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By Whitney Tfankedjian

for the spiritual entrepreneur

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Brunette female smiles behind salal leaves

welcome friends!

Tulā - Community, a 'business' lead by the heart, created for spiritual and creative entrepreneurs

this space is just as much as it is for you as it is for us

what we're doin'

That's me! Whitney
(I created Tulā with love + connection in mind)

podcasting

photography

makin' you smile

Why + how we do it

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Tulā - Community Podcast

Latest episode

Robyn Watt
on the interconnection of neuroscience, nature, + nervous system tending

Learn more + listen!

Follow along

Hello friends!! 🎙️🌲

Join Robyn + I in this conversation centred around nature, the nervous system, and our collective well-being viewed holistically.

About Robyn:

Robyn is an Ecosomatic Educator with a background in Environmental Studies and Social Work. Her work focuses on the intersection of somatics, nervous system tending, and nature connection. Robyn emigrated to Canada from the UK at age 20, and came into a profound love of nature through exploring wilderness. She has spent thousands of hours of direct communion with nature across Europe and North America. When she is not walking in wild places, she is mothering her three daughters, and teaching ecosomatics through her school, Awaken to Nature.

@awaken.to.nature

Thank you for your support!
@tulacommunity

Hello friends!! 🎙️🌲

Join Robyn + I in this conversation centred around nature, the nervous system, and our collective well-being viewed holistically.

About Robyn:

Robyn is an Ecosomatic Educator with a background in Environmental Studies and Social Work. Her work focuses on the intersection of somatics, nervous system tending, and nature connection. Robyn emigrated to Canada from the UK at age 20, and came into a profound love of nature through exploring wilderness. She has spent thousands of hours of direct communion with nature across Europe and North America. When she is not walking in wild places, she is mothering her three daughters, and teaching ecosomatics through her school, Awaken to Nature.

@awaken.to.nature

Thank you for your support!
@tulacommunity

What’s your light in the darkness?

Spring cleaning, the yearly audit of who you’re supporting, following, surrounding yourself with
Who do you listen to, who are you backing?
Do they speak out? Do they use their voice?

Why do we idolize celebrities? Why do we get sucked into their music, set to brainwashing frequency, immersed + obsessed with someone not looking out for the greater good? Placing those who have harmed others to get to where they are on pedestals. Full of greed.

In my travels, I sit in admiration witnessing those who the media villainize as the ones who actually know how to find the light in the darkness. Who are joyful, + celebrate from a place of purity within the human experience. Who lead in simplicity + the truest form of beauty

+ whether the wealthy know it or not, it’s a direct threat to their push to sell us on products, lifestyles, + the focus on materialism. You cannot sell someone something who recognizes it’s not about what you have. You cannot sell someone something who loves themselves. You cannot sell someone another lifestyle when they’re living the one purest to the human mind. I wonder if this is why their fragile egos have hearts filled with hate for those who are ‘different’

No different am I, to you. No different, at all. For I bleed, much like you.

Maybe they can’t stand watching people be happy with what they have, in love, witnessing people who know how to dance, + lead with integrity

When I’ve travelled around the world, I witness those who have ‘less’ smiling, worried about someone, looking sad, on the hustle for the means they need for survival, + looking out for one another. I see through the lens of humanism

I see the countries deeming themselves ‘great’, stealing all of the flavours, techniques, styles, concepts, + architecture from those they claim to hate

+ there is repair to happen here. Long after this ends, you must go on knowing you live amongst those who believe in these actions being taken on innocent beings who walk this earth.

cont. in comments

What’s your light in the darkness?

Spring cleaning, the yearly audit of who you’re supporting, following, surrounding yourself with
Who do you listen to, who are you backing?
Do they speak out? Do they use their voice?

Why do we idolize celebrities? Why do we get sucked into their music, set to brainwashing frequency, immersed + obsessed with someone not looking out for the greater good? Placing those who have harmed others to get to where they are on pedestals. Full of greed.

In my travels, I sit in admiration witnessing those who the media villainize as the ones who actually know how to find the light in the darkness. Who are joyful, + celebrate from a place of purity within the human experience. Who lead in simplicity + the truest form of beauty

+ whether the wealthy know it or not, it’s a direct threat to their push to sell us on products, lifestyles, + the focus on materialism. You cannot sell someone something who recognizes it’s not about what you have. You cannot sell someone something who loves themselves. You cannot sell someone another lifestyle when they’re living the one purest to the human mind. I wonder if this is why their fragile egos have hearts filled with hate for those who are ‘different’

No different am I, to you. No different, at all. For I bleed, much like you.

Maybe they can’t stand watching people be happy with what they have, in love, witnessing people who know how to dance, + lead with integrity

When I’ve travelled around the world, I witness those who have ‘less’ smiling, worried about someone, looking sad, on the hustle for the means they need for survival, + looking out for one another. I see through the lens of humanism

I see the countries deeming themselves ‘great’, stealing all of the flavours, techniques, styles, concepts, + architecture from those they claim to hate

+ there is repair to happen here. Long after this ends, you must go on knowing you live amongst those who believe in these actions being taken on innocent beings who walk this earth.

cont. in comments

Breath work + getting into the body + out of the mind

It was through these sessions that I actually saw the healing quality of my sessions

Through them I have people leaving soothed, calm, contented, + in a new place of appreciation for themselves.

As the affirmation was to be in the body, to appreciate ourselves for who we are + to tell our stories visually.

This guest was on retreat at nectar, where they’ve been cracked open, here for a reason. Many guests usually working through something, needing space from a relationship, healing from a loss, taking time with a family member to continue to strengthen the relationship.

Those going through divorce, a career pivot, a friendship break up, or simple finding themselves + who they are outside of their family structures.

In this specific session the notes were to create something that felt airy. This is not my typical way of capturing, as I work a lot with moody + dark images. But I was told this right on the spot + thought, okay, I can do this. Better slow my shutter speed.

Results were created by me using the filters I have to create white-scapes + using a piece of the ever abundant, ancient, + powerfully growing horsetail that consumes much of the property.

Grateful to share space, grateful to hear the kind words of others, grateful to be in a place of support, + honouring true expression through these photos. Nothing staged, just true.

Breath work + getting into the body + out of the mind

It was through these sessions that I actually saw the healing quality of my sessions

Through them I have people leaving soothed, calm, contented, + in a new place of appreciation for themselves.

As the affirmation was to be in the body, to appreciate ourselves for who we are + to tell our stories visually.

This guest was on retreat at nectar, where they’ve been cracked open, here for a reason. Many guests usually working through something, needing space from a relationship, healing from a loss, taking time with a family member to continue to strengthen the relationship.

Those going through divorce, a career pivot, a friendship break up, or simple finding themselves + who they are outside of their family structures.

In this specific session the notes were to create something that felt airy. This is not my typical way of capturing, as I work a lot with moody + dark images. But I was told this right on the spot + thought, okay, I can do this. Better slow my shutter speed.

Results were created by me using the filters I have to create white-scapes + using a piece of the ever abundant, ancient, + powerfully growing horsetail that consumes much of the property.

Grateful to share space, grateful to hear the kind words of others, grateful to be in a place of support, + honouring true expression through these photos. Nothing staged, just true.

Hello friends!! 🎙️🌀

Join me in this solo session that came to me after my full-of-challenge trip to Australia.

I start to reflect on the dangerous nature of some of the spiritual community, even when being approached by those with good intentions. How we need to hold the truth of the world around us, dismiss those who lead with only love + light mentality, + how we can’t put all of our eggs in one basket when it comes to the structures we subscribe to.

I share this with love + respect for those I know. I share this holding tenderly those who seek the support + guiding pillar of whatever belief system allows them to heal, gives them purpose, + creates a better life + world for themselves.

I also share this with the discernment of knowing who is trying to get me wrapped up in a scheme, in a false belief, + in a system that keeps you stuck, abused financially, in need of that guide, + doesn’t allow you to have agency. There are real dangers in the spiritual community, as people are vulnerable, + seeking. We often come to spirituality because we need guidance, acceptance, + support around hurtful childhood + human experiences. This needs to be held softly, openly, + without negative intentions + motives.

There are some who walk this path, not for healing, but because it speaks loudly to them, + provides such beautiful motivation + inspiration. And I have met such excellent individuals who have given me the space, who have aided my healing, allowed me to weep in their arms, provided acceptance, + powerful teachings. To them we bow, to them we recognize the incredible work they’re doing.

+ we do not discredit anyone for the path they walk. Support your local tarot reader, your psychic, your Yoga teachers, the ones who practice discipline + dedicate themselves. Just know in your heart, you have it all in you. Just know you’re enough as you are. Seek communities that are loving + true. Not the ones that leave you with a negative feeling. Remember to listen to that message.

Please connect with me anytime if you need support. Please connect with Samasati @shamelesslyyou a therapist working with those who have been in cults + experienced narcissistic abuse

Hello friends!! 🎙️🌀

Join me in this solo session that came to me after my full-of-challenge trip to Australia.

I start to reflect on the dangerous nature of some of the spiritual community, even when being approached by those with good intentions. How we need to hold the truth of the world around us, dismiss those who lead with only love + light mentality, + how we can’t put all of our eggs in one basket when it comes to the structures we subscribe to.

I share this with love + respect for those I know. I share this holding tenderly those who seek the support + guiding pillar of whatever belief system allows them to heal, gives them purpose, + creates a better life + world for themselves.

I also share this with the discernment of knowing who is trying to get me wrapped up in a scheme, in a false belief, + in a system that keeps you stuck, abused financially, in need of that guide, + doesn’t allow you to have agency. There are real dangers in the spiritual community, as people are vulnerable, + seeking. We often come to spirituality because we need guidance, acceptance, + support around hurtful childhood + human experiences. This needs to be held softly, openly, + without negative intentions + motives.

There are some who walk this path, not for healing, but because it speaks loudly to them, + provides such beautiful motivation + inspiration. And I have met such excellent individuals who have given me the space, who have aided my healing, allowed me to weep in their arms, provided acceptance, + powerful teachings. To them we bow, to them we recognize the incredible work they’re doing.

+ we do not discredit anyone for the path they walk. Support your local tarot reader, your psychic, your Yoga teachers, the ones who practice discipline + dedicate themselves. Just know in your heart, you have it all in you. Just know you’re enough as you are. Seek communities that are loving + true. Not the ones that leave you with a negative feeling. Remember to listen to that message.

Please connect with me anytime if you need support. Please connect with Samasati @shamelesslyyou a therapist working with those who have been in cults + experienced narcissistic abuse

I saw you + you didn’t see me as we drove parallel to one another. The way we did before.

When in those moments your head filled with how to get out, with all of what I’ve done wrong

All of the times you mentally racked your brain on how to get out of this relationship

In all the ways your energy went into strategizing escaping instead of staying

I saw you + you didn’t see me the same way that when we met, you had a plethora of things to share about yourself but nothing to ask about me

How you played me your music, a dream of yours that died long ago, but still proud, drunk, + pulling the attention towards you

I saw you + chose not to believe my own eyes

I saw you + you didn’t see me. I saw a wounded boy + the answers that might be of support to you but you didn’t see me.

I saw you + you didn’t see me + I wondered do you know I’m here, do you think about me, do you wonder, do you question your choice, do you feel guilt?

I saw you in your gifts, in all of the ways you could advance + grow into the person you said you wanted to be

But, I saw you + you didn’t see me

You didn’t see me, grieving a brother, a sick mother, + still giving my all to save the hanging-on-by-a-thread glimpse you’d offer

But, I saw you

Your vision of me focused on my wrongs, in all of the ways I fell short

When you turned your eyes away from me, a heightened anxiousness + insecurity

I saw you, near to the anniversary of when I first looked into your eyes

Present day, when I see you, there’s a reminder here, not to settle.

I saw you + I see me still emotionally scarred, knowing I had to let go. A reminder that I deserve more

That I have a pulled back vision of you. What you always were.

I saw you + you used AI to talk to me

I saw you + you forced vulnerability

I saw you + you expected intimacy with no foundation

I saw you + you asked me to share personal details, as an owing, because you shared yours

You didn’t see me, + told me to get a “real job”

I saw you
+
it made me see
me

you call me “queen of synchronicity”
I felt you were near before I saw you

I felt you were near

I saw you + you didn’t see me as we drove parallel to one another. The way we did before.

When in those moments your head filled with how to get out, with all of what I’ve done wrong

All of the times you mentally racked your brain on how to get out of this relationship

In all the ways your energy went into strategizing escaping instead of staying

I saw you + you didn’t see me the same way that when we met, you had a plethora of things to share about yourself but nothing to ask about me

How you played me your music, a dream of yours that died long ago, but still proud, drunk, + pulling the attention towards you

I saw you + chose not to believe my own eyes

I saw you + you didn’t see me. I saw a wounded boy + the answers that might be of support to you but you didn’t see me.

I saw you + you didn’t see me + I wondered do you know I’m here, do you think about me, do you wonder, do you question your choice, do you feel guilt?

I saw you in your gifts, in all of the ways you could advance + grow into the person you said you wanted to be

But, I saw you + you didn’t see me

You didn’t see me, grieving a brother, a sick mother, + still giving my all to save the hanging-on-by-a-thread glimpse you’d offer

But, I saw you

Your vision of me focused on my wrongs, in all of the ways I fell short

When you turned your eyes away from me, a heightened anxiousness + insecurity

I saw you, near to the anniversary of when I first looked into your eyes

Present day, when I see you, there’s a reminder here, not to settle.

I saw you + I see me still emotionally scarred, knowing I had to let go. A reminder that I deserve more

That I have a pulled back vision of you. What you always were.

I saw you + you used AI to talk to me

I saw you + you forced vulnerability

I saw you + you expected intimacy with no foundation

I saw you + you asked me to share personal details, as an owing, because you shared yours

You didn’t see me, + told me to get a “real job”

I saw you
+
it made me see
me

you call me “queen of synchronicity”
I felt you were near before I saw you

I felt you were near

Never forget when we put @taylorchangembodiment in a painting.

In such a beautiful + natural way, I was able to create these photos with her + with her retreat guests when she visited Bowen this past summer.

+ it brings me to reflect on all of the wonderful connections I’ve made through Nectar. I feel grateful that I was able to work with her, create these photos, which at the time I felt were some of my best work.

When I met with Taylor online to chat about her retreat + the ins and outs of photo sessions, I knew I was connecting with someone real + knew I had to make whatever wacky logistics work. I couldn’t deny the job offer + knew it would be prosperous, fun, + a meaningful experience.

So we did what we always do, chat times, make a plan, create a vision, + as per usual, a Pinterest board is sent to me + I get a good idea of what the vibe is.

Her mom came with us on this photo session — and it was beautiful to hear what her take was on the time shared. How she was witnessing me understand the Yoga poses, + create a safe environment filled with breath, + safe enough that Taylor could lean into her embodiment as a being on this earth and be captured in her truth, without clothing, only flesh and Mother Nature.

Blessed to create with all of you. Truly.

Never forget when we put @taylorchangembodiment in a painting.

In such a beautiful + natural way, I was able to create these photos with her + with her retreat guests when she visited Bowen this past summer.

+ it brings me to reflect on all of the wonderful connections I’ve made through Nectar. I feel grateful that I was able to work with her, create these photos, which at the time I felt were some of my best work.

When I met with Taylor online to chat about her retreat + the ins and outs of photo sessions, I knew I was connecting with someone real + knew I had to make whatever wacky logistics work. I couldn’t deny the job offer + knew it would be prosperous, fun, + a meaningful experience.

So we did what we always do, chat times, make a plan, create a vision, + as per usual, a Pinterest board is sent to me + I get a good idea of what the vibe is.

Her mom came with us on this photo session — and it was beautiful to hear what her take was on the time shared. How she was witnessing me understand the Yoga poses, + create a safe environment filled with breath, + safe enough that Taylor could lean into her embodiment as a being on this earth and be captured in her truth, without clothing, only flesh and Mother Nature.

Blessed to create with all of you. Truly.

Shares of magnificent grief tending Lee

I only just noticed I haven’t shared the photos from this session on the feed.

My connection with Lee @semicharmedlee started this summer, when she graciously offered her time, support, + thoughtful intelligence to help me for the photo event we hosted in the wack.

Since then I have had the opportunity to connect with her further, + what I came to realize was how generous she is.

There hasn’t ever been a time where she showed up empty handed, always thinking ahead, + even in such a short time of knowing one another she knew the types of gifts to give to me.

I feel appreciative to be in her presence. To learn from her. To share stories. + to connect over the depth of our lives, from grief, to the art + expressions we take as a result of that.

This session was something I offered to her in exchange for supporting me during the photo event + I’m glad I was able to capture this special sunset lighting, the magic of it through fabric + filters.

When I listen to this song, I think of my mother. I reflect on how much she has given, how much she offers to us as her children. How generous she is. How I would have drown so many times if it wasn’t for her saving me + coming to the rescue of my anxious ass, panicked energy, worried, needing solutions, or even needing financial support, self.

But when it was on the other day, I thought, this song represents Lee as well. As her generosity stays with me + would be one of the first things I would think of, when I think of her.

She has such a beautiful, well thought out, artistic vision, + appreciates good art. I have received great teachings. + for that I’m thankful.

Shares of magnificent grief tending Lee

I only just noticed I haven’t shared the photos from this session on the feed.

My connection with Lee @semicharmedlee started this summer, when she graciously offered her time, support, + thoughtful intelligence to help me for the photo event we hosted in the wack.

Since then I have had the opportunity to connect with her further, + what I came to realize was how generous she is.

There hasn’t ever been a time where she showed up empty handed, always thinking ahead, + even in such a short time of knowing one another she knew the types of gifts to give to me.

I feel appreciative to be in her presence. To learn from her. To share stories. + to connect over the depth of our lives, from grief, to the art + expressions we take as a result of that.

This session was something I offered to her in exchange for supporting me during the photo event + I’m glad I was able to capture this special sunset lighting, the magic of it through fabric + filters.

When I listen to this song, I think of my mother. I reflect on how much she has given, how much she offers to us as her children. How generous she is. How I would have drown so many times if it wasn’t for her saving me + coming to the rescue of my anxious ass, panicked energy, worried, needing solutions, or even needing financial support, self.

But when it was on the other day, I thought, this song represents Lee as well. As her generosity stays with me + would be one of the first things I would think of, when I think of her.

She has such a beautiful, well thought out, artistic vision, + appreciates good art. I have received great teachings. + for that I’m thankful.

I knew at the tail end of 2024 that 2025 wasn’t my year, I could sense it wasn’t going to be the best year of my life. I don’t have a huge expression of the utmost growth + happiness this year, it just felt a bit like coasting along, gaining new insight but not advancing the way I knew I could.

I feel different energy for 2026 — I sense a shift + better energy that works for me. One that pushes me forward + scales up, everything.

I celebrate the new year in March, but I do like this recap in December to share alongside everyone else. There is a sense of completion at this time of year, I’m not sure why. Probably societal conditioning.

Saw some places in the world
Bought and introduced colours to my world that I don’t normally gravitate to
Lots of time by the water
Meals with friends
Took a lot of photos of the world around us
46 booked photo sessions
A few podcasts recorded - more to come
Hosted an event, cancelled others
Kendrick live, twice
Cried
New discoveries made
My brothers second year since he passed + his birthday
Selling photos at markets, + sometimes not selling any at all
Photographing a Yoga retreat in Morocco (!!!)
A short stint in Australia
Yoga practiced, + taught
Feeling loved some moments, feeling sad in others
Gaining insight
Resting
Had my first ever surgery
Danced less, walked less, but went to pilates more
+ overall, figured it out, day by day

while allowing the universe to speak, + remind me that it’s all handled

+ that I’m in good hands.

I knew at the tail end of 2024 that 2025 wasn’t my year, I could sense it wasn’t going to be the best year of my life. I don’t have a huge expression of the utmost growth + happiness this year, it just felt a bit like coasting along, gaining new insight but not advancing the way I knew I could.

I feel different energy for 2026 — I sense a shift + better energy that works for me. One that pushes me forward + scales up, everything.

I celebrate the new year in March, but I do like this recap in December to share alongside everyone else. There is a sense of completion at this time of year, I’m not sure why. Probably societal conditioning.

Saw some places in the world
Bought and introduced colours to my world that I don’t normally gravitate to
Lots of time by the water
Meals with friends
Took a lot of photos of the world around us
46 booked photo sessions
A few podcasts recorded - more to come
Hosted an event, cancelled others
Kendrick live, twice
Cried
New discoveries made
My brothers second year since he passed + his birthday
Selling photos at markets, + sometimes not selling any at all
Photographing a Yoga retreat in Morocco (!!!)
A short stint in Australia
Yoga practiced, + taught
Feeling loved some moments, feeling sad in others
Gaining insight
Resting
Had my first ever surgery
Danced less, walked less, but went to pilates more
+ overall, figured it out, day by day

while allowing the universe to speak, + remind me that it’s all handled

+ that I’m in good hands.

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