Paula Baker

 

I did not choose to become involved in healing work. You could say that a life of healing found me.

In 1993, I was in a serious car accident that left me suffering from a variety of physical and emotional illnesses. For months, I sought help from doctors, physical therapists and chiropractors in an effort to alleviate my physical suffering. At the same time, I moved from therapist to therapist in a desperate search for relief from debilitating panic attacks and depression.

For two years, I explored every conventional avenue of healing, but with no success. I realized I was at a turning point: I could either accept a life of suffering or I could take a courageous leap into the unfamiliar world of complementary medicine. I chose the latter.

In the midst of my most profound crisis yet, I noticed a tiny ad for Reiki in a small local paper. It promised "gentle, healing therapy" to be administered by a nurse. I somehow knew that God had answered my pleas for help.

After only two appointments, I not only experienced dramatic improvement in my physical condition and emotional state, I suddenly knew that this would be my calling. While I still believe that conventional medical practitioners are critical to the healing process, it became very clear that the total healing we ultimately look for can only be achieved within ourselves. Until the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives are balanced, complete healing is not possible.

I began my healing ministry by serving for four years in Pastoral Care Programs at two different hospitals. I found the work extremely rewarding and felt honored to be able to offer comfort to patients through laying- on- of- hands prayer. As a Catholic Eucharistic Minister, I was also able to bring communion to any patients who desired this gift. At the same time, I began my private practice in my home. Within one year I was also seeing hospice patients, a part of my ministry that has been a blessing in my life for which I am deeply grateful.

Although people often refer to me as healer, I prefer to think of myself as a teacher. I see my ministry as an opportunity to teach people how to heal themselves and to also remind them of God's magnificent and unconditional love for us. It is my firm belief that the human body is capable of healing itself. I have witnessed this time and time again, not only in my own healing journey, but also with the clients I see. God has given us the resources we need to make that happen. Teaching people how to access those resources is truly my purpose and goal.

I am grateful to say after learning and applying these wonderful techniques in my own life, I feel healthy, peaceful and balanced on all levels. More importantly, I know that God is the cornerstone of my life and my ministry.