s obsession with appearances often blinds us to people’s true essence. It’s easy to write someone off based on what they look like or how they present themselves. Harder—but infinitely more rewarding—is looking past that to see who they really are. And sometimes, it’s the unlikely friendships that teach us the most about the world and ourselves.

Misinterpreted by Design: When Different Equals "Wicked"

Here’s the thing about Elphaba: her green skin was an easy target for labeling her as "wicked." And isn’t that just how it works in real life? Difference, for some, translates to danger. It’s a tale as old as time. Whether it’s the color of your skin, the way you speak, or even your background, people love to slap a label on anything that doesn’t fit their narrow worldview.

The movie forces us to confront that discomfort. How often do we—intentionally or not—judge people for being different? And worse, how often do we let those judgments define them in our minds before we’ve even taken the time to know them? Elphaba’s story is a reminder that "different" isn’t a synonym for "evil." Sometimes, it’s just a synonym for "misunderstood."

Unlimited, Not Limitless: The Subtle Power of Words

Then there’s the masterpiece moment of the movie: "Defying Gravity." Let’s just pause here for a moment because that song—whew. It’s more than a showstopper; it’s an anthem. But one word stood out to me in particular: unlimited. It’s repeated throughout the song, and it’s worth noting that it’s not limitless. There’s a difference.

Limitless suggests there are no boundaries, no constraints. But unlimited? That’s about potential. It’s about transcending the barriers that do exist. Unlimited doesn’t deny reality—it just refuses to be defined by it. That’s what makes it so powerful. It’s not a naïve optimism; it’s a bold declaration that, yes, there are challenges, but we’re capable of overcoming them. It’s a mindset shift. A reclamation.

Defying Gravity: Everyone Deserves to Fly

There’s a line in the song that says, "Everyone deserves a chance to fly." And that’s where the metaphor really took off for me (pun intended). It made me think about planes. Stay with me here. When we board a plane, we’re all seeking something—whether it’s a new experience, a moment of rest, or just the thrill of going somewhere different. But here’s the catch: we often spend so much time waiting for others to ground us—to tell us when to take off, where to land, and what to do in between—that we forget we can navigate on our own terms.

How often do we rely on others to define our journey? To tell us when it’s safe to fly or, worse, to keep us grounded because they’re afraid of our heights? It’s a mindset we’ve been conditioned into, but it’s one we can disrupt. Grounding doesn’t have to be a restriction; it can be an advantage. In meditation, grounding is about centering yourself, finding stability so you can soar higher. What if we applied that concept to our lives? What if we stopped waiting for permission to fly and used our grounding as a springboard instead of an anchor?

The Takeaway: Embrace the "Wicked"

Ultimately, Wicked isn’t just a story about a misunderstood witch. It’s a story about potential, perception, and defying expectations—both the ones society places on us and the ones we place on ourselves. It’s about finding your wings and using them unapologetically, even if others don’t understand your flight path.

So, here’s my challenge to you: Next time you find yourself boarding a metaphorical plane—a new job, a daunting task, an unfamiliar experience—ask yourself who or what is grounding you. Then decide if that grounding is serving you or if it’s time to defy gravity. Because at the end of the day, we all deserve a chance to fly. And maybe, just maybe, the "wicked" parts of us are the ones that will take us the furthest.