The FINNS Recreation Club recently caught up with long-time member Michael McMahon after his morning workout routine to talk about his decades-long relationship with the club community. Michael spoke openly about the camaraderie he’s found at FINNS Recreation Club over the years, the changes he’s witnessed, and the life philosophies he abides by.
You’ve been a loyal member here since 2005 – when FINNS was still the Canggu Club. What made you decide to join the club initially, and what has kept you coming back all these years?
I’ve been a member since it opened, I don’t even remember when! The first time I signed up, I had a 25 year membership. I initially joined the club because it was a private members club, super family oriented, with facilities available for children. FINNS Recreation Club really offers a safe environment for kids that allows my children to participate in sports, fitness and go to the gym.
As one of the long-standing members, you’ve seen a lot of changes at the club over the years. What are some of the biggest changes you’ve witnessed?
Well, the improvement in staff and management now post-Covid-19 was one of the biggest changes. As a member, I can really see the effort and changes made by the FINNS Recreation team and I appreciate it a lot.
Tell us about a typical day for you at FINNS?
I come here most days around 6.30am, and I workout for an hour, then I head over to the sauna, jacuzzi and ice bath for a moment of relaxation. I really really like the jacuzzi – that’s really important to say! I like to pamper myself and spend time there!
You’re known for encouraging others to become part of the FINNS community. What would you say to someone who is considering joining FINNS?
Well if you have kids, it’s a great place to come with your kids. It’s a very safe environment for families and kids with lots of activities available for everyone.
Since you’ve lived in Bali for many years now, what initially drew you to move here? What do you love most about living in Bali?
I was initially hitchhiking and traveling around the world, and came to Bali in November 1974 by boat, stayed for a bit, then kept on traveling and eventually came back to Bali. Then once I returned, I did sailing charters, entrepreneurship and eventually got married – my wife Tati is from Bandung, so here I am! My favorite thing about living in Bali is definitely the lifestyle and the warm Indonesian people. What I don’t like the most is a traffic. I feel like there’s a simple solution but it’s not happening.
What would you say is your personal philosophy or outlook on life? What values are most important to you?
Rule 62. It’s “Don’t take life so seriously”. Everybody has bad days, you know, it’s normal. It’s a life tip I learned over time, you know as you grow older, you gain more wisdom. I don’t want to be a grumpy old man and take life so seriously.
I feel like it’s really important to have a spiritual connection to something.
When life gets stressful or disquieting, what’s your safe place or activity to find peace and recharge?
Meditation. I like to meditate daily, it doesn’t matter where you are, you can do it anywhere. I first learnt about meditation when living in a monastery in Bangkok in the mid 1970s. I was there for four weeks, and it was very challenging. I then did some meditation retreats in Sri Lanka as well back in the 1970s.
To meditate, you don’t really need to put yourself in that environment that’s specifically allocated to meditation – the upcoming meditation room in the men’s locker is a great idea! I’m really looking forward to it!
My experience of Anapanasati meditation in Sri Lanka (a Tibetan type of meditation where you focus on your breath) lasted two weeks, no talking, and following a strict diet. Once you learn the technique, you don’t need to join group settings anymore. If you’re disciplined and do it consistently, it’s the way to reach the soul and deflate the ego. Meditating has changed me considerably, but at the end of the day we’re all human, we all have our flaws.
One tip I have is to listen to the teachings of the Dalai Lama, he’s got incredible lessons. And I feel like meditation is unlimited for spiritual growth.
What values or lessons would you say are most important for young people today to understand?
Respect your elders. The ego is quite big in people nowadays, of “I can do this, I don’t need anyone else”. I think it’s really important for people to connect with others to really understand each other. I try to look at the glass as being half full, not half empty.
Since you’ve traveled to many different places, what’s your favorite food?
My favorite Indonesian food is from Central Java. I really like Gudeg, Sate Ayam, Ayam Kampung Bakar, and Lalapan. If I like a certain type of food, I’ll eat it for a whole month, like Nasi Goreng. But the best food I’ve tasted in my life is definitely from Thailand!
Outside of your time spent at FINNS, what are some of your other hobbies and interests? How do you enjoy spending your free time?
Honestly, spending time at home is something I enjoy doing – running errands, reading and my passion is taking care of my orchid garden. I’ve had a collection of orchids for the past 20 years! I have at least 15 different varieties and colors. I also like traveling in and out of Indonesia with my wife.
