7theory: Circular Status Of Being and the Sevenfold Model -Benjamin Weberink A

7theory: Circular Status Of Being and the Sevenfold Model

-Benjamin Weberink

A Unified Framework of Existence

7theory is a philosophical framework that offers a profound exploration of existence, binding together the metaphysical and corporeal bodily forms of human life, as a cycle. At its core, the theory revolves around the symbolic status of the number seven—a recurring structural state found across spiritual, cultural, and philosophical traditions. Seven represents cycles of growth in the form of human being, encapsulating the dynamic oscillations between grounding and transcendence that define the human condition.

Central to 7theory is the prioritisation of the Sevenfold Model: a firm framework hierarchy with tangible realities as the foundation for any sort of metaphysical reflection. It ensures stability, enabling a cyclical existence to be pursued with clarity and driven purpose. This dynamic balance—where corporeal needs anchor metaphysical exploration—redefines transformation as a process of incremental shifts rather than radical change. These shifts emerge in response to life’s challenges. In this way, 7 theory reframes imperfection and aliveness as essential forces driving the cycles of human experience.

Within its core lies тоска (toska)—an existential longing that encapsulates the tension between limitation and aspiration. This concept serves as the axis of introspection, transforming the ache for meaning into a catalyst for renewal within life’s inherent boundaries of being. This existential longing connects straight to the tension between groundedness and transcendence, providing a pathway through which the metaphysical can be approached without detachment from reality.

By integrating intellectual depth with metaphysical enquiry, 7theory presents a guide for engaging with existence. It frames flaws and reality not as hindrances but as catalysts for introspection, inviting individuals to be empowered with the sense of the complex being state.

The Sevenfold Model

The number seven is foundational to 7theory. It functions as a recurring structural status for cycles of being. Across spiritual, cultural, and philosophical systems, the number seven embodies multiple different entities. In Judaism, it is an inherently active and perceived symbol to signify completion and sanctity, as seen in the creation story, where the seventh day represents rest and reflection, marking the culmination of a cycle. This notion of sacred rhythm resonates with 7theory’s emphasis on cyclical patterns of being, where pauses with stillness allow for introspection within the inherent boundaries of humanistic capability.

The seven branches of the Temple Menorah illuminate the divine presence, symbolizing spiritual enlightenment. The sprinkling of blood seven times in the Temple underscores a ritual of purification. The seven days of שבעה (shiva) embody a cycle of mourning, providing space for communal connection. The seven days of celebration for a חתן (chatan) and כלה (kallah) (bride and groom) signify the establishment of a new cycle, destroying or implementing the old one. Seven עליות (aliyot) during Torah reading represent the sanctity and completeness of the week. Even the seven days of נידה (nidah) (ritual purity) integrate physical and spiritual dimensions, reflecting the cyclical human existence. These repeated appearances of “seven” highlight its resonance as a cycle—a universal pattern that transcends any single tradition.

In alignment with 7theory’s emphasis on cyclical existence, the reinterpretation of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs becomes a dynamic, seven-step loop. Each step corresponds to distinct facets of human life and reflects the oscillations between groundedness and transcendence, compression and expansion, imperfection and renewal. Unlike Maslow’s linear pyramid, the circular hierarchy is perpetual, illustrating how each phase contributes to the cycles of being. Seven thus becomes not just a number but a dynamic representation of existence’s oscillations and the circular, cyclical status of being.

A Circular Hierarchy

In alignment with 7theory, the circular hierarchy reflects the ongoing cycles of being, where no single step holds greater value than the others. Each phase is equally vital, its position determined only by the flow of life. The circle embodies equality and balance, reminding us that every step is equidistant from the core of existence: the tension between groundedness and transcendence.

This circular model has no beginning or end, and every point is both a starting point and a destination. Fulfillment is not a linear progression but a continuous turning within—a perpetual movement toward wholeness.

Reworking the Sevenfold Model

Grounding represents the vital connection to tangible realities. It is the soil from which all other phases emerge, ensuring that aspirations and transcendence are anchored in the corporeal world. This phase focuses on securing fundamental needs—physical safety, emotional stability, and social belonging—as the bedrock for navigating life’s cycles. Grounding is not static but a dynamic process that can repeat as the foundation for growth is continuously tested and reestablished. This repetition emphasizes its role as the starting point and anchor within the circle. The state of grounding adapts to the fluctuations of existence, providing resilience and preparing the individual for the changes ahead.

Grounding also anchors broader cycles of existence, such as crisis cycles that reshape societies. For example, economic recessions highlight the need for stability as a foundation for renewal. Similarly, in trauma cycles, grounding offers individuals the stability required to process and heal from emotional and psychological struggles. By establishing a strong connection to tangible realities, individuals and societies can better navigate the compression and expansion that define these recurring cycles.

Protection: Boundaries as Catalysts for Growth Protection, involves the creation and maintenance of boundaries—physical, emotional, and social—that provide a sense of security while also enabling exploration and growth. Boundaries are not rigid walls but flexible frameworks that expand and contract according to life’s needs. Here, тоска (toska) emerges as a longing for reassurance and safety within the boundaries of existence, highlighting the interplay between fragility and resilience. The cracks within these protective structures reveal the opportunities for renewal, as imperfections become spaces for reflection and transformation. This phase underscores the necessity of both safeguarding oneself and embracing life’s uncertainties.

In political cycles, protection often takes the form of governance and societal norms that shield against chaos. However, over time, these systems may become rigid, necessitating reform or revolution to restore balance. The tension between order and change reflects the need for dynamic boundaries that adapt to new realities. Similarly, in trauma cycles, protective boundaries may be broken or breached, yet these cracks become opportunities for healing and growth as individuals rebuild resilience.

Belonging: The Web of Connection

Belonging reflects the intricate interplay between individuality and community. Relationships, shared rituals, and collective experiences provide meaning and structure within the cycles of being. This phase emphasizes the importance of interdependence, where individual and communal needs are harmonized. Belonging is not a one-time achievement but a recurring state within the circle. Connections are revisited and redefined as life’s circumstances shift. The cyclical return to belonging reflects the evolving nature of relationships and the ongoing need for meaningful integration within the collective whole. This step affirms the equal value of all participants within the shared circle of existence, emphasizing interdependence and mutual growth.

Trauma cycles often disrupt the sense of belonging, isolating individuals or communities. Healing involves reestablishing connections and shared rituals that restore trust and unity. In political cycles, belonging is reflected in shifts between polarization and collective identity, with rituals of connection serving to mend societal divides and foster cohesion.

Recognition: The Mirror of Self and Others

Recognition involves the acknowledgment of one’s value and contributions, both internally and externally. This phase emphasizes the importance of self-worth while reinterpreting external validation as a fleeting but meaningful aspect of life. Through embracing imperfection, individuals learn to redefine self-worth as a balance between aspiration and acceptance. Brokenness in this phase becomes a pathway to growth, as individuals learn to see their flaws as integral to their identity and potential. As the cycle progresses, recognition may need to be revisited, especially during times of doubt or change. This repetition underscores that self-worth is not a fixed state but an ongoing negotiation. Recognition aligns with the principle that imperfections are not barriers but integral elements of one’s evolving identity within the circle.

Crisis cycles often challenge recognition by destabilizing social structures that provide acknowledgment. Rebuilding these structures requires individuals and communities to redefine their roles and identities, fostering renewed self-worth. Political and societal upheavals can similarly reframe recognition, with movements emerging to demand justice and acknowledgment of marginalized voices.

Aspiration: The Creative Tension of Growth

Aspiration embodies the human drive to reach beyond immediate limitations, fueled by life and the pursuit of fulfillment. 7theory reframes aspiration as a cyclical process rather than a linear climb, emphasizing that growth arises from navigating the tension between compression (challenge) and expansion (creation). This phase celebrates the duality of striving for greatness while embracing the inherent limitations that make growth meaningful. It does not represent a transformative state but a recurring engagement with change. The process highlights the importance of continual striving to become and the dynamic nature of human potential.

In political cycles, aspiration drives reform and innovation, balancing the tension between tradition and progress. Similarly, in crisis cycles, the creative tension of aspiration fuels recovery and renewal, as individuals and communities channel their energy into rebuilding and reimagining their futures. Aspiration also plays a crucial role in trauma cycles, where personal growth emerges from the struggle to overcome challenges and achieve resilience.

Transcendence: Engaging the Infinite

Transcendence represents the intersection of the finite and infinite, where individuals connect with meaning beyond themselves. It is not a detachment from reality but a deeper engagement with existence, which embodies the human longing to bridge the gap between the known and the unknown. Imperfection becomes a bridge to higher understanding, as individuals confront the paradoxes of existence and find meaning in the interplay between aspiration and groundedness. This phase highlights humility and insight, turning the ache for the infinite into a source of profound transformation.

The cyclical nature of transcendence is evident in history’s spiritual and philosophical evolutions. Societies repeatedly oscillate between grounded materialism and metaphysical exploration, reflecting the tension between the finite and infinite. Crisis cycles, whether global or personal, often spark transcendence as individuals and communities seek meaning beyond immediate suffering, finding purpose in collective or spiritual renewal.

Identity: Integration and Return

Identity completes the cycle by returning to grounding, enriched by the insights and experiences gained along the cycle. This phase reflects life’s perpetual motion, where each conclusion is also a new beginning. тоска (toska) in renewal manifests as a confrontation with impermanence, fostering introspection and the capacity to embrace life’s cycles. Return is not about starting over but about integrating past experiences into a deeper understanding of self and existence, like a spiral. It reframes the void as a source of potential, emphasizing that growth is an ongoing process of balancing groundedness and transcendence, compression and expansion. True completion of the cycle is only possible in death, where the body reaches a state of neutral being and divine essence is healed. Until that moment, renewal recurs, offering repeated opportunities to revisit and refine the ongoing processes of life. The cyclical return to renewal underscores the interconnected nature of existence, where every phase contributes to the whole.

The Equality of the Circle

Each step in the circular existence holds equal significance, reflecting the balance and interdependence of life’s cycles. Fulfillment is not a linear path but an eternal movement, where every point in the circle is a place of both arrival and departure. The circular hierarchy reminds us that all experiences—grounding, connection, aspiration, and transcendence—contribute to the wholeness of being. The cycle does not complete until death, reinforcing the dynamic and perpetual nature of existence.

тоска (toska): The Core of 7theory

At the central core of 7theory lies the Russian concept of тоска (toska), an existential concept that captures the ineffable ache for meaning amidst the silence of existence. тоска (toska) is not merely an abstract yearning; it is visceral, often described as a weight pressing against the chest—a restlessness born from the unspoken. Vladimir Nabokov described it as “a sensation of spiritual anguish, often without any specific cause.” This concept serves as the central axis around which 7theory revolves, embodying the emotional and existential tension that propels the cyclical process of change.

тоска (toska) reflects the complex layers of human existence, aligning with 7theory’s exploration of the tension between both limitation and opportunity. It is not simply a yearning for what is absent but an invitation to confront the physical, mental and metaphysical dimensions of being in its rawest forms. This longing offers a mirror to the human condition, revealing the contradictions and dualities that define existence itself.

The unadorned human form becomes a state here, representing the vulnerability and memory that existence imposes. The body, exposed and unprotected, does not forget; it carries static interconnectivity of life’s cycles, making тоска (toska) an embodied experience. тоска (toska), then, becomes not simply a search for meaning but a confrontation with freedom, responsibility and the burden of self-awareness. By embracing the conceptual idea of understanding the cycles of being rather than seeking to fill what there isn’t, individuals can then engage within their own cycle, transforming the ache into a source of limited, meaningful change instead. Berdyaev described тоска (toska) as “the anguish of a being who feels they are not fully realised or fulfilled.” This profound longing is not a flaw but a certain guide, urging individuals towards introspection with the limitations, possibilities and existence in a cycle.

Compression, Expansion, and Mental Health

Compression represents the constraints, traumas and limitations that define moments of struggle, whilst expansion signifies the liberation, growth and renewal that emerge as natural counterparts. These forces coexist as equal and interdependent dynamics, each necessary for the other to function. Expansion is not secondary but a vital force that balances and complements compression.

In practical terms, the manifestation between them too acts as a continual push and pull within the circle: moments of compression lay the groundwork for expansion, while periods of expansion provide resilience for future compression. This equilibrium ensures that neither force dominates permanently but instead shifts contextually to support personal growth and adaptation.

Mental health embodies this very tension. Confronting struggles (compression) and seeking renewal (expansion) are integral to achieving balance, as they are equal forces working in harmony. For instance, the pressure of overcoming personal setbacks (compression) is often met with the subsequent growth in confidence and capability (expansion), showcasing their interdependence in fostering equilibrium. This cyclical process aligns with 7theory’s broader message: being is not linear but an ongoing negotiation of opposing forces

Broken Divinity and Imperfection

7theory challenges traditional notions of perfection, proposing instead that brokenness and imperfection are inherent to the human condition. The concept of broken divinity suggests that even angels carry flaws, highlighting the paradoxical beauty of imperfection. This resonates with angelic existence. Broken divinity encapsulates the paradox of imperfection as the medium for transcendence within the cycle. The angel’s fractured state—marked by scars, vulnerabilities and limitations—becomes the canvas for reflection. These imperfections do not negate divinity; rather, they reveal it. This balance between aspiration and limitation creates the dynamic where the pursuit of meaning and self-realisation is both finite and significant. The fractures within existence itself allow the circle to hold pain and meaning in the same position, turning imperfection into beauty within the individual’s finite scope. For example, an angel’s initial touch of a wound becomes a poignant metaphor for the struggles inherent in embracing humanity whilst carrying the remnants of something greater, like divine essence. Brokenness does not negate divinity: instead, it reveals it. Imperfections like these are not seen as obstacles towards a transcendent state, but as the very medium through which transcendence is experienced. Humanity’s fractured state is part of the cyclical being.

At first glance, the idea of carrying divine essence while being inherently flawed may seem contradictory. However, this is central to the human condition as understood by 7theory—an ongoing tension between the finite and the infinite that shapes existence.

In this framework, divinity is not a state of perfection but a potential that resides within and alongside imperfection. As Berdyaev notes in the Destiny of Man, “man’s vocation is not to rest within the finite but to engage in an eternal movement of self-transcendence, even within the limits of his mortality.”

Nikolai Berdyaev and the Human Condition

7theory draws heavily on the philosophical insights of Nikolai Berdyaev, the Russian existentialist whose work offers profound reflections on the human condition. Berdyaev’s philosophy emphasises the inherent tension between finite limits and its infinite aspirations, aligning closely with 7theory’s perspective of human potential as both constrained and profound.

For Berdyaev, humanity’s potential is intertwined with its limitations. The human condition, as he describes it, is defined by an ongoing struggle to reconcile the constraints of material existence with the direction towards transcendence. This duality mirrors the compression and expansion discussed earlier, where opportunities for cyclical understanding are activated in response to life’s pressures.

Berdyaev argued that the essence of being human lies not in the pursuit of transformation but in the recognition and embrace of one’s inherent, individual potential. He rejected notions of absolute freedom or limitless growth, instead positing that true freedom comes from understanding and working within the boundaries of one’s being, which 7theory argues to be the cyclical sevenfold model. In this sense, freedom is not the absence of limitation but the capacity to make meaningful choices within those same limits.

The notion of broken divinity in Berdyaev’s work aligns with 7theory’s emphasis on imperfection. He proposed that humanity carries within itself remnants of divine essence, if not the direct state of it, through imperfect and fragmented. This state of brokenness, far from being a flaw, is what enables individuals to strive and reflect with their innate capacities within the cyclical being. It is in this tension between the finite and the infinite that human potential is realised—not through wholesale transformation but through incremental and necessary cyclical patterns.

Berdyaev’s exploration of the human condition enriches 7theory’s framework by highlighting the profound dignity of limitation. He saw the struggles and imperfections of existence as the very fabric of meaning, offering sight into which individuals can engage with their own potential. By accepting the finitude of human existence, Berdyaev’s insights show that individuals can explore their capacity rather than seeking other unattainable ideals. In this way, this complements 7theory’s assertion that humanity’s potential is not limitless but significant within the boundaries of the existence in the circle of being. Berdyaev’s work serves as a reminder that it is not transformation but the ongoing process of embracing limits.

Nihilism Reframed

In the framework of 7theory, nihilism—often seen as a rejection of inherent meaning in life—emerges not as an absence of purpose but as a profound paradox that drives individuals towards self-reflection and purpose. By addressing the void of meaning, nihilism itself becomes a source of meaning. тоска (toska) transforms nihilism into an axis of introspection, connecting the ache of existence with intellectual clarity of renewal. Nihilism is not an endpoint but a dynamic force driving individuals towards meaning within the cycles of being. This approach aligns with 7theory’s emphasis on embracing imperfection and the inherent tension of the sevenfold model.

The state of recognising meaninglessness does not diminish the human experience; rather, it compels individuals to confront the subtle connection between inner and outer states. Everything feeds back into an individual’s understanding of their own purpose, at whatever point in the cyclical point. In this sense, nihilism is not the end, showing that individuals can find purposeful significance in the very act of being nihilistic.

7theory reinterprets nihilism as a call to embrace the cyclical nature of existence. By confronting meaninglessness head-on, individuals engage in a process of compression and expansion: the compression of existential meaning is balanced by the expansion of newfound purpose derived from the same confrontation. Each state—no matter how transient—contributes to the larger cycle. This makes nihilism a reflective tool, and proposes that even the barriers and boundaries of potential are themselves sources of meaning, as individuals will be driven back to their own purpose in the cycle.

Amputate the Need for Identity Replacement

Within the cyclical framework of 7theory, identity is not seen as an endpoint to be sought, or replaced, but a state that emerges naturally within the oscillations of being. To sever the compulsive urge to redefine oneself through external states of other being, grounds the identity, and welds it to the individual. The desire to replace one’s identity often arises from a misinterpretation of imperfection as a deficiency. This misinterpretation feeds the notion that fulfillment requires new identity, as though becoming something else will replace the perceived present self. 7theory challenges this claim, proposing that identity, like all phases within the Sevenfold Model, is cyclical and intrinsically connected to the ongoing processes of return, as it is not a project to be completed or corrected but a living reflection of an individual’s existence. Each phase of the model offers a distinct perspective on the self, allowing for a multifaceted understanding of identity without necessitating its replacement.

Identity is not a rigid construct but an adaptive state shaped by the existence of a dynamic equilibrium, redefined by the cycle of existence as a whole.

Circular Cycles in Life: Political and Crisis Cycles

Political cycles: Tension

Political systems are inherently cyclical, oscillating between stability, reform, and revolution. These cycles embody the principles of grounding as societies strive to maintain order while addressing the flaws within governance. Grounding reflects the establishment of stable political structures that provide security and continuity, but over time, these often encounter stagnation, leading to a collective demand for change.

Periods of reform represent aspiration, where political systems expand their scope to address the needs and desires of their constituents. Yet, this expansion often reveals new imperfections, creating a foundation for future compression. For instance, the transition from authoritarian regimes to democracies exemplifies this: the liberation of reform gives way to the challenges of sustaining equitable governance, requiring further cycles of adjustment.

Political ideologies often swing like a pendulum, balancing and counterbalancing liberal and conservative values. Moments of political stagnation or corruption serve as compression points, fostering demands for reformation after exhaust.

Extreme political ideologies go against the cyclical being, as it is inherently believed that humanity can only exist in a linear form, similar to their beliefs.

Crisis Cycles: Catalyst for Growth

Crisis cycles exemplify the compression-expansion dynamic found in 7theory. A crisis represents a moment of acute compression, where existing systems and structures are strained to their limits. This compression forces individuals and communities to confront vulnerabilities and limitations, creating fertile ground for renewal. Economic recessions, for instance, highlight the fragility of financial systems, exposing inequalities and inefficiencies that demand reform. These moments of compression often create innovation, as individuals and societies seek solutions to navigate challenges. The subsequent expansion reflects not just recovery but a reimagining of priorities and structures. This ensures resilience for any future cycles.

Trauma, both individual and collective, reflects healing in the cyclical sense. The psychological process of addressing and integrating trauma aligns with the struggle of confronting vulnerability (compression), creating the foundation of personal resilience (expansion).