Taylor, Trump & Wicked: Riding the Waves of Growth
Slide: Justine Anweiler, Taylor, Trump & Wicked, 2024.
I like to follow the energetic pulse of the collective, by looking to pop culture.
We have a collective energetic body that behaves like sliding doors that open and close. In recent years I have observed extreme expansions and contractions.
Expansion is our ability to hold love and security. To embody regulation, joy, and safety.
Contraction is a restrictive rebound to this growth, like blowing up a balloon (expansion) and letting some air out (contraction).
This oscillation isn’t new. As human beings, we are always experiencing cycles of growth and shrinkage. Pleasure and pain. It’s how we grow.
And it looks something like this:
[.] - starting point
[ . ] - expansion
[ . ] - contraction
[ . ] - expansion
[ . ] - contraction
During contraction we can feel hopeless – like friction, doubt, despair, and overwhelm are winning.
During expansion, we can feel limitless. We can accomplish anything. We are moving the needle. Love is everywhere.
In 2024, the most publicized expansion was Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Experts noted the phenomena of euphoric amnesia - where endorphins are so abundant that attendees can’t retain their memories. An average of 72,500 people per concert experience abnormal amounts of love, safety, and hope for 3+ hours – not to mention, in the days that follow.
Attendees, live stream watchers, and people who weren’t fans of Taylor Swift noted the movement. They saw throngs of crowds singing in the streets of Vienna when a contraction hit – and the concert was canceled. Showing how expanded doors can never fully close.
Then Trump was elected. And globally there was a contraction.
Many of us shrunk back into our shells of protection. Remembered what fear feels like and questioned the progression of humanity all over again.
But the expansions left a lasting imprint—doors that had been pushed so far out they couldn’t fully close - - -> [ . ]
So what is our next expansion?
I believe it’s Wicked 💚🌸🧹🪄
Something magical happened on that set. Cast members were given autonomy to define their characters, in their way. They built a space to be completely themselves. The production embodied its themes of heart, bravery, and embracing differences.
This isn’t just a film about love and friendship—it’s a moment where the cast itself was healed by working together.
May we find hope in the next expansion, knowing contractions will never undo what love has blown open.
Article FAQs generated by Chat GPT:
1. How do expansions and contractions in the collective energetic body influence our personal experiences and emotions?
During expansions, when the collective energy is open, we tend to feel more connected, hopeful, and safe. This can translate into personal moments of joy, creativity, and ease—almost as if we’re buoyed by the positivity of the group. Conversely, during contractions, the collective's fear or tension can amplify our personal insecurities and doubts, making us feel isolated, anxious, or stagnant. These cycles influence how we view progress—not as linear but as oscillating, where even setbacks (contractions) serve a purpose by grounding and preparing us for the next wave of growth. Recognizing these patterns can help us avoid taking the lows personally and instead see them as part of a broader rhythm.
2. Why do you believe certain pop culture events, like Taylor Swift’s tour or Wicked, have such a profound impact on collective energy?
They serve as massive energetic accelerators because they offer shared experiences of joy, connection, and meaning. When tens of thousands of people gather with a unified focus—to sing in unison and embrace themes of love and healing—this collective vibration has a ripple effect.
Taylor Swift’s tour, for instance, created a moment of euphoric amnesia—where people not only felt safe but were transported into a shared state of bliss and hope, overriding daily struggles. Similarly, Wicked’s production embodies themes of courage, individuality, and unity, but its impact is magnified by how these themes were reflected in the creative process itself, creating an authenticity that resonates deeply. These moments become more than entertainment—they’re energetic expansions, healing us individually and collectively.
3. How can we navigate contractions more gracefully and maintain hope during these challenging periods?
Navigating contractions requires awareness, compassion, and trust in the cyclical nature of growth. Here are a few strategies:
Acknowledge the contraction: Recognize that it’s a collective experience, not just your personal struggle. Naming it can help you detach from the feelings of despair or frustration.
Anchor in past expansions: Reflect on moments when you felt uplifted or unstoppable. Knowing that expansions leave lasting imprints can remind you that the current contraction is temporary.
Seek micro-expansions: Find small ways to access joy or connection—whether through a song, a conversation, or a walk in nature. These moments may not feel as monumental, but they keep the door slightly open.
Rest and regroup: Contractions often signal a need to pause, reflect, and recharge. Use the time to care for your body and mind, preparing for the next wave.
Stay curious: Ask, “What is this contraction teaching me or the collective? How can it serve as a foundation for the next expansion?” This mindset can shift the experience from resistance to growth.
Ultimately, contractions remind us that progress isn’t undone—it’s recalibrating. Each cycle makes the doors harder to close, proving that even in our darkest moments, growth is still present.