All beings have seasons of plenty and seasons of famine. But what if our fellow creatures, plant and animal, perceive being alive from the “this is awesome” perspective instead of the “this kinda sucks” perspective? What if plants and animals are essentially optimistic and content, with faith that the gifts they need always come in some form or quantity? And when, as happens, the gifts are scarce, then they are appreciated all the more.
How opposite from addiction which is frustrated at the slightest diminishing of pleasure?
Humans have evolved away from contentment. We have invented ourselves into discontentment. The Buddha may have it wrong, for perhaps it is only we humans who suffer, and we are projecting our own suffering upon our all our fellow creatures.
Imagine instead (in a rare moment undistracted by the landscape of addiction) that the fine sensations we feel are our connection with all beings. It is not their suffering we feel, but their happiness.
Take a moment and feel this. Feel their contentment shimmering, glimmering through your body. May this fill you with tears of joy.