9th Reading: “My Twilight Zone”By: John Kazerooni

Jan 12

For our ninth reading, we are reading short stories written by John Kazerooni.

John Kazerooni’s heritage comes from the territories originally known/named as the Arabian Peninsula (before it was called Persia and before it was titled by foreign entities as the Middle East).

Mr. Kazerooni has created a platform where he shares his creativity which includes writing, woodworking, clay sculpting, wire crafting, drawing, and photography converge.

His websites are:

https://sites.google.com/view/johnkaz/Tapestry-Of-My-Thoughts?authuser=0
if you wish to comment or like his posts then you will want to visit this webpage that also has his pieces: https://medium.com/@iselfschooling

While John Kazerooni, at this point in time, does not consider himself a writer, we have found his pieces to truly be thoughtful and worth sharing. The only word other than writer or artist we would attribute to Mr. Kazerooni is Renaissance man.

According to Brittanica and Merriam Webster, a Renaissance man is “a person who has wide interests and is expert in several areas;” and Renaissance Man is the ideal that “‘a man can do all things if he will.’ The ideal […] led to the notion that men should try to embrace all knowledge and develop their own capacities as fully as possible.” We think Mr. Kazerooni exemplifies this and once you read his writings and view his sculptures and art, we think that you will agree.

Enjoy.

[This summary are the opinions and perspectives of the Heritage Center Junction.]

WEEK ONE READINGS: MY PERSPECTIVES

MY PERSPECTIVES: THREADS OF CONNECTION
MY PERSPECTIVES: ADVICE ON DEAF EARS
MY PERSPECTIVES: ALARMING SHIFT
MY PERSPECTIVES: DANGERS OF FREEDOM
MY PERSPECTIVES: A PERFECT UTOPIA
MY PERSPECTIVES: CHASING PERFECTION
UNDER POEMS: LIFE’S VEIL

HOME PAGE: https://sites.google.com/view/johnkaz/Tapestry-Of-My-Thoughts?authuser=0

SHORT STORIES: https://sites.google.com/view/johnkaz/Tapestry-Of-My-Thoughts/my-twilights/My-Short-Stories?authuser=0

PROMPTS:

THREADS OF CONNECTION: What do you think about this reflection and the Author’s question/statement to the reader: “all things possess spirit or soul, and that the subconscious is our gateway to communicate with it.”
ADVICE ON DEAF EARS
- What are the reasons why you think people ignore advice? Do you agree with the author that it can be due to pride or autonomy or feeling overwhelmed or lacking confidence?
- What do you think is the role of the advice giver?
- The Author poses the following question for the reader to reflect on: At what point should we step back and allow someone to learn from their own experiences? What do you think of this question?
- The Author poses the following question for the reader to reflect on: How can we remain patient and compassionate when our advice is disregarded? What do you think of this question?
ALARMING SHIFT:
- How do you think we can reverse the shift from togetherness to isolation that the Author writes about?
- How would you answer the Author’s call to action at the end: “what will you do to ensure that the next generation doesn’t lose the beauty of genuine connection?”
DANGERS OF FREEDOM: What are your thoughts about this reflection? How is your perspective on freedom the same or different than the author’s? What is your perspective/interpretation of freedom?
A PERFECT UTOPIA: What do you think of one of the core questions that the Author is addressing in this reflection: Would humanity stagnate without the need to overcome obstacles?
CHASING PERFECTION: What do you think of this reflection? What do you think of the questions the Author poses – “Why do we strive to create, even when we understand our work will never be perfect? Could it be that artists are trying to tell us something that nature itself cannot? Is art an attempt to express what lies beyond the reach of the natural world—our emotions, our inner struggles, our human condition?”

DISCUSSION SUMMARY:

Discussion on THREADS OF CONNECTION:
- One member noted that what spoke to them was the portion on what connects us may be more important than what keeps us apart and the author’s references that we are all part of the tapestry.
- Another member that the writing is also a reminder that there is a spirit in everything around us too.
- Another member noted that what struck them is the spirit/soul within us that guides us and how often people fight or go against it and that’s when we have internal conflict that becomes external conflict.
- One member noted that this makes them reflect on their own spirituality and the spirit/soul within us and that the trees and everything around us has a spirit in it too.
- Some of the excerpts quoted by the group include the following:
  - “Creativity becomes translation, giving form to what spirit whispers through the subconscious.”
  - “Perhaps it is wise to listen, to observe with patience, and to leave space for what we do not yet understand.”
  - “if the spirit already binds us, perhaps the real challenge is not to search for connection, but to remember it.”

Discussion on ADVICE ON DEAF EARS:
- Many members noted that they agree with the reasons the author said on why people ignore advice.
- One member noted that nobody wants to feel bad about themselves so the advice can feel like that so they do not want to hear it. And that they agree with the author that some people are just comfortable with doing the bad thing or how things are and to make change would take effort and they are comfortable.
- Another member noted that they would also add fear sometimes too is a barrier for people not taking advice which ties into the author’s comments about sometimes it is due to confidence.
- Some members noted that they also think people ignore advice because while they may like the person giving the advice they may not feel that person is in a position to be giving advice.
- One member noted that they think the role of the advice giver is to speak from their heart and say it once and leave it alone; and also their role is not to enable the behavior or be apart of it moving forward; and also the role of the advice giver is to lead by example. So if you are advising someone about being more active, then do not go out with them to eat at McDonalds. And, spending time with that person may look like inviting them to go for a walk and catchup and not push it but continue to offer and then it is up to the person. And to live what they are saying the other person should do so if they are saying that person needs to work on their patience then the advice giver also should make sure they are continuing to work on their patience.
- Another member noted that the advice giver also has to be mindful if they are giving people the space to digest the information and make the changes in their own speed. And the advice giver needs to be mindful that the advice and approach has to be unique to the person they are giving advice to because the goal is not just to say it but for the person to receive it so you need to be mindful of your approach for that person.
- Other members noted that timing is also important because they need to be in a place to hear and really listen to the advice.
- Some members noted they think once you give the advice then it is best you leave it alone and step back and allow someone to learn from their own experiences. They will come back to you if they want more of your advice. And from there you just have to stop enabling them.
- One member noted that they think we can remain patient and compassionate when our advice is disregarded by looking in the mirror and seeing how we can be a better living example. Because often the thing we are asking someone to change, it is likely we can improve that area in our lives too or something else to be more well rounded and healthy and spiritual and loving and balanced. So after you give the advice then start being the example because they say we are like the people we surround ourself with so be a positive example for that person and don’t engage or put any energy in the behaviour you think they need to change. Even if you are already healthy, perhaps it is cooking more or learning new recipes and having fun with it or trying a new physical activity that you were shy to do.
- Other members also noted that the advice giver has to look at themselves and say “am I modeling the advice that I am giving?”
Discussion on ALARMING SHIFT:
- Some members noted that the author is truly a philosopher for our time and really speaking truth to the state of things. And it is so true the part where the author notes that the next generation will miss out from the simplest of experiences of just sitting around or being around the elders just talking amongst themselves and you are just there and listening.
- One member noted that they think we can reverse it by being intentional with every single interaction we have at work and at home and in our communities. We should ourselves practice being present with every person we talk to and not multitask.
- One member noted that they think we need to be an example for the next generation because they are learning that behavior from their parents and people around them. Or their parents or grandparents encourage it because they are frustrated or stressed in their lives so they use tablets to distract or babysit their children. Instead of addressing their stress and issues so they can be a better and more present role model and parent for their children.
- Another member noted that the parents do need to be involved in this and that the change needs to start at home. And also how can schools and churches and community leaders get involved too. Another member added that they heard even in some Asian countries the government has gotten involved and created campaigns showing the dangers of screen time and reduced mental and social capacity much like the antidrug don’t do drug campaigns when kids were growing up before.
- One member noted that it is holding our relatives and the parents accountable and not be afraid because there seems to be some taboo that you will make the parent feel bad about their parenting but if there is a concern there is a concern and we should not be afraid to have these conversations in our families or with our loved ones when we have a genuine concern but that it also goes back to giving advice so not to harp on it but to be the example and start living what we believe. So letting the parent or relative know that when they come over or you all spend time together that everyone’s devices should be on silent and the kids should leave their device in their car or the other room and the parent should too. Unless the parent is a doctor they can put their phone on silent for some time and just be present. But at some point we in our households have to stop talking about it and actually live it and stop making excuses even if it is hard and there are real challenges but things wont change unless we make intentional changes.
- Here are some of the responses from the group on the call to action: encourage and create more simple regular occurring gatherings that encourage quality interaction – walks together, hiking together, baking together, cooking together, reading together, game nights, having meals together, making things together, give advice to the their relatives and parents about their children’s use of these devices.
Discussion on DANGERS OF FREEDOM:
- The group agreed with the author and each had their own perspectives to share.
- One member noted that they agree with the Author and they also added that they think that people need to remember to distinguish that just because you are free does not mean accountability for your actions if it infringes on another’s freedom. So it is important to have a conversation on healthy accountability that respects individual freedoms and at the same time a safe healthy respectful community/society that you can live in peace and freedom.
- Another member noted that this piece made them think about those who have freedom and then use their freedom to take away freedom from others or control/exploit others.
- Another member noted that are we as individuals mindful of whether we are infringing on the freedom of others with our actions and if our actions infringe on the freedom of others what are we saying.
- Other members noted that all these pieces we have read are truly connected.
Discussion on A PERFECT UTOPIA:
- Many members noted that they think humans need challenges to move otherwise things would be stagnate or perhaps it would be unknown to us. That humans need challenges or things to disrupt the norm to make change and it allows humans to evolve/grow mentally and physically and encourage our creativity and allow us to be better people. And if you did not have any challenges in life then how would you know if things needed to change. Many mentioned life would be boring in a Utopia and would be stagnant and that challenges allow us to be creative and continue to evolve and allow opportunities to be kind and compassionate.
- One member noted that they think society and people are so used to growing and evolving through pain that they have no idea that it is possible to grow and excel through love and creativity. We create these unhealthy challenges and perhaps these human created challenges are what is actually keeping humans and society stagnant and from reaching its full potential. We are so busy focused on the basic needs of humanity (health, finances, simple healthy communication, simple courtesy, common sense) that we have these nonsense issues like war, starvation, climate issues. When we could be doing so much more. So without these things, perhaps we would have healthier sustainable societies where everyone is contributing in a healthy positive way that is not only for the common good but for their own self too because they are getting to do what they want that is not motivated from a place of lack or trying to prove something.
- One member noted that they do not think Utopia is possible and that the focus should be on a balance between perfection and imperfection. And that they do not believe the word perfection exists. And they referenced the Bible that Adam and Eve were not perfect and the Garden of Eden was not perfect so that Utopia could not even work because it is just part of human nature.
Discussion on CHASING PERFECTION:
- All the members noted that this is the perfect reflection to end our session today because it brings everything we read this week together.
- One member noted that they see art and human creations as an appreciation of nature and not trying to compete with nature but bringing to life the human observation and experience of what we see or experience in nature and life.
- Another member said that they see it as many things: an appreciation of nature, expressing your interpretation of a specific moment, and expressing the different ranges of human emotions in different ways.
- One member noted that they have a different perspective on the word “perfect”. They noted that Perfect is defined by Merriam Webster’s dictionary as: satisfying all requirements; or corresponding to an ideal standard or abstract concept; or being entirely without fault or defect. So all this depends on someone’s subjective perspective on what is ideal. So if you make your own definition of what is ideal that is from a place of love then any art the artist creates is a reflection of their expression and is perfect by default because their standard was to express something from a place of love. So perhaps, it first begins with what standard are you adhering to or trying to attain and is it the right standard?
Discussion on the poem: Life’s Veil:
- The group read the poem together and discussed the poem.
- The group really enjoyed this poem. There was reflective silence at first and then just sharing what lines stood out to them or spoke to them most.
- One member noted that the following line really spoke to them: “or learn to trust through joy and pain?” They noted that trust kind of seems to be at the root of a lot or all things. And learning to trust through joy or pain is what will perhaps determine what the next part of the journey will look like; specifically whether it will be more joy or more pain.
- One member noted that life is not straightforward there is joy and pain and that life has its seasons there is a time to cry and a time to laugh.
- Other members noted that this made them think that one has to define life for themselves: what may be a pain for another may be seen as positive for someone else; or what may be a straight line for one person may be a crooked line for another.
- We ended by playing the song that is an upbeat pop vibe take on the poem. We all noted that this is the great thing about art and poetry. You can think something has a tone but someone else can interpret the same thing differently or can feel another tone from the same thing you are both reading.

WEEK TWO READINGS: SHORT STORIES

SHORT STORIES: MIRRORING THE BOOK
SHORT STORIES: IN THE CYCLE OF LIFE
SHORT STORIES: THE DESTINY
SHORT STORIES: THE TRAP
SHORT STORIES: BLACK AND WHITE
SHORT STORIES: THE VOICE OF THE APPLE TREE
SHORT STORIES: The Mark That Bears Witness (formerly THE MARK THAT ACCUSES)
UNDER POEMS: REFLECTION

HOME PAGE: https://sites.google.com/view/johnkaz/Tapestry-Of-My-Thoughts?authuser=0

SHORT STORIES: https://sites.google.com/view/johnkaz/Tapestry-Of-My-Thoughts/my-twilights/My-Short-Stories?authuser=0

PROMPTS:

MIRRORING THE BOOK
- What came to mind when you read the line: “Neither had been born this way. They had merely become what they had rehearsed within themselves for years…..Yet life, inevitably, tests us against what we have become.”
- What came to mind when you read the second sentence of this excerpt: “It was the result of hatred patiently cultivated in a young mind, reinforced through words, rewarded through approval, and protected through silence. It was enabled by a society that heard these ideas spoken, saw their effects unfold, and chose comfort over confrontation.”
IN THE CYCLE OF LIFE
- What did you think of this short story? Did you have an answer for any of the author’s reflection questions at the end?
THE DESTINY
- What did you think of this short story? Did you have an answer for any of the author’s reflection questions at the end?
THE TRAP
- What do you think of this piece? Did you have an answer for any of the author’s reflection questions at the end?
- What “dazzling illusions—feasts that call to our weakness” do you see in your communities?
BLACK AND WHITE
- What do you think of this piece? Did you have an answer for any of the author’s reflection questions at the end?
THE VOICE OF THE APPLE TREE
- What do you think of this piece? Did you have an answer for any of the author’s reflection questions at the end?
The Mark That Bears Witness (formerly THE MARK THAT ACCUSES)
- What do you think of this piece? Did you have an answer for any of the author’s reflection questions at the end?

DISCUSSION SUMMARY:

Discussion on MIRRORING THE BOOK:
- One member noted that they agree with the author that how we were raised and who were around us growing up puts things in your head. And for some they may be like those people or it may lead them to question things. They went on to add so many things shape a person.
- Another member noted this story portrays lessons and words of wisdom. And they added that the line about repetition stood out to them. Repeating a certain behavior or belief will become a part of you.
- Many members agreed with the author that we become what we rehearse. And one member noted that then this means we can start rehearsing something new if we want to have a better life.
- One member noted that when the author wrote that the brothers were reading and consuming these words, it made them think about what type of shows people tend and choose to read. Or what type of video games people choose to play. And then what type of people do you surround yourself with and what type of conversations do they have.
- One member noted that the first part made them think of cain and abel from the bible.
- One member noted that they think it is true that many families and communities approve bad behavior by being silent about it. And that there is a tendency among many people to choose comfort over confrontation. They noted the saying that bad things happen when good people do nothing. We see that with domestic violence and abuse and bad behavior in work settings. Or people will downplay it and not address it for what it is.
- Another member noted that staying silent is very common in a lot of cultures and communities. And added that people are afraid of confrontation because they think it will escalate. And it made them think about the demonstrations that activists do that are not safe but are necessary and another member added that also the risks journalists take.
- The group also spoke about that confrontation doesn’t always have to be aggressive or escalate but can also just be saying “the thing you said is not good” versus “you are not good.” It will all depend on the circumstance and when it is appropriate but to not stay silent or address it at the right time.
- Some members noted that they really liked the following lines from the story: “Ashes were piled over it: ashes of tradition, ashes of denial, ashes of silence. What still burned was hidden, not extinguished. As I wrote in The Truth Beneath the Ashes, we hide the truth under the ashes, hoping that it will disappear over time.”
- A member noted that the author’s words are timeless (unfortunately because we hope things would be better now) that although for some of these pieces he wrote them awhile ago they are still relevant to literally today.
- One member noted that they really like the questions the author poses at the end. And the five that they wanted to point out were:
  1.     how long must truth remain silent so that false beliefs may sleep undisturbed?
  2.     how many tragedies are not sudden acts, but delayed outcomes of beliefs left unchallenged?
  3.     who benefits when questioning is forbidden, and who pays the price when questions are silenced?
  4.     when did obedience become a virtue greater than conscience, and loyalty a value higher than human life?
  5.     at what point does respect for tradition turn into the protection of harm?
  And one member noted that they also really liked the last line: “May we choose stories that teach courage over obedience, compassion over domination, and truth over comfort—before silence writes yet another ending in blood.”
Discussion on IN THE CYCLE OF LIFE:
- One member noted that they love this story and the perspective of the tree and the words and reflections of the tree feel like this is what unconditional love feels like.
- One member noted that they really enjoy the imagery in this short story. The first paragraph feels like Spring. Or just being at peace in nature and fresh outdoors and the sun and breeze.
- Another member noted that this piece was really moving and actually brought tears to their eyes.
- The members agreed that the author’s writing of nature is so easy for the reader to put themselves in the story, into the scenery.
- Many found the depiction of the tree and its lifecycle just brought so many things to mind. And that there are layers to this story. There are words and deep meaning at the surface but some also pointed out the spiritual layer too. And that you can reflect on this story and read it over and over and continue to learn from it and focus on different aspects of it.
Discussion on THE DESTINY:
- One member noted that they really enjoyed this story and the analogy of our own existence to the seed of a tree and its lifecycle. But noted that thankfully unlike a tree, when we realize that we are planted where we do not want to be or that various winds led us to a place where we do not want to be that we can go plant/root ourselves elsewhere.
- Another member noted that this short story made them think of the bible, in particular they quoted the following verse: ““Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty (Zechariah 4:6).” And added that our effort alone is not sufficient there is always circumstances that helped us with our achievements and that it is a contribution of factors (right time, a helping hand, resources, etc.).
- Other members noted that the title Destiny says it, that there is more at play in life then just our individual actions alone.
- One member noted that they agree with the author that: “The vast portion of our growth—of what we become—is rooted not in effort alone, but in the unseen grace of where and when we are planted.”
Discussion on THE TRAP:
- One member noted that this short story is just a good life lesson.
- One member noted that one illusion is the illusion that many immigrants face that they leave their culture and language and emphasis on community and family for what they thought are greener pastures and then come to realize it was an illusion.
- Some of the dazzling illusions the group mentioned include: the illusion of credit cards + the illusion of never enough + people choosing career over their health and family + people thinking it has to be either their career or their family + Student loan debt when maybe there was a more affordable academic institution but only prestigious schools guarantee a good life + People who give up family land or heirlooms to deal with short term problems + Just be obedient or take work place disrespect because you can get a title if just stick with it + Suffer till you retire.
- One member noted that they really liked these two reflection questions:
  - 1. Do we truly recognize a trap before it snaps shut—or only after it’s too late?
  - 2. Are we preparing ourselves, and our children, to see beyond surface promises?
- One member noted that they do think most times we don’t recognize a trap until its too late unless you become a person that is tired of getting into the same trap then you start to take a step back and really notice things.
- One member noted they do wonder if parents and relatives really take time to think about their role in preparing children not just for material things but really nurturing and training and developing their discernment and intuition.
Discussion on BLACK AND WHITE:
- One member noted or wondered does the author think that the moderation is possible and achievable.
- Many members noted that they really like this line and agree with the author when he writes: “To live with grace is to find balance—to speak and to listen, to act and to pause, to love boldly yet temper that love with understanding.”
- One member noted that they really like this reflection question at the end: “And if I allow both boldness and humility to coexist, what kind of life might I step into next?” They are all important and good but this one felt like a person stepping into strength and radiance and that this question is a call to action for each reader to make a difference in their own life and choose to step up today. Another member noted that they interpreted this differently that perhaps the author is questioning whether this is possible and has doubt that the masses are willing to step up.
Discussion on THE VOICE OF THE APPLE TREE:
- Many members noted that this story rung true to them that many people’s focus and behaviors are not focused on the right thing. One member added that people are chasing so many things and not focused on what really matters so they are going in so many different directions and then they see they haven’t really achieved real happiness or a good life.
- Another member noted that this story connects to the story: “Mirroring the book” like just in that story the boy did not just become bad and kill his brother and just like this story the apple did not just fall off the tree bad. What were the circumstances that led up to these events and how do we address the root cause of this societal issues/problems.
- One noted that this story is like a parable.
- One member noted that they think the following line is powerful and one to be mindful of for ourselves and the paths we choose and the people we choose to be around: “But the gift I had been born to offer was twisted—hijacked by ambition, profit, and pride” And they mentioned this line too: “When purity is manipulated, it is not the purity that should be questioned. It is the manipulator.”
- Many members noted that again all the reflection questions are spot on and important. One member noted the following question really spoke to them: “When we look inward, do we still hear our own roots—or only the noise others planted in us?” They went on to add that they think a lot of people only hear the noise others planted and are afraid or too tired to do the work to pull out the weeds and find their own roots, their own voice, their real self.
- One member noted that they really love and agree with this line: “Listen not just to what is said, but to what is served.”
Discussion on The Mark That Bears Witness (formerly THE MARK THAT ACCUSES):
- One member noted that this made them think of corrupt government leaders.
- One member noted that they really like this line and think it is an important reminder for everyone to remember: “Repetition replaced truth, until lies sounded holy.” And this line too: “Silence felt like a shield. But silence rots.”
- One member noted that they also really like this line too: “The brutal truth is that this cruelty began with one—and was allowed to continue because silence chose comfort over human lives.” And went on to share that so many times people will say a country and its people did this but when you look closely like for example look at America, a significant amount of people disagree with President Trump. And it is the same in many countries like Russia and Ukraine where the majority of people do not want the war or conflict and it is specific individuals in the government. They are neighbors so many of them have interwoven families. Same thing with the Rwanda genocide so many of the victims are on both sides because many had interwoven families. Even Israel and Palestine, there are so many Jewish and Israelis against it. It starts with people, a person, who has managed to finagle into power and then claim to speak for all the people. And this is not just at country or state levels but even in households and communities and work environments. This is why it is important to really pay attention and educate ourselves and talk and not just be silent and not just complain but really understand the root of matters.
Discussion on the poem REFLECTION:
- One member noted that they enjoyed this poem and it is a good reminder that when people complain about how terrible things are that it is important to remember that we are not helpless and we can change and bring beauty/music back into the world and that it starts with what we are demonstrating and living day to day.
- One member noted that they love the stanza that it isn’t that love has faded.
- Many members noted that this poem is a beautiful reflection of life.
- Another member noted that this poem and the short stories are portraying words of wisdom to live by and to look within ourselves to find solutions.