Alienation
The alienation from Essence begins at least from the
time of inception of psychic structures for, as we have discussed,
these structures become established by the development of self-representations
that pattern the experience of the self. Experiencing the self through
representations is antithetical to direct experience of the essential
Presence. The specific loss of identity with Essence -- which is
the fundamental route of narcissism -- is the alienation from the
essential identity. This particular alienation is the cause of central
narcissism in particular. (The Point of Existence, pg 205)

These myriad factors -- some inherent, some common
-- converge to dissociate the soul from her essence, in various
degrees of alienation. The most import 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
- Animal potential of the soul
- Congenital and accidental physical limitations
- Trauma and abuse (Inner Journey Home, pg 157)

Or you might experience it as an alienation from what you truly
are. That is different from saying "I am missing myself," but
it is the same state, expressed in different words. Or you might
experience it as distance from your essence, or as the absence
of self-realization. You might experience it as being superficial
or unreal. (Spacecruiser Inquiry)