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 meditate, I’m not trying to “do” anything. I’m not pushing for something to happen, and I don’t expect anything to happen either. Meditation is just about aligning myself with what already is. It’s about being aware of the present moment—the truth of “nowness.”...
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...
ASMR as Meditation Practice
A few years ago, I stepped away from all spiritual practices, including meditation, despite having just learned its “how-to.” This spiritual “fast” lasted 10 years. Yet, without realizing it, I continued meditating—through ASMR videos on YouTube. For those unfamiliar,...
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.
