Miscellaneous
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Navel Gazing?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The term “navel gazing” is used to refer to intense self-reflection, often with the implication that the individual doing the gazing is self-absorbed or that he or she is too focused on a single issue, at the cost of ignoring other important issues. Being accused of navel gazing isn't necessarily a bad thing; sometimes a little bit of contemplation can be a productive pursuit, especially when someone is trying to reach a decision about something important. In addition to being used to refer to individuals, the term is sometimes evoked in references to groups or organizations, as in “the newspaper's navel gazing in the op-ed pages got to be a bit too dull for me, so I canceled my subscription.”

References to navel gazing appear to have emerged from observation of certain religious ascetics; observers believed that some religious practitioners were staring at their navels to enter deep meditative reveries. It is certainly true that some meditation poses place people in a prime position for this process, and contemplating one's own navel could have powerful connotations in religions where people view the navel as the center of life or as an energy source. A specific term has even been invented to describe religious navel gazing: “omphaloskepsis,” from the Greek words for “navel” and “inquiry.”

"Naval gazing" can be a derogative term but can also mean simple introspection.
"Naval gazing" can be a derogative term but can also mean simple introspection.

Many cultures, including the Greeks, associate tremendous power with the navel. Obviously, the navel is a connection to the life-force of one's mother, through the umbilical cord, so in some cultures, it is viewed as a center or starting point. In several societies, people have specified particular sites as the “Navel of the World,” ranging from Delphi to Easter Island. These sites were believed to have religious significance as centers of culture and religion for members of these societies.

Someone overly self-absorbed might be accused of navel gazing.
Someone overly self-absorbed might be accused of navel gazing.

In the 1900s, “navel gazing” began to take on the additional meaning of being used to refer to people who seemed extremely self-absorbed or unaware of their surroundings because they were too focused on their own issues. In this sense, the term is generally meant to be derogatory, implying that someone needs to open his or her awareness a bit to think beyond the current situation, or to consider others. In this sense, navel gazing is viewed as rather self indulgent.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

lapsed

I was always curious about this! I kind of pictured literally gazing at one's navel and assumed it had something to do with contemplation or self absorption. Looks like I was right. Very interesting points about the religious and cultural origins.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • "Naval gazing" can be a derogative term but can also mean simple introspection.
      By: Mary Camomile
      "Naval gazing" can be a derogative term but can also mean simple introspection.
    • Someone overly self-absorbed might be accused of navel gazing.
      By: Gajus
      Someone overly self-absorbed might be accused of navel gazing.