In this episode, Jenny's guest, Elizabeth Reninger describes how when she was very young, the birth of her sister and the death of a young child in a farming accident sparked an early curiosity about the nature of human existence. The death of her father a few years later led to the recognition that we are not the body. Her childhood curiosity persisted into adulthood and led to a path of exploring the deepest truth. Initially this was through academic studies, but later through a variety of spiritual traditions. She was fascinated by what the various teachings have in common. In meeting Thich Nhat Hhan, something that had been missing was revealed. As a result, the direction of her life changed completely. She describes how the process of awakening happened through a series of shifts. Understanding and expression of what she experienced came later. Jenny and Elizabeth  discuss: The connections between Buddhism, Taoism and Advaita Vedanta, and the ideas from each of these traditions that have had a lasting significance for ElizabethThe benefits of having a living Teacher. How a teacher can help at an early stage of the spiritual path and in the stabilization processWhat living in not-knowing means in practical life.Support the showIf you are interested in exploring spiritual awakening, we invite you to register for our free 7 Days to Awakening self study course, created by Lisa Natoli and Bill Free. Learn more about the The Awareness Podcast and access show notes for every episode at: www.teachersofgod.org/podcast Learn more about The Teachers of God Foundation at: www.teachersofgod.org Original music by Omashar