Recently I have come across photo books and YouTube videos that are heartwarming beyond words. They show animals, which would normally be enemies in the wild, in caring relationships. For whatever reason, two animals form deep friendships rather than one viewing the other as a potential meal. So, what exactly, is an enemy?
An enemy is nothing more than our perception of another. Perception is the way in which we view the physical forms that make up the scenery in our lives. This perception can change hue by the many layers of filters that we put in front of, or take away from the form. We may see someone through the filter of prejudice, or through the filter of love. We may view them through the filter of race consciousness, or through opinions. Or, we may remove the filters altogether and view them simply as they are in the moment, without any judgement.
I have spent more than thirty years practicing the art of being non-judgmental and accepting. This often requires deep reflection and a true desire to release past conditioning. It requires letting go of the past, letting go of our victimhood, letting go of blame, and letting go of resentment. Just because another may view us as their enemy, or judge us, or even hate us, does not imply that we should make them our enemy, as well. I have often reminded myself that even the beloved man, Jesus, was perceived as an enemy by many. It is ironic then, that so many religions that profess to follow his teachings, choose to make an enemy of those who do not agree with their dogma.
Prejudice can take many forms. Judgement is based on false beliefs. Opinions are infinite. I recall an argument I once had with my now ex-husband when he very adamantly told me that we needed to judge people. He believed that it was necessary to judge them in order to determine if they were “good” or “bad”. I am certain that this mindset was molded from the many years that he spent in the military. If the military does not instill in its soldiers that those they are fighting, are enemies, the soldiers would not be willing to kill.
We now have mediators in divorce settlements and therapists who help resolve marital conflicts. It helps to have a third person who can help to remove the filters and allow two people to see the other’s point of view. When we are able to see the other person not as our enemy, but as someone with similar fears and insecurities as our own, we find the common ground of peace.
The unique animal relationships that have been witnessed are proof that our souls can connect at that deeper level, where all the filters are removed. There are in fact no enemies. When we choose to see another as different from ourselves, we become our own worst enemy. When we choose to see them as ourselves, we have no enemies.
