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 Journey Is An Illusion
The article challenges the widely accepted notion of the “spiritual journey,” arguing that it is an illusion. Spirituality is not about progress, self-improvement, or gaining anything—it’s about realizing what is already present. The idea of a journey fuels religious and spiritual industries, but true spirituality is about recognizing that there is nowhere to go and nothing to attain.
Habitual Mental Collections
This article explores the nature of opinions and how they often serve as mental shortcuts rather than thoughtful conclusions. It suggests that opinions can become unconscious habits tied to ego and identity, rather than genuine reflections of truth. By becoming more aware of our opinions and questioning their origins, we can move beyond them and connect with our deeper, opinion-free awareness.
That Isn’t A God
To truly be recognized as a god, a being must uphold its own moral principles far better than its followers do. A god that lives by a “do as I say, not as I do” standard is nothing more than a manipulative figure, unworthy of worship or devotion. For instance, a god...
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.
