The 10♠️ encourages us to stand back, take a moment and pay attention. Here we can ask ourselves: 'What do I notice when I come into presence? What might I sense when I slow down and tune in? What happens when I dig into the ground on which I stand?

So much of the time we can be lost in the past or in fear of or longing for a time that does not yet exist. And all the while we are missing out on Now, on Here on This.

The puffins on our card might draw our attention as we don't see them everyday. If they were pigeons, would we still see their beautiful iridescence? The snowflakes on our card remind us that life is made up of multiple small, beautiful, unique and transient things. We just have to tune our senses and pay attention to discover all the treasure. As the poet Rilke reminded us: 'Isn't impermanence the very fragrance of our days'

Noticing, mindfulness, and presence are all related concepts that involve being fully aware and attentive to the present moment. Here's a breakdown of each concept and how it can help us as humans:

Noticing involves paying attention to the details of our internal and external experiences. It means being observant and aware of our thoughts, emotions, sensations, and surroundings without judgment or attachment. This is seeing with new eyes, as though for the first or the last time. Noticing allows us to become more attuned to the present moment and gain insight into our inner world.

Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity, and acceptance. It involves cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and external environment. Mindfulness allows us to observe our experiences as they arise without getting caught up in them or reacting impulsively. Through mindfulness, we can develop greater clarity, equanimity, and compassion in our lives.

Presence refers to a state of being fully engaged and immersed in the present moment. It involves bringing our full attention and awareness to whatever we are doing, whether it's a simple task, a conversation, or an activity. Presence allows us to fully experience life as it unfolds, without being distracted by regrets about the past or worries about the future. When we are present, we can connect more deeply with ourselves, others, and the world around us.

These practices can help us as humans in several ways:

• Reducing stress and anxiety: these practices help us to become more grounded and centered, reducing stress and anxiety by allowing us to let go of worries and concerns about the past or future

• Improving focus and concentration: By training our attention to stay focused on the present moment, these practices can improve our ability to concentrate and perform tasks more effectively. This is crucial in our world which steals our attention and competes for our focus

• Enhancing self-awareness and emotional regulation: Noticing our thoughts and emotions with mindfulness can increase self-awareness and help us to better understand and manage our feelings and reactions

• Fostering connection and empathy: Being fully present and attentive in our interactions with others can deepen our connections and relationships, fostering empathy, understanding, and compassion

• Promoting overall well-being: Cultivating noticing, mindfulness, and presence can contribute to our overall sense of well-being by helping us to live more authentically, joyfully, and meaningfully.

  Sit and practice with the 10♠️ and start to see the extraordinary in what might seem ordinary. The 10♠️ leads us into the Spades Royal Family: the J♠️ Q♠️ and K♠️

♥️ ♠️ ♦️ ♣️