Unfreezing Wisdom: Life Lessons from Disney's Frozen (An Art Therapists Take)
Disney's "Frozen" isn't just a magical tale of two sisters navigating icy challenges. Beneath its enchanting surface, this animated masterpiece conceals profound life lessons that resonate with audiences of all ages. Let's delve into the icy kingdom of Arendelle and uncover the timeless wisdom hidden within this beloved film.
Embrace Your Authentic Self:
Elsa's struggle to conceal her powers echoes the universal quest for self-acceptance. The moment she embraces her true nature, her abilities transform from a burden into a beautiful gift. Similarly, embracing our authentic selves empowers us to shine and positively impact the world around us.
TIP: Notice if your actions and words align with your values. How? Use your body as a compass. If something feels “icky” you’re probably not acting from your “authentic self.”
The Power of Sisterhood:
Anna and Elsa's bond epitomizes the strength of sisterhood. Their unwavering support for each other through trials reinforces the value of familial love and loyalty. The movie emphasizes the significance of nurturing relationships and leaning on loved ones during tough times.
TIP: Sisterhood can come in many forms. This is an invitation to reach out to sister(s), friends, or cherished ones who spark reconnection to your divine feminine energy.
Overcoming Fear:
Fear is a central theme in "Frozen," and characters confront their fears head-on. Elsa learns to control her powers by conquering her fears, emphasizing that facing our fears is the path to growth. It's a reminder that courage isn't the absence of fear but the willingness to act despite it.
TIP: avoidance increases fear. Use this opportunity to gently step towards something you’ve been avoiding. Start slow and make it manageable.
Honor The Complexity of Relationships:
Relationships in "Frozen" are portrayed realistically, highlighting their complexities. From the humorous camaraderie between Anna and Kristoff to the initially tumultuous dynamic between Elsa and Anna, the film portrays the nuances of relationships—showing that they require effort, compromise, and understanding.
TIP: Acknowledge the gray areas of relationships. Look for the in-between. Notice when you’re engaging in all-or-nothing thinking patterns. Steer clear of the words always, and never and replace them with sometimes and not often.
The Need for Growth:
Both Elsa and Anna undergo significant personal growth throughout the movie. Elsa learns to embrace her powers, while Anna matures in her understanding of love and responsibility. "Frozen" teaches us that change is inevitable and growth is essential for personal development.
TIP: What changes might be difficult to accept and which ones are easier to embrace? Change is constant, and can produce new opportunities and room for growth.
The Power of Love and Forgiveness:
Ultimately, love and forgiveness triumph over all in "Frozen." Elsa's love for her sister thaws the eternal winter, symbolizing the transformative nature of genuine love and forgiveness.
TIP: What might you be holding that is not serving you any longer? Locate the feeling in your body. Breathe into it. Notice it. Make space for it. Honor the feeling that you are holding. Making space for it actually might soften and allow it to move instead of staying “stuck.”
Feel, don't conceal:
Elsa's efforts to conceal her powers inadvertently plunge Arendelle into an eternal winter. This metaphorically illustrates the consequences of suppressing our emotions - when we bottle up our feelings, it can lead to unintended consequences, affecting not just ourselves but also those around us.Through Elsa's journey, the mantra encourages us to express our emotions healthily. Rather than concealing our feelings, it emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and processing them. It champions open communication, allowing for genuine connections and personal growth.
TIP: Observe emotions ebb and flow in the body and put words to your experiences. Describe emotions. For example, you might say, “I’m noticing that I’m feeling sadness in my stomach right now.”
As we journey through life, these lessons from "Frozen" remind us of the importance of self-discovery, relationships, courage, and love.
They serve as guiding lights, urging us to embrace our uniqueness, cherish our bonds, confront our fears, and cultivate empathy and understanding in our interactions with others. So, let us take a page from Arendelle's book and allow these invaluable teachings to thaw our hearts and inspire us to live our lives with courage, kindness, and love.
Interested in working with an Art Therapist?
Davenport Creative Arts Therapy is accepting new clients in New York. We have in-person offices in Midtown Manhattan and Bronxville and online teletherapy throughout the state of New York. We are a collective of Art Therapists who treat children (ages 6+), teens and adults. Art Therapy is a powerful mode of psychotherapy that allows individuals to move through anxiety, depression and trauma in a safe and effective way and offers an alternative to traditional talk psychotherapy.
