New Bench-Think Initiative Aims to Capture Moments of Reflection Worldwide

New York, NY - August 27, 2025-- New York, NY - August 27, 2025 -- The Bench-Think™ initiative, a global collaborative photo project, is officially launching with a mission to celebrate the simple yet profound moments of reflection that public benches provide. Spearheaded by a dedicated group of volunteers from the non-profit organization My Grief Angels, this initiative invites individuals from around the world to share their experiences of solace and contemplation in public spaces.

Example of a Bench-Think™ Photo Submission

The Bench-Think™ initiative draws a parallel to the concept of "Think-Bench" in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI), where it serves as a benchmark for evaluating the efficiency of large language models. While Think-Bench addresses the issue of "overthinking" in AI, the Bench-Think™ initiative encourages humans to pause and reflect rather than become overwhelmed by the chaos of daily life. It invites participants to view benches not just as physical structures, but as symbols of rest and contemplation, urging us to take a moment to breathe and appreciate our surroundings—one bench at a time.

"In our fast-paced daily lives, it's crucial to find moments of peace and reflection. The Bench-Think™ initiative encourages us all to treat ourselves daily with a free self-care tool available to most of us - a brief pause to focus on a bench-think moment near you" said JD Failde, Executive Director of My Grief Angels Inc.

In a world where grief and loss are universal experiences, the Bench-Think™ initiative resonates deeply with those navigating their own journeys of healing. Many individuals express their grief by emphasizing the importance of taking life one day, one second, and one moment at a time. This initiative aims to encapsulate these sentiments through the lens of public benches, which serve as spaces for reflection and connection to the world around us.

Participants are encouraged to submit their favorite "Bench-Think™" photos for inclusion in this project. The guidelines are simple: photos must not be of a commercial nature, should not include any individuals, and must feature benches located in public spaces accessible to everyone. This ensures that the project remains focused on the universal experience of reflection and solace that benches provide.

Examples of photo submissions for this initiative are included in the You Tube Video short: 

"Bench-Think™" It @ Governors Island, NY, NY

The Bench-Think™ initiative invites everyone, regardless of their photography skill level, to participate in this global celebration of reflection. By sharing your moments of contemplation, you contribute to a collective narrative that honors the importance of taking time for oneself amidst life’s challenges. Together, we can create a tapestry of images that highlight the beauty of stillness and the power of reflection worldwide.

The Bench-Think™ Initiative Logo