A water-bearer carries two large pots on a yoke across his shoulders up the hill from the river to his master's house each day. One has a crack and leaks half its water out each day before arriving at the house. The other pot is perfect and always delivered a full portion of water after the long walk from the river.

Finally, after years of arriving half-empty and feeling guilty, the cracked pot apologized to the water-bearer. It was miserable. "I'm sorry that I couldn't accomplish what the perfect pot did."

The water-bearer says, "What do you have to apologize for?"

"After all this time, I still only deliver half my load of water. I make more work for you because of my flaw."

The man smiled and told the pot. "Take note of all the lovely flowers growing on the side of the path where I carried you. The flowers grew so lovely because of the water you leaked. There are no flowers on the perfect pot's side."

Story is a natural tool for use in addiction treatment and offers a safe way to examine some very difficult issues, ones that can be frightening or shameful to have to admit too soon in the recovery process. There are endless issues to be explored and endless stories. One of the wonders is that in the group setting, people explore issues together and very often find what they have in common, not just their differences from one another. This then allows candor, personal scrutiny, increased awareness, perhaps some empathy, and just maybe, some trust. Each person has to find his or her own answers. Story opens the door.

This story works well in the recovery world and the community of Twelve Step programs because there is a strong focus on a person's deficits. This is appropriate as it is aimed at awareness and then positive change. However, sometimes people get stuck on their deficits, seeing only the flaws. The Cracked Pot reminds people even their deficits have a function. As a therapist, I believe the problems in our lives and our character defects are also some of our best teachers. Groups almost always go, "Aaaah," when they hear the last line the water-bearer says to the pot. That awareness is often given lip service however. Really believing it is difficult for many people.

Of course, the play on words the cracked pot being close to expression of being a crackpot is fun for clients. There are usually a couple remarks about that, plus:
- "If that was whiskey and me carrying it, the entire pot would've been empty."
- "We are our harshest critic."
- "I never measure up to someone else."
- "Sometimes we do good we don't even know about."
- "My bad traits are easier to see."

There's a group exercise that works here. Each group member draws a line down the middle of a sheet of paper. On one side, they write "how I see myself". On the other, they write "how others see me". I usually get a lot of resistance as clients claim they don't know how others see them. But after some examples and a little thought, most begin to see some positive aspects about themselves as well as some contradictions. Also, that others tend to see them in a more favorable light than they see themselves. Just like the cracked pot.

From Barbara Wall

The board of ALBA - Alliance for Healing Storytelling in Scandinavia - chose to publish "The cracked pot" as a website example of what healing storytelling is about.

It's short and simple, so an inexperienced teller can muster the courage to tell it and do it well. We used it ourselves (some of us are still beginners) to help each other get in touch with the spirit of storytelling as a healing art. Its gentle pictures speak to listeners (and share their colors, shapes and fragrances!) even after many tellings.

It was Nancy Mellon and Allison Cox (among others) who inspired us and our founder Inger Lise Oelrich to create a Scandinavian organization along the lines of the Healing Story Alliance (at the first International Storytelling as a Healing Art Symposium in Scandinavia, in July 2005). Now "The cracked pot" can be read in Swedish at www.nordiskALBA.org. Thank you for including it in the Treasure Chest and thanks for being such a source of inspiration for us!

Barbara Wall, Stockholm

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From Michael F. Miroslavich

Mary is a gifted, talented individual who sows happines & help to all who see/meet her. God Bless You, Mary!

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From David Quintero

I think this story is uplifting showing that even the people who arent perfect can make influence in making the world a beautiful place. Everyone is capable of doing something great, even the cracked pot.

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From Tiffanie

To me personally maybe because my glass is always half empty, this lil story only told me that those of us with flaws only are placed on this earth to make everyone else seem that much more beautiful than us. Sorry the thought was nice but someone that is really down on themselves isnt going to find this story to be uplifting.

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From Diane Wilson

Thank you for the story. I am planning to use it with a group of incarcerated women I work with in Tucson. These women are all felons with alcohol or drug related charges. I will let you know how it is received.

I have used other stories with them and they respond powerfully. It's interesting how telling a story often brings on a state of concentration and sparks discussion.

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Posted by Rocci Hildum on April 04, 2001 at 08:15:42:

I very much appreciate Mary's observations in using the "Cracked Pot" in a therapeutic setting. I am wondering just how you use story in these settings. I am assuming that it is in a group treatment session? Do you do a brief introduction to the story and then tell it or is there some more preparation that needs to take place first. I am a storyteller by avocation and a Social Worker by profession. I am trying to think of ways in which I might be able to use storytelling in my own work with abused children and abusive families and even more so with foster parents.

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Posted by Allison Cox on April 11, 2001 at 01:12:59:

In Reply to: Cracked Pot posted by Rocci Hildum on April 04, 2001 at 08:15:42:

As part of my work in health promotion, I tell stories related to substance abuse issues. I introduce myself as a health dept. employee and tell my listeners that one of the ways I go about my work is through storytelling. After the stories I often take time to listen to responses regarding characters or dilemmas of the tale - I have found audiences of all ages open to stories - especially if I am up front about any agenda - once an agency just advertised stories and free food for elders without saying anything on the brochure that I was telling stories about breast cancer! If you want a list of more stories on this subject, go to the substance abuse bibliography on my resource page on my site at:
Social Justice - scroll down to see substance abuse
Also see "Snake's Jive" on the story page.
See Snake's Jive

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Posted by Mary Dessein on May 15, 2001 at 00:27:27:

In Reply to: Re: Cracked Pot posted by Allison Cox on April 11, 2001 at 01:12:59:

Hi Allison. I have since had chem dep counslors tell me Cracked Pot reminded them of trying to help clients see their own value is as much a part of the job as relapse prevention, loss issues, etc. It is often easy for me to see a client's strength and they cant see their own.

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Posted by Mary Dessein on April 08, 2001 at 00:56:53:

In Reply to: Cracked Pot posted by Rocci Hildum on April 04, 2001 at 08:15:42:

Rocci, sometimes i do plan to do a session using stories as tools. Othertimes, the story comes up and out as part of the process. As the excerpt said, i work with addicts and alcoholics (the difference is often semantics). Usually it is in group session, however last week i had a patient/client (whichever word is preferred) who was struggling with fear and anger and the story just surfaced in me. In teaching, guiding, counseling, as you know, the answer must come from the person. It is the trick to help them find it. Another client in group last week shared a very difficult decision. I had heard Laura tell The Prince's Search for Knowledge when she was in Seattle recently. And so out that story came. There are times when using story is more 'up' for me than at others. And when the clients i am working with seem receptive. The dynamics, of course, change. The challenge is sometimes for me to be sure of my own agenda. Is it just that i want to tell it, or is it called for at the time? The work you do with abused kids seems a natural. Perhaps it is you becoming comfortable with story as a tool, as a connection to the young people you work with. Thank you for your response. Like i am any expert!

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Posted by Bob Kanegis on April 07, 2001 at 20:46:37:

In Reply to: Cracked Pot posted by Rocci Hildum on April 04, 2001 at 08:15:42:

: I very much appreciate Mary's observations in using the "Cracked Pot" in a therapeutic setting. I am wondering just how you use story in these settings. I am assuming that it is in a group treatment session? Do you do a brief introduction to the story and then tell it or is there some more preparation that needs to take place first. I am a storyteller by avocation and a Social Worker by profession. I am trying to think of ways in which I might be able to use storytelling in my own work with abused children and abusive families and even more so with foster parents.

The cracked pot itself might give a clue. As a professional, your clients may see you as the perfect pot. What happens when you begin to 'leak stories?!' You might not want to make a big deal of it at first... you can try simply... "that reminds me of a story" whether in fact you had been mulling over the possibility of using it and preparing, or if it arises spontaneously in the moment. When you finish, resist the temptation to move right into analysis... let it sit and see if it evokes a response. Knowing your clients as you do you will probably know whether or when to move on. Watch for signs of seeds sprouting. The next time you meet you might leak another story! My guess is before long your clients will be anticipating and looking forward to a story and probably growing more receptive to the power of story to illuminate their situation.

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Posted by Mary D on April 08, 2001 at 01:00:38:

In Reply to: Re: Cracked Pot posted by Bob Kanegis on April 07, 2001 at 20:46:37:

I like that! leaking a story. And i think you are correct. As therapists, we are often perceived as perfect or without the problems or struggles of most folk.

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Posted by liz mangual on April 07, 2001 at 21:22:11:

In Reply to: Re: Cracked Pot posted by Bob Kanegis on April 07, 2001 at 20:46:37:

I was just reflecting on Bob's response, and being his partner in work with incarcerated teens I remembered how we had to learn about just saying..."that reminds of a story", then telling the story and after telling it just allowing it to sink in. Sitting and allowing yourself, the storyteller, to reflect on the story. I/we have learned that this pause after telling a story inevitably sparks thought and discussion within the group. I love the Cracked Pot. It's a poignant metaphor for all of us Cracked Pots in the world...a metaphor of hope and possibility, for in spite of our inperfections we all have something to offer.

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Posted by Dale Beaulieu on September 29, 2001 at 13:37:16:

Blessings ~

Your story reminded me of two tales about the wonder of 'not quite hitting the mark.' ~ the original Anglo-saxon meaning for the word, 'sin.'

The founders of the 12-step programs got many of the core teachings from the Washingtonians, who made their 'converted drunks' kneel in upstairs rooms, confess their sinfulness and give their lives to the Lord.

In my 19 years in recovery, I have seen defects, shortcomings, failings often focused on to the exclusion of loving self-regard, seeing oneself as on the way or in sacred unfolding process ~ Many of my fellow members do not give themselves credit fro suiting up and showing up, to allow precious time to gently acquire self-honoring.

For folks who have known more than their share of shame, this can be counterproductive to healing. I like these two stories and I return to them when the taint of shame, and original unworthiness rears its not-so-pleasant head.

1] This story was sent by one of my fourteen-year-old daughter's friends. It would be, for me, an acceptable scriptural replacement for the Genesis version from which theologian's wrested the doctrine of original sin - somehow children and pancakes is more palatable than apples, serpents, fig-leaved & shame-covered adults

~ AND THE BEST ~

No body here is evil, just filled with innocent good intent ~ like all of us.

~

"Six-year-old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor. He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.

"Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad. He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove, (and he didn't know how the stove worked)! Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky.

"And just then he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon's eyes. All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him. Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process."

[Comments by Beau]

"all we all want to do is something good ..."

Even the most seemingly evil act has buried within it a good intent: the domestic abuser seeks to communicate his/her woundedness, the alcoholic aches with a hunger, and reaches for a container that by nature cannot satisfy, the rapist/abuser has a heart not yet capable of understanding how to get, give love and be a sacred part of life's web

~

It is only my judgment[s] that keep[s] me from seeing this always ~ so clear ~ good cause within those wounded who strike out or within, or myself when I do the same ~ fall short of perfect pancakes: - oh, to be wise like a child again... and know that the Creator willingly gets stickly alongside me in life's messes!

2] Consider this Hasidic tale on the lightness of Rabbinic absolution: Collected in the works of psychiatrist Sheldon Kopp:

"During his stay in Mezrithch, the Rav or Kolbishov saw an old man come to the Great Maggid and ask him to impose penance on him for his sins. "Go home," said the maggid. "Write all your sins down on a slip of paper and bring it to me." When the man brought him the list, he merely glanced at it. Then he said, "Go home. All is well." But later, the Rav observed that Rabbi Baer read the list and laughted at every line. This annoyed him. How could anyone laugh at sins!

For years he could not forget the incident, till once he heard someone quote a saying of the Baal Shem: "It is well-known that no one commits a sin unless the spirit of folly possesses him. But what does the sage do if a fool comes to him? He laughs at all this folly, and while he laughs, a breath of gentleness is wafted through the world. What was rigid thaws, and what was a burden becomes light. What was rigid thaws, and what was a burden becomes light." The Rav reflected. In his soul he said: "Now I understand the laughter of the Holy Maggid."

"What was rigid thaws, and what was a burden becomes light."

Thank you for your wondrous tale ~ and if anyone every calls me a crackpot, I can now consider it a great compliment!!

Blessings and many thanks for the great story ~
Beau

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Posted by Jessica on January 23, 2002 at 16:02:41:

The Cracked Pot was a short story. It was hardly talking about the pot. It was a good story. I liked the story because it was short. When I was reading it I thought it was a really good.

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Posted by Bob Seigetsu Avstreih on June 27, 2001 at 18:22:06:

I just used The Cracked Pot at a residential "reform school" for girls 11-18 y/o. Its a regular gig I have twice a month. Then came home and thought about this poem by Dag Hammarskjold. For those not old enough to remember, he was the greatest, most humanitarian U.N Secretary General, who died (was killed?) on a mission to Africa a few decades ago. Here is his poem. Cherish it:

"To be free, to be able to stand-up
and leave everything behind--
without looking back. To say "YES--
If only I may grow: firmer, simpler,--quieter, warmer."
Will it come or will it not,
the day when the joy becomes great
the day when the grief becomes small--
Never, "for the sake of peace and quiet"
deny your own experience of convictions.

The pride of the cup is in the drink,
Its humility in the serving.
What, then, do its defects matter."

Peace, joy, and good work. Bobby

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Posted by Barbara Kellogg on March 20, 2002 at 15:37:11:

I've used another version of thisstory in my repotoire but never in a discussion group. Having participated in many, leading as well, an addition to the pencil excerise, might be for the individuals, after writing how they see themselves to ask each other to share how they see me. That is always an revelation-- So, one side of paper list: How I see Me Second side of paper: How others see Me

Group can move around the room sharing or pair up or even pass the paper from one to another noting comments about each person. Individuals make sure they have their name on paper.

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