Tabay Atkins(America’s youngest 500 hours certified yoga teacher) is a 16-year-old athlete and vegan chef, who is quickly on the rise garnering the attention of the likes of Nike. Tabay has also become sought after by numerous celebrities teaching for the likes of Deepak Chopra (who sought him out to teach at his private retreat) and the Kardashians, to name a few. He also graduated high school 3.5 years early with a 4.0 GPA, so it’s safe to say this young man is quite special.
Tabay’s journey began as a young boy when he witnessed the debilitating effects of his mother’s struggle with cancer. A devout yogi herself, she was committed to keeping a positive mindset and maintaining her practice, and two months later was able to walk again.
Tabay knew from then on that he had found his “dharma.” Today, he is one of the most sought-after yoga instructors, teaching his practice and vegan cooking classes all over the world. In addition, he uses the money he makes to give back to cancer patients. Some of the organizations he’s liaised with include: Saving Sophie,Negu, Teen Cancer America, and the Kindred Spirit Sanctuary
As if his skillset was not already impressive, Tabay is also a certified vegan nutritionist and a Reiki healer. He is also an activist for the environment; specifically climate change and deforestation, and lives by the mantra: “Think good thoughts, speak kind words, feel love, be love, and give love.”
Tabay’s practice and cooking tutorials are available on his website in addition to further information.
Thanks so much for chatting with us! In five words, describe who Tabay Atkins is.
Mindfulness and healthy living advocate.
What would be an ideal morning routine for someone who is trying to start the day in a productive and mindful way?
I would suggest starting the day with a gratitude meditation. In your head (or out loud) say all the things that you are grateful for this morning. After that, once you have gotten out of bed and gotten ready for the day, I would recommend having an active yoga practice, followed by a healthy (vegan) breakfast.
You’re America’s youngest 500-hour certified yoga teacher. Do you have any advice for someone who is looking to start practising yoga?
Some advice I would give to someone who is interested in incorporating the practice of yoga into their life would be to just do it. The hardest part of starting a yoga practice is starting. Once you start, it becomes easy.
How do you channel your inner Dharma?
My dharma is to improve the overall health, wellness, and mindfulness of the world. The methods I chose over time to achieve these goals are yoga and meditation, veganism, Reiki, and plant-based nutrition. My dharma was already set, but I had to choose how to live my dharma.
You are aligned with some incredible nonprofits and organizations? How can our readers get involved in any of these charities?
Giving back has always been important to me. I teach donation-based yoga and cooking classes, where I give all the money to a charity that I support, but to donate directly to these organizations, I have a charity tab on my website.
Not only are you a certified yoga teacher but you’re also a very talented vegan chef. What is your favorite dish to make?
My favourite dish to make is Adas Polo. This is a Persian rice dish that is made with lentils and raisins.
What’s one thing that people may not know about you?
I am a pianist. I have been playing the piano for almost 2 years now, and I have learned how to play more than 20 songs!
Any new projects coming in 2022, and where can readers go to stay up to date on all things Tabay Atkins?
My mom and I are working on our vegan cookbook! We are also opening our new vegan food truck, Tabay’s Mindful Kitchen, which will be parked outside of our gas station in Capistrano Beach, California.
The best way to stay up to date on all of my projects and announcements would be to follow my Instagram page, @tabayatkins
I also have a Facebook page (@tabayatkins) but I do most of my posting on Instagram. You can also go to my website, tabayatkins.com