brief explanation about navel gazing
Brief Explanation About 'Navel Gazing'
The meaning of the term 'navel gazing' is usually taken in its literal sense if not for an explanation accompanying it. In this Buzzle article, we will explain the varied meanings of this very interesting concept.
Did You Know?
The term omphaloskepsis is a combination of two Greek words omphalos (meaning navel) and skepsis (the act of looking or examination). It literally translates to contemplation of one's navel as an act of meditation.Me, Me, and Me!
In its most negative/degrading reference, the term is used almost synonymously with being a narcissist―one who is too self-absorbed, self-involved, and preoccupied with oneself, to an extent that he/she cannot process anything beyond or around him. This behavior is basically looked down upon.
Example:
Jamie is annoying me with his navel gazing again! If I have to listen to him talk about his win one more time, I'm going to scream.As a Medium of Introspection
Navel gazing is also used in terms of describing an act of intense introspection; an act where one is taken over by intense feelings and thoughts about one's life. The thoughts and emotions are usually deep and leave the person contemplating about his life, the decisions that he has taken, and where he has gone wrong (it could include several other types of thoughts as well). Even though the person is rather preoccupied with his own thoughts, this form of navel gazing is not tinged with a degrading connotation. It is, on the other hand, taken as a positive sign where a person involved in the act reaches an important decision after much introspection.
Example:
Ever since Janice failed her math test, she has been navel gazing a lot.As a Medium of Meditation
Hinduism believes that navel gazing, as a part of yoga, is a very fruitful form of meditation. Staring at one's navel blocks out all distractions, thus allowing one to focus on his breathing without the clamoring of unnecessary thoughts, and thereby reaching a state of calm. The navel is also considered a powerful chakra of energy in yoga teachings.As the Center of Life and Energy
Many cultures of the world associate the navel with something that is tremendously powerful. In fact, it is usually given the position of being the center of energy, the very starting of life. The umbilical cord that connects an unborn child with its mother finds its way through the navel. And therefore, the very start of life has the navel at its center. The importance, significance, and symbolism placed with the navel thereof is undeniable.Examples in Popular Culture
The concept of navel gazing is explored in several arts and media forms like books, plays, and films.
In Visual Media
Navel gazing is used as a tool in visual media for mainly two purposes―one, to show the character's internal conflict of mind as he struggles to find answers to deep, philosophical questions that may be focused on his life, the universe, and the life of others, or two, as a buffer to show recaps of old incidents. The practice of using this tool as a buffer, if not done well, may annoy the audience because the clippings are usually recycled from previous happenings and nothing new is provided.
In Books
Many times, a novel has several pages dedicated to a character indulging in navel gazing. These are associated with a characters' internal monologues and allow the reader to understand the angst and struggle that the character is going through.
If used in the right way, navel gazing can be a powerful medium that allows the audience/reader to peep inside the mind of the character and understand him better. However, it needs to be used tastefully and with a lot of discretion. If overused, it can lose its purpose and become just another (annoying) tool.