Welcome to the Barnwood Monk!
I’m Rick Baldwin— writer, artist, and spiritual practitioner. The Barnwood Monk is where I share my journey and insights. Reflections on presence, spirituality, art, and everyday life, written with equal parts reverence, curiosity and a willingness to shake things up a bit to see what happens.
This isn’t about dogma. It’s about asking honest questions, finding beauty in unlikely places, and learning how to live awake in a mostly unconscious world.
The Latest From The Blog
Thoughts, Meditations, Questions and Insights from the Barnwood Monk.
Many posts have summaries and questions for discussion and inquiry.
![Why Spiritually Awake People Are Quietly Disappearing from Society [VIDEO]](https://www.barnwoodmonk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SpiritualPeople-400x250.jpg)
Why Spiritually Awake People Are Quietly Disappearing from Society [VIDEO]
My Publisher sent me a link to this video this morning. I’m going to post it here, without comment, for those who need it. Feel free to comment.
There Is No Spiritual Awakening
There’s really no such thing as “spiritual awakening.” Spirit doesn’t go to sleep—so it can’t wake up. It’s always here, always present, always aware. Infinite. Unchanging.
Aha!
Enlightenment is only one thing. Salvation is only one thing. Nirvana is only one thing. And that one thing, paradoxically both the simplest and most complex concept in all of spirituality, is this: the realization that you do not exist.
Work With Me
If you’re seeking personal guidance, I offer one-on-one sessions. Whether you’re deconstructing old beliefs, navigating a faith shift, or simply wanting to live more present. My role is to help you find clarity and direction when the path feels uncertain or you feel like you may have wandered off track.
Spiritual journeys can sometimes feel lonely. A practitioner doesn’t replace your inner teacher but walks alongside you—as a trusted companion offering support, perspective, and guidance for the road ahead.
