I use music, carpentry, and writing, to stay sane.
I know, I should probably specialize in one thing. It's the 21st century, after all.
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​But the 21st century is a little messed up.
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And this is where my imperfect effort has led me.
Music...
...is a cultural force. It has been shaping and maintaining human society since the beginning. When we stop making music, and leave it to the celebrities, we get sick.
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Join me in making music in the old way. In a circle, with everyone contributing, for a higher purpose.
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I write songs and lead song circles to help us remember.
Carpentry...
...is a satisfying way for me to pay the bills. Many traditions say physical labour is a necessary part of a balanced spiritual life. On my good days, I'm starting to see it that way.
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For 6 years, I've been providing clients with stress-free, affordable renovations and small building projects. Are you my next client?
Writing...
...is a great way to grow. It helps me navigate the long and mysterious path toward purpose.
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If you're on a similar path, I hope reading my posts on Substack will be useful.​
A bit about me
I'm Paul Barton, and I live in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Here's a bit of my story.
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I got a degree in jazz guitar, then I questioned the point of playing jazz. So I tried to be a pop musician, but that's a hard way to pay the bills. So I learned carpentry to make a living. But carpentry wasn't my "passion" (if such a thing exists), so I kept searching.
Searching for what? A sense of accomplishment? Meaning and purpose? Something important to do? Happiness? All of those things and more. All while somehow earning a living.
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Along the way, I learned a few things. I believe I've found a meaningful way to engage with music (after I questioned the point of pop music, too). The more participatory and inclusive, the better. I hope you'll join me.
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I've learned which aspects of carpentry I enjoy, and which ones I don't.
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And I've learned that my obsession with meaning and purpose isn't going to disappear. For me, it's not a matter of finding the right career and sticking with it. I hope I can find a way for this obsession to help people (maybe you?).
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On my music page, you'll find my philosophy of music, which I hope will convince you to sing with me sometime. You'll also find my albums, "community songs", and info about music mentoring and workshops/events.
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My carpentry page should help you decide if you want to hire me for your next small renovation/building/woodwork project.
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My writing page will introduce you to my Substack, where I post regular essays (and some poems) about purpose, the Bible, and daily life.