The Unknown Man at the Purdue Fountain, circa 2015, made a lasting impression on me, though he has absolutely no idea that he did. How did he make an impression, you might ask? Well, by the way that he was reading his book, that’s how.
As I was sitting beside one of the fountains on the campus that day, I noticed a man, whom I am now calling, somewhat long-windedly, “The Unknown Man at the Purdue Fountain,” with what looked like perfect posture, holding the bound volume in front of him with outstretched arm, totally devoid of that hunched over, neck compressing position so routinely employed when reading a book (or typing a blog post, for that matter). This caught my attention immediately, and I observed him for a spell.
While it may seem somewhat strange and/or arbitrary that I remember the Unknown Man at the Purdue Fountain so vividly, it does not seem strange or arbitrary to me at all. I am interested in people who take an interest in their well-being, and who are intentional about how they carry themselves (literally and metaphorically speaking). This man, it seems to me, was just such a person…at least when it came to the well-being that a consistently proper physical posture can bring to one’s body.
I will always remember him, this Unknown Man at the Purdue Fountain, though he almost certainly will never have any idea that he has impacted me for the better. Perhaps his story will impact you – and your posture – for the better, though. I hope that it does.
10th Leper Gratitude 