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.
On Not Being A Remote Cabin
This week, I’m staying in a secluded cabin in north Georgia while working on an art project for a client. The isolation is nice because I don’t have to interact with people much, except when I need supplies or work on the project itself. Yet, I’ve always felt a bit...
You Are Not Less Than!
We’ve been led to believe, by those who don’t truly understand, that we are less than we are. People who repeat what they’ve been told—without questioning it—have convinced us that we are flawed, limited, imperfect, and broken. You have the power to decide what to...
Finding Happiness
Looking for happiness is a lot like searching for your glasses when they’re sitting on top of your head. (Sound familiar?) We all chase after things in life that we think will make us happy, and sure, they do—for a while. But eventually, we realize the “thing” we...
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.
