“Navel-gazing,” meaning the contemplation of your own thoughts, concerns, and existence (often to a self-absorbed degree), was first used in 1959, but oh, the spelling confusion since then.
If you’re using the idea in terms of meditation, the literal gazing upon one’s navel, there’s always the alternate term “omphaloskepsis,” literally omphalos (navel) + skepsis (the act of looking) in Greek, which is practiced by Eastern mystics; however this isn’t the most common use of “navel-gazing” today.
I recommend being careful with this word that slants toward the egotistical and making sure you understand what it often implies. It definitely shouldn’t imply anything about shipping vessels, submarines, or US Navy ports of call. The good news is that this typo isn’t one based in solipsism, but the bad news is that it doesn’t reflect well on you. A little more contemplation is needed, actually.
Now, I hope that’s settled. Got it?
Join 650+ subscribers and sign-up for my writing and editing email newsletter for more tips like this.