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.
Meditation Is Doing Nothing
When I sit down to meditate, I’m not trying to make anything happen. I’m not aiming for a particular state, and I’m not looking for some special experience. There’s nothing I’m trying to fix or improve. Meditation, for me, is simply a willingness to be with what’s already here.
Original Sin?
The story of Adam and Eve in Genesis tells us that the woman saw the fruit of the tree as good to eat, pleasing to the eye, and capable of making one wise. She ate it and shared it with her husband. Almost immediately, something changed. They became aware of their nakedness and felt exposed. Embarrassed, they covered themselves with fig leaves.
Shaking The Dust
“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.” - Matthew 10:14, The (Christian) Bible “In Biblical times, when leaving Gentile cities, pious Jews often shook the dust from their...
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.
