Retold by John Porcino There was once a samurai warrior who traveled to the distant home of an old monk. On arriving he burst through the door and bellowed, “Monk, tell me! What is the difference between heaven and hell?” The monk sat still for a moment on the tatami-matted floor. Then he turned and […]
The Monk and the Samurai Details »
A Tale from Tibet, adapted by Laura Simms ©2001. Two old men lived near each other high up among the mountains in a small village. Each owned a small garden. One old man was very generous and thoughtful. He never thought about doing things that were kind, it was just his nature. The other old
by Nancy Mellon, September 21, 2001. Soon after the recent events in New York City, I received from a mother the following story. The previous morning her six-year old child had told her a dream: “I was on a ship and it crashed. There were a lot of skeletons around and then some people came
How to Create Stories for Children who Are Having Fears and Nightmares Details »
Adapted by Joan Stockbridge. The Magic Ball is adapted from a story from the Chubut Province in southern Argentina. This version is meant to focus on the addiction and recovery themes useful in recovery settings. Once there was a dreadful witch who lived on a mountaintop where the winds howled and the snow blew. She
A tale from India retold by Mary Dessein. 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. A water-bearer carries two large pots on a
A German folktale adapted by Allison Cox. I have told this story to women’s substance abuse recovery groups, parenting support classes, caregivers retreats, and for various women’s issues. There once was a woman who had so many problems, so many worries, so many troubles… that at times she felt she had more troubles than
Adapted by Rafe Martin, Essay by Cristy West. Brave Little Parrot is from an ancient Jataka tale from India. When a forest fire breaks out and threaten forest animals, a little parrot tries to put it out alone by carrying drops of water on its back from the lake. Once a little parrot lived
The Brave Little Parrot Details »
