Omphaloskepsis or navel-gazing is contemplation of one's navel as an aid to meditation.

That was no way to earn three ounces of jasmine oil, let alone to earn three years of omphaloskepsis, which was what the doctor ordered (or did the doctor order the smothered burrito?)

This charmingly knitted show, docked this week and next at the National Theatre, makes delightful sport of a peculiarly American competition: the contest to find out who among a preternaturally brilliant array of young savants can best spit out the correct letter order in "acouchi" and "elanguescence" and "omphaloskepsis."