Spiritual Living as Artistic Practice

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.

Flash Meditation

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...

That’s Just Your Opinion, Man

That’s Just Your Opinion, Man

Surprise—it’s okay not to have an opinion about something! In fact, it’s perfectly fine to let go of all the opinions you currently hold about, well, everything! I know this might not be the most popular viewpoint. (See what I did there?) We live in a society where...

Why Spirituality? An Introduction

Why Spirituality? An Introduction

What makes someone choose a spiritual life? Our world is packed with all kinds of experiences. There are places to visit, things to do, shows to watch, hobbies to dive into, wars to fight, people to love, food to eat, and so much more. So why would anyone choose to...

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.