In this enlightening episode of the Integral Yoga podcast, Paul Olko, a practitioner of Taoism and Chinese medicine, shares his passion with Avi Gordon (director of Integral Yoga Teachers Association) for introspective personal healing.
He explores health through the lens of the five elements—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and financial—emphasizing balance and living in harmony with nature. Paul discusses the importance of cultivating oneself like a garden, using practices like Taoist meditation and the I Ching to foster self-awareness and gratitude.
Olko highlights the power of simplicity, moderation, and embracing paradoxes, such as letting go of the need to know to gain true wisdom. He also reflects on building community, setting boundaries, and the transformative impact of aligning with one’s authentic self. He shares: “We have to raise our self-integrity. Do we feel integral with ourselves? That is something that can be practiced and cultivated.”
Paul Olko is a naturopath, herbalist, and Asian bodywork therapist. He has been associated with the Ni Family Traditional practices since 1989, and travels each year to study with the family to advance his own practice. He is certified by the Chi Health Institute of the College of Tao in the Ni Family’s 18 and 28 Step Harmony-Style Tai Chi, Taoist meditation, Tai Chi staff, and 8 Treasures Qi Gong. He has been an Integral Yoga teacher since 1972. He lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he has an active practice in the healing arts and teaches Taoist movement arts on a regular basis. More info at: greenlakehealing.com
The Integral Yoga Podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and all streaming platforms.
