Perhaps right now life is calling you to reach deeper within yourself for [your] source of compassion, or to remember it as you begin a new project, relationship, or phase of life. Or the message may be to first direct some of this compassion to your inner self. Even if you feel restricted and unable to shine outwardly, acknowledge and love this limited part of yourself unconditionally. Just as we are held within our mother's womb until the time is right for us to be born, we can think of our own limitations as a new self waiting to be born. . . .

Take a moment today to breathe in the heart. Then place your hands lightly over your belly as you expand the heart to include it, and breathe more and more deeply there. Feel a sun there, radiating warmth and positivity in all directions.

Neil Douglas-Klotz in The Sufi Book of Life