thedunnthing.co.uk

Ramblings and Musings from a UK quinquagenarian.

Month: July 2026

Productivity Update (Jul 26)

July 31, 2026 / / 0 Comments

My productivity has taken a few strange turns this year. Personal circumstances mean I’m lacking focus and motivation, so something has had to give!

I decided to move away from digital to a more analogue system.

I’m now using a single capture tool (Field Notes), a Leuchtturm 1917 bullet journal for day-to-day tasks, and a Rhodia A5 notebook for planning. I can’t fully escape digital, so it’s Proton Calendar for events and day-based notifications.

Other tools like Obsidian, Nirvana and Todoist haven’t been removed from my system – just sidelined for now.

Keeping it simple is all I can do right now and gives me some of that clarity back.

A Spiritual Journey (Part 1)

July 29, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Recent family bereavements, plus the fact I’m approaching the age my Dad was when he died 22 years ago, has made me ask some questions about both mortality and spirituality.

I’ve always been an atheist. I don’t believe in the supernatural, only in the evidential. Anything that has undergone the scientific method and come out shiny is what I’m inclined to think is “the truth” until proved otherwise.

I’ve also found that I get solace, energy and some kind of transcendence out in nature. Whether that be a walk on the beach, planting new seeds for the greenhouse, or repairing holes that Marley (my nutty Springer Spaniel) has dug up in my gar-Dunn.

So what can combine my “no-woo” scientific leanings plus the luminance in nature that neatly ties in my core values? What can provide a framework that won’t condemn me in this life or any afterlife (which there isn’t IMHO).

I’ve discovered Atheopaganism. It has roots in, or indeed may be known as, Naturalist or Humanist Paganism. For me, it’s a personal framework to hang my values, behaviour and sensibilities. It’s based on science that actually happens in the reality around us.

Atheopaganism (AP) is based on 4 key pillars and 13 principles. Both of these elements will be explored in future posts.

For those out there who are innately skeptical, questioning, but grounded in reality, who have a love for nature, environment, and their “fellow passengers to the grave,” as Dickens would say, AP might be something you want to explore for yourself.

Resources:

The Cruelest Blow

July 21, 2026 / / 0 Comments

July has been an awful month. I lost my uncle, my good friend had an adverse medical diagnosis, and our beautiful granddaughter Penny passed away on 6th July.

She was only 3, all set to be 4 in September. Without any warning, poor Penny had some seizures, likely caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain caused by the eventual diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy, or “saggy heart”. She had successful surgery the Saturday before she died, and signs were promising, but subsequent seizures on 6th July meant her brain and body could no longer cope, and she quietly slipped away.

It’s devastated the whole family, and beyond. Such a bubbly, bright, beautiful little girl stricken off, no reason. The cruelest blow to my amazing son and his beautiful partner.

I’m taking some time out from work to try and come to terms with this, and to help my son and partner where I can. We will all love her and miss her terribly. She was unforgettable.

There is very little consolation other than my son and partner have a beautiful 4-month-old lad, and I’ve seen just how strong they are together in dealing with this.

The funeral in Gloucester was beautiful; emotional, poignant, and appropriate for a little girl who brought joy and fun to all those around her.

Donations can be made at:
The Grand Appeal – Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity

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