Mostly Yoga - with Aaron Tan

Had a great time doing this with my good friend Namtaow, whom I’ve known for close to 7 years now. It’s amazing to see his growth as a friend, father, doctor and jiu-jitsu practitioner. Stuff we talked about: Connecting through BJJ Learning who you are (and who others are from) rollingYou can’t be the tough guy in jiu-jitsu Giving back to the communityGato Studio and jiu-jitsu in Chiang MaiWatching everyone grow and get promotedThe metaphor of BJJMusic is for everyone = BJJ is for everyoneBeing remembered in a positive wayBeing a part of everyone’s growthBeing a good partner Being a responsible higher beltCountering the counterStruggles through covidThe importance of finding a good jiu-jitsu community You will never be White Belt againOvercoming failure quickilyThere are no lies in jiu-jitsuViewing sparring as a sport Accept the failures and move onEveryone lives different livesYou are importantThanks for listening,Aaron ------------------------------------Follow Namtaow on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/namtaow/------------------------------------SUPPORT THE PODCAST :)https://ko-fi.com/mostlyyoga FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/aaaroning/https://www.instagram.com/mostlyyogapodcast/------------------------------------

I’ve made a lot of interesting friends from jits and Urmish is one of them. We talk about the balance between strength and technique, his struggles of being the ‘big guy’ at the gym and insights from his first BJJ competition.Stuff we talked about: Gi vs. NogiPlaying the game of ‘Jiu-jitsu’Technique > Strength?Being the ‘big’ guy at the gym Asking the right questionsBeing ‘aggressive’ and playing to your strengthsFinding an enemy and having a goalMore on our BJJ journeyThe boys at GATOHis first competitionSticking to the planTo compete or not to compete, that is the question.Getting my Blue BeltRefining what you already knowLearning how the pieces moveUrmish’s tiny (but strong) legs Changing nothingJiujitsu is indeed ‘not gay’Oss,Aaron ------------------------------------Follow Urmish on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/fitness_povs/------------------------------------SUPPORT THE PODCAST :)https://ko-fi.com/mostlyyoga FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/aaaroning/https://www.instagram.com/mostlyyogapodcast/------------------------------------

I knew Rapha from way back during our yoga teaching days. So it was truly special reconnecting with him again for this raw and unfiltered conversation. We delved about his life’s journey of martial arts, spirituality and fatherhood, and reflected on the importance of taking responsibility for yourself while respecting the unknown, as well as setting boundaries to protect your space. Stuff we talked about:  Fatherhood Masculinity and the role of a man Being able to protect someone physically Jiu-jitsu journey Staying calm in deep waters Mr Not-so-Nice Guy Aggression and setting the tempo Accept and compose Learning to say ‘No’ in Jiu-jitsu The exchange of energy and protecting your space Having a plan and setting intentions for each roll  Worshiping the Jiu-jitsu gods The endless pursuit  Death and Rebirth Dealing with suffering and seeking spirituality  Running from robbers in Peru Integrating with plant medicine There is no purpose  Respecting the space around you Acknowledging the unknown  Who you are when no one is watching Being responsible for yourself Everything is your faultSawadikap,Aaron ------------------------------------Follow Rapha on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/sunceremony/------------------------------------SUPPORT THE PODCAST :)https://ko-fi.com/mostlyyoga FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/aaaroning/https://www.instagram.com/mostlyyogapodcast/------------------------------------

In this episode, I'm joined with fellow Singaporean, Rio Lim, whom I had the pleasure of meeting here in Chiang Mai. We both share a passion for jiu-jitsu and finance, so in this episode we dive into those worlds while exchanging stories about our journeys along the way.Always exciting to connect over shared interests and similar vibes... oss! Stuff we talked about:  Knowing who you are through Jiu-Jitsu Being humbled Sacrifices Parallels on and off the mat Trusting the process, trusting yourself Warmups before class zzz Competition stories Power of compounding Catching the crypto wave Embracing volatility Love the failures Pay the price, learn the lesson Awaking the heart chakra Seeking spirituality The view from the top of the mountain Time>Money The courage to forge your own path Nothing matters, we’re all going to dieTill the next one,Aaron ------------------------------------Follow Rio on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/rrriiiooo0/------------------------------------SUPPORT THE PODCAST :)https://ko-fi.com/mostlyyoga FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/aaaroning/https://www.instagram.com/mostlyyogapodcast/------------------------------------

The first podcast Meiyan and I did was back in 2020 (See episode 29). Now, four years later, her house still remains as brightly coloured as ever, and the ambient noises are still as immersive, with the rain making a guest appearance once more. In this episode, we mostly catch up and reminisce about the good old days when we were young, though perhaps not so wild or free. How the past couple of years have been for us, our relationship with yoga and how it’s changed, oh and some other stuff about me almost getting her killed, the usual… Stuff we talked about:  Catching up Contemplations on life and yoga Teacher Training stories and our time at HOM Reflecting on the past and wanting to connect Our relationship with yoga and how it’s changed Yoga, gym, going back to HOMThe absurdity of being “exactly where you need to be Balance of Feminine and Masculine Leaving the yoga world behind The hedgehog’s dilemma My black-black energy and how Meiyan always scolds me Human design and Meiyan’s bright bright house Playing with the meow meows Hating yourself / Loving yourself More catching up… More contemplations on life and yoga Fortune Teller’s predictions and the time I almost killed Meiyan My unfathomable loyalty to her Borrowing money and having kids To another 10 more years of friendship,Aaron   [Rest in peace Roku, your gentle presence and stoic strength will always be remembered.]   ------------------------------------ Follow Meiyan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bohospiritmei/ ------------------------------------ SUPPORT THE PODCAST :) https://ko-fi.com/mostlyyoga  FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/aaaroning/ https://www.instagram.com/mostlyyogapodcast/ ------------------------------------

Sorry for being away. I've been busy with life but I'm back now with a special one... Today I speak with Maisie, who's insightful approach and deep understanding of the nine personality types from the Enneagram system has definitely shed some light on certain character attribute of mine, so I'm sure she'll be able to shed some light on yours as well. Get ready to dive deep into your own inner framework, in the hopes to better understand both yourself and the others around you, as we explore the secrets behind our individual  personalities. Also, if you think she looks familiar, that's because she's actually the "da jie jie" (big sis) of Meiyan (Episode 29), who might make her second appearance on the poddy real soon. So stay tuned!   Stuff we talked about:  How the enneagram system works and the value it brings Navigating human connection Airing laundry Realising that no one is trying to hurt you Character and context What is love Everyone’s got their own story The practice of sharing vulnerability Connecting through conflict Learning to support yourself Rewriting your narrative    Until next time, Aaron   ------------------------------------ Follow Maisie on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/whatmaisiesaid/ ------------------------------------ SUPPORT THE PODCAST :) https://ko-fi.com/mostlyyoga  FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/aaaroning/ https://www.instagram.com/mostlyyogapodcast/ ------------------------------------

Back at it again with the another gym bro.  My guest today is Darren Huw, a personal trainer whose journey from skinny to fit is one that’s truly inspiring. As someone who embodies dedication and growth in both body and mindset, I’m glad to have him on the pod to share his passion with fitness and faith (in Islam).  Enjoy. Stuff we talked about:  The "drugs" we take Understanding Islam Antics at the Gym Diary of a skinny kid Bruce calls The realities of bulking/cutting Doing what needs to be done Battling the voice in your head Dealing with injuries Starting out at the gym Mindset > Motivation Taking responsibility for your own achievements Working out is the easy part Prioritise your physical body Understand your "why" The road to fitness is a lonely one The fallacy of "having no time"  As-salamu alaykum, Aaron ------------------------------------ Follow Darren on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/train_with_darren/ ------------------------------------ SUPPORT THE PODCAST :) https://ko-fi.com/mostlyyoga  FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/aaaroning/ https://www.instagram.com/mostlyyogapodcast/ ------------------------------------

To commemorate the 50th episode of the Mostly Yoga Podcast, I thought I'd run through some of the lessons I've learned over the past few years that have helped me out a lot in shaping who I am.    Expect to learn about the importance of being authentic, honouring your truth, acknowledging the shadow and going to the gym.   To all the listeners out there, thank you for being a part of this beautiful community. Your support and engagement have been the fuel that keeps this humble pod of mine going, and I'm deeply thankful for it. It's been a wild 50 episodes filled with wisdom, laughter, and connection, so here's to another 50 more. Huat ah,Aaron ------------------------------------ Inspirations: Joe Rogan (https://www.instagram.com/joerogan/)Chris Williamson (https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx/)Asha Nayaswami (https://www.instagram.com/innerlifewith_asha/)Jordan Peterson (https://www.instagram.com/jordan.b.peterson/)Alex Hormozi (https://www.instagram.com/hormozi/)Andrew Tate (https://x.com/Cobratate?s=20)Dhyan Vimal Institute (https://www.instagram.com/dv.institute/?hl=en) ------------------------------------ SUPPORT THE PODCAST :) https://ko-fi.com/mostlyyoga  FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/aaaroning/ https://www.instagram.com/mostlyyogapodcast/ ------------------------------------ SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS    IMALA (EVERYDAY ACTIVEWEAR that energise and inspire your daily choices) Whether you’re practicing yoga, dead-lifting your PR, climbing those boulders or cycling long distance, here's everything you need for your workout. Use code MOSTLYYOGA for 10% off!   WEBSITE: https://imalaofficial.com/ INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/imalaofficial/

My final guest from the Chiang Mai Soul Connection series... It was a privileged to have Dan on the pod for yet another thought-provoking episode. His wisdom and stories resonates with me on such a profound level, much akin to the timeless teachings of Alan Watts, so I hope this conversation will resonate with you guys too. He shares with us his insights into life, religion, philosophy, and the human experience.  Get ready for one engaging conversation...   Stuff we talked about:  The practice of letting go Illusions; there is no Santa Claus  Leaving Jehovah’s Witness Walking away from the world Words, memories and truth Choiceless awareness Doing Nothing Realising our conditionings  Moving from the known to the unknown No one actually sees you but you The freedom to respond The purity of the unknown Truth cannot be found, only lived. The end of your story Erase your personal history Pain of desire; joy of pleasure The awareness of who you are and who you’re becoming You already have everything Until the next one, Aaron   ------------------------------------ SUPPORT THE PODCAST :) https://ko-fi.com/mostlyyoga  FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/aaaroning/ https://www.instagram.com/mostlyyogapodcast/ ------------------------------------ SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS    IMALA (EVERYDAY ACTIVEWEAR that energise and inspire your daily choices) Whether you’re practicing yoga, dead-lifting your PR, climbing those boulders or cycling long distance, here's everything you need for your workout. Use code MOSTLYYOGA for 10% off!   WEBSITE: https://imalaofficial.com/ INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/imalaofficial/

I had the pleasure of connecting with my soul friend, Logan, whose heart hails originally from South India, but is now residing in the enchanting city of Chiang Mai. My chat with him was inspiring and enlightening and he graciously shares his perspectives on life, spirituality and the art of surrendering to one's fate.  Stuff we talk about:  Life in Chiang Mai  Staying true to your (Indian) roots  Challenging who you are The Illusion vs the Present  Shifting Realities  The Power in asking ‘Why’ Understanding Energies  Letting your old self die Surrendering to the divine  It all starts with a smile :) The bike accident and slowing down There is no ‘I’  The correlation between Wisdom and Pain  A reminder that you are alive  Surrendering to the energies of the world I have everything; I have nothing There is no one to blame Believing through heart   Letting go (Physically and emotionally) Joy in simple things Om Namah Shivaya, Aaron   ------------------------------------ SUPPORT THE PODCAST :) https://ko-fi.com/mostlyyoga  FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/aaaroning/ https://www.instagram.com/mostlyyogapodcast/ ------------------------------------ SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS    IMALA (EVERYDAY ACTIVEWEAR that energise and inspire your daily choices) Whether you’re practicing yoga, dead-lifting your PR, climbing those boulders or cycling long distance, here's everything you need for your workout. Use code MOSTLYYOGA for 10% off!   WEBSITE: https://imalaofficial.com/ INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/imalaofficial/