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.
The Name That Unlocks
This article explores the concept of duality in human experience and how spiritual insight can help us transcend it to perceive the Oneness of existence. I examine the limitations of the term “God,” noting that naming something inherently creates distinction, which contradicts the infinite nature of true Being. However, dualistic thinking can still serve as a bridge to Oneness, and different names for the same ultimate reality can aid in deepening meditation and spiritual understanding. The article encourages experimenting with various terms—such as Consciousness, Life, or Energy—to find what resonates most and enhances one’s spiritual experience.
The Peace of Christmas
In the silence of our being, our true nature is revealed. This silence is the essence of all things we perceive—everything we see, hear, feel, and experience. In this silence, there are no labels, judgments, or concepts. In it, you are not defined by the names you...
No Way To Know
This article explores the inherent limitations of describing spirituality and reality, emphasizing that all human attempts to articulate these concepts are fragmented and incomplete. I compare this limitation to a dog trying to comprehend its owner’s daily activities—an endeavor constrained by the dog’s cognitive capacity. Similarly, human understanding is shaped by personal experience, language, and cultural background, making any description of reality inherently subjective. Rather than seeking complete understanding, the article advocates for embracing a state of “unknowing,” recognizing that reality transcends human comprehension.
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.
