In this conversation, I sit down with my friend James — a self-described “unprofessional professional punner” and a holistic healer-in-the-making — for a deeply human exploration of presence, connection, and what it means to come home to ourselves.

James shares his journey through authentic relating, co-counseling, and eye-gazing practices, and how these experiences reshaped his relationship with presence. We talk about the paradox of feeling connected in groups while struggling to feel at home within ourselves… and the quiet loneliness many men carry even when surrounded by others.

This conversation moves between depth and play, touching on:

• how trauma can form when we don’t feel safe expressing what’s alive inside• learning to pendulate between difficult emotions and inner resources• what it really means when we say “community starts with me”• the tension between showing up powerfully in groups and feeling deflated when alone• humor, puns, and play — as bridges to connection and, at times, protective masks• the journey from wanting to be a healer to embodying the path

James brings a rare blend of sincerity and levity, reminding us that laughter and healing are not opposites — they are dance partners. Whether we’re talking somatic awareness, philosophical paradoxes, or wordplay that makes you groan and grin at the same time, this conversation honors the full spectrum of what it means to be human.

This episode is for anyone walking a healing path, learning to hold space for themselves and others, or exploring how to stay connected in a world that often pulls us apart.

A gentle reminder:

Healing doesn’t always have to feel heavy.Sometimes the deepest shifts happen when we allow ourselves to be exactly as we are.

If this conversation resonates with you and you feel called to explore this work more deeply, I’d love to connect.

Website: moonmountainhealing.comEmail: onehappylife@moonmountainhealing.comSubstack: ohlalbritton.substack.com

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