Laura Pastula

I have always worked for non-profits and enjoy working towards bettering my community in one way or another.  After my daughter left for prep school (to play ice hockey), I had time to really think about other activities that would fulfill my soul, my heart, and bring me joy.  It started with a pregnant coworker saying she was going to hire a doula.  I said, “A what?”  That was the start of my journey.  
I went to an information night for people that were pregnant wondering about hiring a doula and those that wanted to find out more about becoming a doula.  I was hooked, and in fact, my first birth was a couple attending that seminar. They delivered on LABOR DAY!  From that birth through today, I am hooked and dedicated!  I became a certified birth doula through Doulas of North America in 2005.  I work independently, and I am also a Preferred Doula through Manchester Birth Center’s Doula Program.  Being present and assisting someone through their birth process, one of the most memorable times in their entire lives, fills my heart!  Every person, every birth, every different process and story is unique, and I take pride in assisting people as they create and live THEIR birth story!
During this time, I was also regularly going to a friend’s house to receive reiki.  She was training to become a reiki master.  I had wonderful results and felt so refreshed and felt such peace after every session.  She encouraged me to start reiki training myself.  I hesitated, as I had a daughter in high school, a full-time job, and was finalizing my doula training.  I didn’t think I could find space for one more thing, but I was 100% wrong.  She said, “Come, I am offering a level one class.  Just come and check it out.”  I did, and never looked back.  Learning, giving, getting messages, hearing feedback from those I gave the reiki to was so fulfilling, and again, filled my heart!  After a couple of years, I started teaching.  Again, it was so fulfilling, passing on this gift to others, supporting them in their journey to heal themselves and others! Reiki helps me to grow in so many ways and I continue to have new experiences. 
I regularly continue my education in both of these fields, keeping things fresh and current.  I also continue to work in the non-profit world part time as a Business Manager.
Please reach out if you feel I could help you with your upcoming birth, your spiritual journey and exploration with reiki, or both!
    

With warm thoughts and peaceful wishes,

Laura