Joy as an Act of Resistance: A Therapist's Reflections of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour & The Power of Collective Emotions
As a therapist, I often explore the deep connections between emotions, healing, and resilience. I recently had the pleasure of attending Taylor Swift’s Eras tour at Wembley Stadium, and the experience profoundly resonated with the themes of joy as an act of resistance and love as a force that overcomes hate. Amidst the music, lights, and collective euphoria, I witnessed the power of these emotions in ways that align closely with therapeutic principles.
The Power of Collective Joy
From the moment Taylor Swift stepped on stage, the energy in the stadium was electric. Thousands of fans, spanning generations and backgrounds, came together in a unified celebration of her music and the memories it evokes. This collective joy wasn’t just about entertainment; it was a powerful act of resistance.
In a world often dominated by negativity and division, finding moments of pure joy can be revolutionary. Joy, in this sense, is more than just a fleeting feeling—it’s a radical affirmation of life. When we allow ourselves to experience joy, especially in communal settings like a concert, we are actively resisting the pressures of a world that often tells us to be cynical, fearful, or indifferent.
Taylor Swift’s Eras tour exemplified how joy can be both personal and collective. As fans sang along to their favourite songs, danced without inhibition, and celebrated the moments that connected them to the music, they were not just enjoying a concert—they were participating in an act of communal resilience. This joy, shared among thousands, created a space where differences dissolved, and a sense of unity prevailed.
Love as a Force Against Hate
Taylor Swift’s music has always explored the complexities of love—its beauty, its pain, and its transformative power. At Wembley, as she performed songs that spanned her career, it became evident that love, in all its forms, is a powerful antidote to hate.
In therapy, we often discuss how love—whether it’s self-love, love for others, or love for life—can be a healing force. It provides the foundation for overcoming past hurts, building self-worth, and fostering connections. Swift’s music, with its emphasis on authenticity, vulnerability, and emotional honesty, encourages listeners to embrace love, even when it feels risky or difficult.
One of the most moving moments of the concert was when Swift performed the 10 minute version of “All Too Well”. This song, which delves into heartbreak and the healing process, was met with an outpouring of emotion from the audience. It’s a testament to how love, even when it leads to pain, can ultimately lead to growth and resilience. By processing these emotions through music, fans find solace and strength in the shared experience, reinforcing the idea that love, even when challenging, is a powerful force that can overcome hate and fear.
Joy and Love as Acts of Resistance
In a time when the world often feels divided, filled with anger and distrust, the simple acts of experiencing joy and expressing love become acts of resistance. Taylor Swift’s Eras tour was a profound reminder that music, and the emotions it evokes, can serve as a catalyst for healing and change.
As I reflect on my experience at Wembley, I’m reminded of the importance of integrating joy and love into our lives—not just as feelings to be enjoyed in the moment, but as deliberate choices we make every day. In therapy, I encourage my clients to seek out these moments of joy, to nurture their capacity for love, and to recognise these emotions as powerful tools for resilience.
Joy defies despair. Love conquers hate. And in a world where we are often confronted with both, choosing joy and love is perhaps the most radical—and necessary—act of all. Taylor Swift’s Eras tour wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of these truths, reminding us all of the power we hold within ourselves to resist negativity and foster connection through the simple, yet profound, acts of joy and love.
The Power of Vulnerability
One of the most unforgettable moments during Taylor’s show was the extended ovation that followed her performance of "Champagne Problems." As the final notes of the piano echoed through the stadium, there was a palpable shift in the atmosphere. The crowd, seemingly united by an invisible thread, erupted into a prolonged wave of applause and cheers that lasted for several minutes. This wasn’t just a standard reaction to a well-performed song; it was a collective expression of deep, shared emotion.
The song itself, with its haunting melody and lyrics that explore regret, heartbreak, and unfulfilled potential, struck a chord with everyone present. As a therapist, I was moved by how this moment exemplified the therapeutic power of shared emotional experiences. The ovation wasn’t just a response to the music—it was an acknowledgement of the raw vulnerability that Taylor Swift brought to the stage. In that moment, thousands of people connected through their own experiences of loss, disappointment, and the bittersweet memories that “Champagne Problems” evokes.
For me personally, this moment resonated deeply. Witnessing Taylor’s visible emotions—her eyes welling up with tears, struggling to find her voice—reminded me of the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Vulnerability, which is often perceived as weakness, is in fact one of the most powerful tools we have for connection and healing. In therapy, I frequently work with clients to embrace their vulnerabilities, helping them to understand that expressing emotions is not a sign of weakness, but rather a path to authentic connection and personal growth.
As Taylor stood on stage, receiving the overwhelming response from the audience, it was clear that this wasn’t just about the performance; it was about the collective recognition of our shared humanity. Her willingness to lay bare her emotions allowed everyone in the stadium to do the same, even if just for a moment. This experience highlighted the profound impact that raw, honest emotion can have—not just on an individual level, but collectively.
The extended ovation after “Champagne Problems” was a testament to the power of vulnerability. It showed how, in a world that often encourages us to hide our true feelings, there is immense strength in being open and honest about our emotions. Taylor’s ability to convey such raw emotion through her music created a space where thousands of people could find a piece of themselves, and in doing so, realise that they were not alone.
As I shifted my attention from Taylor’s experience to take in the crowd as a whole, a tear rolled down my face as I found myself overcome by a multitude of pure emotions. This moment at Wembley reinforced a fundamental truth that I often share with my clients: that embracing and expressing our emotions, even the painful ones, is a crucial part of the healing process. The collective wave of emotions that swept through the crowd was a beautiful reminder that when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we create opportunities for connection, empathy, and healing—not just for ourselves, but for everyone around us.