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.
Please, Don’t Feed The Ego
Do you feel like we're swimming in a sea of massive ego energy right now? It’s true. Election years always bring out the ego in full force, and right now, the U.S. is right in the middle of one. It’s like a free pass to think, "I'm right, and everyone else is wrong."...
Life Through Limited Perspective
We have seven mammals living in our household, and it seems that each of us is prone to shedding hair continuously. It's not unusual to find dog, cat, and human hair scattered on the floor, creating a temporary, mixed carpet of fur from all species. This morning, I...
Flash Meditation
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget that the core of who we are is peace. It might seem hard to believe, especially in challenging moments, but these are the times when we most need to pause and reconnect with our true self—the calm, unwavering...
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.
