Unbidden

Unbidden

Yesterday I attended a meditation, a guided one, that emphasized an awareness of what arises unbidden in our lives. The sun rising in the morning, for example, and how the light presents itself, not necessarily a dramatic and glorious scene, though this could be the case. But how the light filters through the leaves, for instance. And unbidden could be the unexpected kindness that have come our way.

There are innumerable examples that could be cited.

It was a journey that invited an awareness that so much is given thusly in this life (Though some would say it is all earned on some level.) But, still…

And when we regard all this from our primal innocence, we can feel we are carried in so many ways we might not readily notice…To wake up to another day and have that cup of coffee in the morning, to the help that arises just when needed, to the vast sky and circling stars who have their part in this cosmic dance, this infinitely fine tuned equilibrium. The cosmos, indeed, arises unbidden in our lives.

And this invitation to recognize the unbidden extends itself to a relaxing into, a receiving, a gratitude.

During the meditation, it was suggested to turn one’s face toward the kind unbidden that comes toward you; to recognize and receive these. It was not suggested to feel gratitude. This just emerged as a natural response.

Yesterday the theme of the unbidden came my way unbidden. And for that I am grateful.

🙏

Annie Kiyonaga

June 3, 2026