In every village, every family, and every society, there’s often one person who lives outside the rules, who dances to their own rhythm, and who seems, at first glance, just a little bit “crazy.” In Moana, Gramma Tala embodies this archetype—the “village crazy lady.” Her wisdom, though unconventional, carries profound truths that those bound by societal norms might overlook.
From my perspective as a Marriage and Family Therapy student and practicing Intern, this “village crazy lady” represents a voice we often dismiss: the intuitive, untamed part of ourselves that knows who we are and where we need to go.
Gramma Tala’s insights resonate deeply with the therapeutic journey of self-discovery, as she urges Moana to trust her inner voice and live authentically. Her wisdom speaks to what happens when we step away from fear and conformity to follow our own truths, even when the world calls us foolish.
“You may hear a voice inside. And if the voice starts to whisper to follow the farthest star, that voice inside is who you are.”
Gramma Tala reminds us that intuition is a compass we are born with, but often silence in favor of external validation or societal expectations. As therapists, we see clients struggle with this disconnection—seeking answers outside of themselves instead of trusting their inner knowing. What I have learned from EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), it teaches us to listen closely to these inner voices, to sit with discomfort, and to reconnect with our core truths.
Like Moana, many of us hesitate when we hear the call to change:
“Why do you hesitate?” Gramma Tala asks.
“I don’t know,” Moana responds.
This is the turning point for many of us. The hesitation often comes from fear of leaving the safety of what is known, even when what is known is no longer serving us. Therapists help clients honor that hesitation while gently encouraging them to explore the depths of their own “oceans.”
“Last time you weren’t old enough to understand what you can lose.”
Society often dismisses those who step outside the bounds of “normal” behavior, labeling them as eccentric or even foolish. But Gramma Tala’s perspective challenges this narrative. True wisdom, she implies, is often gained through loss, failure, and the courage to navigate those experiences with an open heart. As family therapists, we encourage clients to reframe loss not as something to avoid but as an essential part of growth.
“Sometimes our strengths lie beneath the surface.”
Much like Te Fiti in the story, who transforms from a life-giving goddess to the demon Te Ka, many of us lose touch with our “hearts” when we are hurt, misunderstood, or overwhelmed. Clients in therapy often show up feeling like Te Ka—burnt out, reactive, and consumed by pain. The goal isn’t to fix them but to help them remember their true essence. The heart, like Te Fiti’s, is always there, waiting to be restored.
“There is nowhere you could go that I won’t be with you.”
This reassurance from Gramma Tala mirrors the secure attachment that therapists strive to provide—a steady, grounding presence that allows clients to venture into the unknown, knowing they are not alone. Relationships, too, thrive when partners offer this kind of emotional safety, creating a foundation where each person can grow and evolve.
Living Bold and Free
Gramma Tala’s wisdom also lies in her playful, rebellious nature:
“I like to dance with the water. The undertow on the waves. The water is mischievous. Ha! I like how it misbehaves!”
Here, she teaches us the value of stepping away from rigidity and embracing the flow of life. As a therapist, I see how fear of the unknown can keep people stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Gramma Tala’s playfulness reminds us that there is beauty in risk, joy in imperfection, and freedom in surrendering to the journey.
“You know who you are.”
This line encapsulates the heart of EFT: helping clients connect with their authentic selves, often buried beneath layers of fear, shame, and societal expectations. Like Moana, clients often find themselves standing at the edge of their own reef, unsure whether to step beyond the safety of the familiar. Gramma Tala’s encouragement to Moana is the same encouragement we offer in therapy: Trust yourself. You are enough.
The “Crazy Lady” and the Therapist
In a world that often prizes logic and conformity, the “village crazy lady” challenges us to reimagine what wisdom looks like. As therapists, we play a similar role, inviting clients to step away from societal “shoulds” and explore their own truths. Sometimes that means looking “crazy” to others—leaving a job that feels soul-crushing, setting boundaries with family, or daring to love boldly despite past wounds.
Gramma Tala’s story reminds us that true wisdom often lies in what society overlooks. And maybe, just maybe, those who dare to live authentically—refusing to play by the rules of a world that prizes appearances over truth—aren’t crazy at all. Perhaps they’re the sanest among us.
When we choose to trust the voice inside, we reconnect with the heart of who we are. And when we do, the journey beyond the reef isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.
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