Navel-gazing is the contemplation of one's navel as an aid to meditation. The word omphaloskepsis derives from the Ancient Greek words ὀμφᾰλός and σκέψῐς.
In Eastern Orthodox Christianity
"The Three Methods of Prayer", a text traditionally attributed to Symeon the New Theologian that was later included in the Philokalia, gives the following description of navel gazing: == Contemporary usage ==
Contemporary usage
Phrases such as "contemplating one's navel" or "navel-gazing" are frequently used, usually in jocular fashion, to refer to self-absorbed pursuits. == See also ==