When we have truly mastered the task of “loving your enemy as yourself,” I believe we will have come a long way. And I just love the way that is phrased, because I know our “enemies” are ourselves.

And what could be better? If we are all in this together, it stands to reason that we need each other. And what could be a better challenge than needing somebody with opinions you wouldn’t normally agree?

Ah, I know that has to be good for the soul. How could it not be? If we all had to try to see through our “enemies’” eyes for even one minute, we could not help but understand them better. And with understanding comes compassion, and all sorts of wisdom. If we could truly see the world through their eyes, we might learn something about politics or equality or even this existence. And that could only be a good thing.

When we learn about one another, we will know how much we have in common. And I suspect it is much more than what we don’t have in common, because, as I have said repeatedly, I truly feel that we are one.

That might be a bit easier for me to say because I’m an identical twin, with a close tie to my sister. But I am sure that you all can feel it too.

It is special to be one with all of creation, the animals, the plants, and the stars. Just think about all the widespread points of view.

This universe is incredibly diverse, and everything that exists wants to continue its existence.

Human beings are no different, except that we are able to influence this planet like no other species. We must take care. We must act with compassion. We must save the Earth, from those of us who just don’t seem to care.

If we treat everybody as ourselves I am sure that all of creation, which is benevolent, will benefit. And we have to cover ourselves. We must do the right thing for the masses, not for cancer or nuclear energy. We must love ourselves.

Marcelle Hanemann is a news reporter for The Daily News. You can email her at marcelle.hanemann@bogalusadailynews.com or call her at 985-732-2565, ext. 301.