Transitions: Coping with Change

Presented by: Elene Loecher

Jan. 21–23, 2011

Nazareth Retreat Center

One of the basic truths in life is that everything changes. We might experience change as pleasant, hurtful or difficult. Change takes many forms: declining health, loss of a job, loss of a loved one, aging, divorce. Even positive changes carry anxiety about the unknown: starting a new job or retirement. As a society, we are witnessing more loss and change — at an accelerated pace — than we have seen in six decades.

• In the midst of planned and unplanned change, how do we take care of ourselves?
• How can we learn to accept change in healthy ways? How do we guard against using “quick fixes” — alcohol, drugs, too many prescription meeds — to mute the pain?

We will explore the difference between change and transition. Change is a situational shift. Transition is the process of letting go of the way things used to be and then accepting the way they subsequently become.

• Take this opportunity to explore the changes and transitions in your life.

This retreat is open to people in any twelve step program (AA, Al-Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics, etc.) as well as anyone who wants some help in navigating changes and transitions in their life.

The retreat begins at 7:00 pm on the 21st and ends with the noon meal on the 23rd.

Elene has worked for 24 years at Hazelden Foundation,* serving as Spriitual Care and Program Coordinator for the Dan Anderson Renewal Center. In her work, she has also led days of Renewal on behalf of Hazelden for groups in Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C. and other cities throughout the United States. Elene specializes in meditation and mindfulness, grief and loss, transitions, and 12-Step recovery.

*Hazelden, a national nonprofit organization founded in 1949, helps people reclaim their lives from the disease of addiction. Hazelden offers a comprehensive approach to addiction that addresses the full range of patient, family, and professional needs, including treatment and continuing care for youth and adults.

For further information contact us at the following:

Nazareth Retreat Center

P.O. Box 7

Nazareth, Ky. 40048

(502) 348–1513