Finding the In-Between in Crossword Puzzles with Dr. Carlson
Pluriverse
By Jessica Easter
Dr. Peter Carlson, Associate Professor of Religion and history nerd extraordinaire, has been doing the New York Times Crossword every morning for the last ten years, with their longest stretch without a miss being 584 days. The practice of the crossword puzzle gives Dr. Carlson a sense of peace, and he feels off whenever he misses it.
“My coffee and my crossword are quite literally a liminal space between sleeping/rest and the active day,” Dr. Carlson says. “I get the coffee going (usually with cats twining about my feet), and then settle in for the crossword on the sofa. It may sound strange to consider this in terms of ritual or spirituality, but the stillness, the focus, and the repetition over the days make this a practice that I find myself missing if I do not do it – in fact, my day feels wonky if I skip this ritual.”
Dr. Carlson notes that even in the repetition of the practice, each crossword is different, presenting its own challenges, learning opportunities, and even silliness.
“I particularly love the fact that the puzzles are different each day,” they tell Pluriverse. Mondays tend to be pretty basic; Wednesdays are usually themed puzzles; Thursdays almost always have a clever ‘twist’ to them; Saturdays have the many-lettered answers that cross the entire grid; Sundays are just big and fun.”
Dr. Carlson encourages us all to find the in-between spaces where we do not have to be productive in a traditional sense, but where we can just be, just exist. That is where we find peace.
“Find the in-between spaces and enjoy them,” they advise. We don’t always have to get somewhere, or do something ‘productive.’ Capitalism tells us that we are worthy only so long as we produce. Doing silly, calming things like puzzles isn’t focused on production – it’s focused on being and being fully present in the moment. All that matters is me being still, my coffee, and figuring out the next cryptic clue, and that – for that moment – is more than enough.”
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