Alienation in the Diamond Approach is understood as a disconnection from one’s true essence and the experience of the self through representations rather than direct presence. This alienation begins with developing psychic structures and self-representations that shape our experience of ourselves. Instead of directly experiencing our essential presence, we rely on these representations, which creates a gap between our true identity and how we perceive ourselves.
The alienation from one’s essential identity is linked to narcissism, particularly central narcissism. In this context, narcissism is considered the expression of the alienation from one’s true self, encompassing not only the vitality of the body and emotions but also the inner core of the self, which is the essential presence. When individuals experience themselves primarily through self-representations, they become further alienated from their essential core, resulting in greater narcissistic tendencies.
In addition to everyday narcissism, there is also pathological narcissism, representing a more significant alienation from the essential core of the self. This type of narcissism involves a greater distance from essential presence, resulting in a sense of emptiness, fragmentation, and preoccupation with physical symptoms.
Narcissism is fundamentally the central expression of the alienation from one’s true self, where this true self is not only the vitality of the experience of the body and the emotions, but also, and most significantly, the inner core of the self, its essential presence. – A. H. Almaas, The Point of Existence: Transformations of Narcissism in Self-Realization, pg. 173
The factors responsible for the soul’s alienation from its true nature are numerous and have been discussed extensively in Diamond Approach books. These factors include the inadequacy of the early holding environment, where the individual may have lacked the necessary nurturance and support, leading to a disconnection from their essence. The caretaker’s narcissistic blindness, extreme impressionability, and malleability of the young soul can also contribute to the alienation. Additionally, the nature of ego development in relation to the characteristics of the soul’s essence, cognitive immaturity, animal potential of the soul, congenital and accidental physical limitations, as well as trauma and abuse, all play a role in the development of varying degrees of alienation from one’s true nature.
It is important to note that the concept of alienation in the Diamond Approach emphasizes the significance of direct experience and connection with one’s essence. By recognizing and working through these factors and the associated alienation, individuals can undertake an inner journey home to reconnect with their authentic selves. This process involves going beyond self-representations and cultivating a direct experience and realization of one’s essence, ultimately leading to a deeper sense of wholeness and authenticity.
Reversing the alienation from one’s essential identity and reconnecting with one’s true nature is a central aim of the Diamond Approach. Through inner exploration, self-inquiry, and various practices, individuals can begin to dismantle the layers of self-representations that contribute to alienation. By directly experiencing and embodying their essential presence, individuals can transcend the limitations of the ego and move towards a more integrated and authentic sense of self.
The Diamond Approach recognizes that reversing alienation and reconnecting with one’s essence is unique to each individual. It involves a deep exploration of personal history, psychological patterns, and belief systems that have contributed to the sense of disconnection. By shedding light on these patterns and engaging in compassionate self-inquiry, individuals can gain insight into the nature of their alienation and work towards healing and integration.
Ultimately, the Diamond Approach offers a path toward self-realization and discovering one’s true nature. It recognizes that alienation can be overcome, allowing individuals to live in alignment with their essence, experiencing a profound sense of fulfillment, authenticity, and wholeness.
The soul’s alienation from her true nature has been told throughout history through stories and myths and explained with various religious and metaphysical systems. We will consider here only the factors that we know from direct experience and observation. We will briefly discuss the factors that go into the development of this alienation since we have discussed these in our previous books in great detail. These myriad factors—some inherent, some common—converge to dissociate the soul from her essence in various degrees of alienation. The most important are:
- Inadequacy of early holding environment
- Caretaker’s narcissistic blindness
- Extreme impressionability and malleability of the young soul
- Nature of ego development in relation to the characteristics of the soul’s essence
- Cognitive immaturity of the young soul
- Animal potential of the soul
- Congenital and accidental physical limitations
- Trauma and abuse – A. H. Almaas, The Inner Journey Home: Soul’s Realization of the Unity of Reality , pg. 157