---
title: Blog | Stephen Crane
description: Stephen Crane, M.A., L.A.D.C. (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor) is Coordinator of the Older Adult Program at The Retreat.
---

[![The retreat](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/file-2373138307-png/TheRetreat-Jan2015_Theme/img/logo.png?width=271&name=logo.png "The retreat")](https://www.theretreat.org/)

 ON-LINE

[Meeting Resources](https://www.myrecovery.org/online-meetings/)

EMAIL US

[info@theretreat.org](mailto:info@theretreat.org)

CALL US

[866-928-3434](tel:8669283434)

[![ The Retreat ](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/file-2373138307-png/TheRetreat-Jan2015_Theme/img/logo.png.png?width=460&name=logo.png.png " The Retreat ")](https://www.theretreat.org/)

- [About](http://www.theretreat.org/about) 
    - [History](http://www.theretreat.org/about/history)
    - [Staff](http://www.theretreat.org/staff-and-leadership-team)
    - [Board of Directors](http://www.theretreat.org/about/board-of-directors)
    - [FAQs](http://www.theretreat.org/about/faqs)
    - [Testimonials](http://www.theretreat.org/about/testimonials)
    - [Careers](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/2025-Documents/Kitchen-Now-Hiring.png)
- [Programs](http://www.theretreat.org/programs) 
    - [Men’s Residential](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/mens-residential-program)
    - [Women’s Residential](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/womens-residential-program)
    - [Virtual Recovery Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/virtual-recovery-programs)
    - [Evening Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/evening-programs)
    - [55Plus Hybrid Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/55plus-program)
    - [Relapse Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/relapse-programs)
    - [Renewal Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/renewal-program)
    - [Family Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/family-program)
    - [Sober Housing](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/the-retreat-residences)
    - [Service Payments](http://www.theretreat.org/service-payments)
- [Retreats & Workshops](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats) 
    - [Retreats, Classes & Workshops](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/sponsored-by-the-retreat)
    - [Reserve McIver Center](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/private-group-retreats)
    - [Food Addiction Retreat (COR)](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/cor-retreats)
    - [Love First Training Institute](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/sponsored-by-the-retreat/love-first)
- [Donate](http://www.theretreat.org/donate) 
    - [Make a Gift](https://info.theretreat.org/donate-giving-form)
    - [Scholarship Support](https://info.theretreat.org/donate-support-scholarship)
    - [Donor Recognition & Tribute Opportunities](http://www.theretreat.org/our-next-step-naming-and-recognition)
- [Alumni & Friends](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends) 
    - [Calendar](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/calendar)
    - [Recovery Community Activities](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/recovery-community-activities)
    - [Alumni Association Events](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/alumni-association-events)
    - [Breakfast Club](http://www.theretreat.org/breakfast-club)
    - [Event Gallery](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/alumni-event-gallery)
    - [Kenny’s Recipes](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/kennys-recipes)
    - [Golf Extravaganza 2026](http://www.theretreat.org/golf-extravaganza)
- [Women in Recovery](http://www.theretreat.org/women-in-recovery)
- [Research](http://www.theretreat.org/research) 
    - [Abstinence-Based Recovery](http://www.theretreat.org/research-on-12-step-abstinence-based-recovery)
    - [Outcome Studies](http://www.theretreat.org/the-retreat-outcome-studies)
    - [Outcomes](http://www.theretreat.org/research/outcomes)
    - [Research On 12-Steps](http://www.theretreat.org/research-on-12-step-abstinence-based-recovery)
- [Spiritual Direction](http://www.theretreat.org/spiritual-direction)
- Media 
    - [Blog](https://blog.theretreat.org)
    - [Podcast](http://www.theretreat.org/media/podcast)
    - [Newsroom](http://www.theretreat.org/media/in-the-news)
    - [Videos](http://www.theretreat.org/media/video-resources)
- [Contact](https://info.theretreat.org/contact-us)

[NEED HELP NOW?](https://info.theretreat.org/contact-us)

![RetreatBlogBannerImage.jpg](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Retreat_Blog_Banner_Image_Final.jpg?width=5688&name=Retreat_Blog_Banner_Image_Final.jpg "RetreatBlogBannerImage.jpg")

## Stephen Crane

![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/StephenCrane.png?width=35&name=StephenCrane.png)

Stephen Crane, M.A., L.A.D.C. (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor) is Coordinator of the Older Adult Program at The Retreat.

Find me on:

[\[fa icon="linkedin-square"\]](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-crane-8128985)

## Recent Posts

[![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/social-suggested-images/older_couple-1.jpg)](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-spirituality-of-experience)

## [The Spirituality of Experience.](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-spirituality-of-experience)

 \[fa icon="calendar'\] Feb 1, 2017 8:30:00 AM / by [Stephen Crane](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/stephen-crane) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [AA Big Book](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-big-book), [Older Adult Recovery Programs](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/older-adult-recovery-programs), [Men's Sober Residential](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/mens-sober-residential), [Women's Sober Residential](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/womens-sober-residential)

[\[fa icon="comment"\] 1 Comment](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-spirituality-of-experience#comments-listing)

 

[Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-spirituality-of-experience)

[All posts](https://blog.theretreat.org/all)

### Subscribe to Email Updates

[![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/478538/839b1295-222c-440a-a31f-5be26d9a5570.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/478538/839b1295-222c-440a-a31f-5be26d9a5570)

- Recent
- Popular
- Categories

### Lists by Topic

- [Alcoholics Anonymous (181)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous)
- [Recovery Program (138)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program)
- [AA meetings (102)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings)
- [alcoholism (86)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism)
- [12 steps of aa (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps-of-aa)
- [AA Big Book (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-big-book)
- [Recovery (77)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery)
- [Drugs Adiction (51)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drugs-adiction)
- [family recovery (49)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-recovery)
- [Family Sober Support (48)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-sober-support)
- [Chemical Dependency (41)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/chemical-dependency)
- [Drug Rehab (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-rehab)
- [recovery process (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process)
- [12 Traditions Of AA (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-traditions-of-aa)
- [12 step program (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program)
- [Sober Housing (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/sober-housing)
- [Support Group (33)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/support-group)
- [12 Steps (26)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps)
- [Women's Sober Residential (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/womens-sober-residential)
- [alcohol addiction (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-addiction)
- [Alcoholism Treatment Program (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism-treatment-program)
- [alcohol abuse (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-abuse)
- [Alcohol & Health (20)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-health)
- [substance abuse (19)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/substance-abuse)
- [Men's Sober Residential (18)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/mens-sober-residential)
- [Older Adult Recovery Programs (14)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/older-adult-recovery-programs)
- [help group (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/help-group)
- [women in recovery (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/women-in-recovery)
- [Treatment Program (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/treatment-program)
- [Drug Addiction (9)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-addiction)
- [celebration (5)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/celebration)
- [COVID-19 (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/covid-19)
- [Gratitude (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/gratitude)
- [families (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/families)
- [Volunteering (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/volunteering)
- [higher power (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/higher-power)
- [Cinderella Syndrome (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/cinderella-syndrome)
- [birthday (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/birthday)
- [podcast (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/podcast)

see all

### Posts by Topic

- [Alcoholics Anonymous (181)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous)
- [Recovery Program (138)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program)
- [AA meetings (102)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings)
- [alcoholism (86)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism)
- [12 steps of aa (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps-of-aa)
- [AA Big Book (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-big-book)
- [Recovery (77)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery)
- [Drugs Adiction (51)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drugs-adiction)
- [family recovery (49)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-recovery)
- [Family Sober Support (48)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-sober-support)
- [Chemical Dependency (41)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/chemical-dependency)
- [Drug Rehab (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-rehab)
- [recovery process (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process)
- [12 Traditions Of AA (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-traditions-of-aa)
- [12 step program (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-step-program)
- [Sober Housing (34)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/sober-housing)
- [Support Group (33)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/support-group)
- [12 Steps (26)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps)
- [Women's Sober Residential (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/womens-sober-residential)
- [alcohol addiction (25)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-addiction)
- [Alcoholism Treatment Program (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism-treatment-program)
- [alcohol abuse (22)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-abuse)
- [Alcohol & Health (20)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-health)
- [substance abuse (19)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/substance-abuse)
- [Men's Sober Residential (18)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/mens-sober-residential)
- [Older Adult Recovery Programs (14)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/older-adult-recovery-programs)
- [help group (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/help-group)
- [women in recovery (13)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/women-in-recovery)
- [Treatment Program (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/treatment-program)
- [Drug Addiction (9)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-addiction)
- [celebration (5)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/celebration)
- [COVID-19 (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/covid-19)
- [Gratitude (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/gratitude)
- [families (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/families)
- [Volunteering (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/volunteering)
- [higher power (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/higher-power)
- [Cinderella Syndrome (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/cinderella-syndrome)
- [birthday (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/birthday)
- [podcast (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/podcast)

see all

### Posts by Authors

- [Maj Donovan (95)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan)
- [John MacDougall (72)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/john-macdougall)
- [Staff Blog (35)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/staff-blog)
- [Sherry Gaugler-Stewart (27)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/sherry-gaugler-stewart)
- [Dick Rice (12)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/dick-rice)
- [Kara F (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/kara-f)
- [John Curtiss (10)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/john-curtiss)
- [Mark Korman (6)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/mark-korman)
- [DeAnna L. (4)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/deanna)
- [Dede Armstrong (3)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/dede-armstrong)
- [Jake Lewis (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jake-lewis)
- [Chris Nehotte (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/chris-nehotte)
- [Alex Curtiss, M.A. (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/alex-curtiss)
- [Jenna L. (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jenna-l)
- [Pam Broz (2)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/pam-broz)
- [Nancy Kaley (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/nancy-kaley)
- [Ellie Hyatt (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/ellie-hyatt)
- [Rich Murphy (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/rich-murphy)
- [Phil F. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/philip-farzanegan)
- [Lisa D. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/lisa-d)
- [Stephen Crane (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/stephen-crane)
- [Paddy O (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/paddy-o)
- [Connie Lawrence (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/connie-lawrence)
- [Bob Bernu (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/bob-bernu)
- [Lisa Speedling (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/lisa-speedling)
- [Kevin J (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/kevin-j)
- [Jake L (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jake-l)
- [Women in Recovery (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/women-in-recovery)
- [Judge Shaun Floerke (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/judge-shaun-floerke)
- [Peter H (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/peter-h)
- [Deb Wuebker (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/deb-wuebker)
- [Jay R. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jay-r)
- [Cecil B (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/cecil-b)
- [Lisa G. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/lisa-g)

see all

### Recent Posts

### OUR MISSION

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities affected by alcohol and drug dependency by providing affordable, effective educational services grounded in the Twelve Step principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.

[Learn More →](https://www.theretreat.org/about)

 

*\*The Retreat is a supportive, educational recovery program and is not a substitute for psychotherapy, medical, or clinical treatment.*

### CONTACT US

Phone: 866-928-3434  
Phone: 952-476-0566  
Fax: 952-404-7208

Email: [info@theretreat.org](mailto:info@theretreat.org)

Address:  [1221 Wayzata Blvd E, Wayzata MN 55391](https://www.google.com/maps/place/1221+Wayzata+Blvd+E,+Wayzata,+MN+55391/@44.972252,-93.4978219,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x52b34b6393eefe71:0xa29dd4f038137ea6)

 

**[Our Blog](https://blog.theretreat.org)**  |  [Online Meeting Resources](https://myrecovery.org/online-meetings/) 

 

<https://www.facebook.com/theRetreatonline> <https://twitter.com/the_retreat> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-retreat---wayzata-minnesota/> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-y2eCNjhvtQs7rN22l92kg> <https://www.instagram.com/theretreatmn/>

----------------------------  
"[The Retreat Daily](https://paper.li/e-1496866645)" Daily posts on recovery, sobriety, mental health, and everything in-between.

### NEED HELP NOW?

© 2025 The Retreat. All Rights Reserved. | [Privacy Policy](https://www.theretreat.org/privacy-policy)

Powered By [BSPKN](https://www.bspkn.co/)