Tiny Doors ATL: Find These 5 Tiny Doors for Self-Care and Mindfulness in Atlanta

Atlanta may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of self-care and mindfulness, but there’s some public art in the city that will help you get out of the house and maybe even find some moments of peace.

Tiny Doors ATL, a city-wide art project by Karen Anderson Singer, has sprinkled the city with miniature doors that serve as a delightful avenue for surprising moments of tranquility and relaxation. Let’s explore how these public art installations can be your secret portals to self-care and mindfulness in the heart of Atlanta.

How do I find the doors?

Check out this map and description of where to find each tiny door. You can also visit tinydoorsatl.com for more information.

The doors themselves are carefully crafted and hidden in plain sight. Whether tucked into a tree stump or nestled into a brick wall, each tiny door presents an opportunity for a mindful and curious adventure.

If I am low energy, which tiny doors are the easiest to access?

Mental health can make it hard to go to new places and search for the unknown. That’s okay! All of the doors are accessible to walkers and folks who use wheelchairs. Many of the doors are very accessible by car. If you aren’t sure where to start, here are some easy-to-access doors for low-energy days:

1. Tiny Door #1: Krog Street Tunnel

This door has moved locations a few times, but has always been close to or within the iconic Krog Street Tunnel. The door is currently on the Cabbage Town side of the tunnel among the Forward, Warrior! project. There is street parking in the neighborhood.

2. Tiny Door #3: Inman Park Pet Works

This one is super easy to find! Ask your GPS to take you to Pet Works. Stand facing the shop’s front door and you will easily find this tiny door.

3. Tiny Door #10W: Grant Park

There are two doors within Grant Park, but this one is located on the outside of the park. Check out the Tiny Doors ATL map page for a picture of the door. It’s green.

4. Door #24: Habitat for Humanity ReStore

If you go during business hours, you can check out this tiny door inside and outside the ReStore!

What does Tiny Doors ATL have to do with mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a practice that encourages us to be fully present in the moment, paying attention to our thoughts and feelings without judgment. It can be challenging to achieve in the midst of a bustling city, but we can use this art project as a gateway to mindfulness.

Here are three ways to combine mindfulness and Tiny Doors ATL:

1. Slow Down: As you embark on your quest to find these tiny doors, you will likely slow down and observe your surroundings more closely. This deliberate attention to your environment is a fundamental aspect of mindfulness. Without judgment, notice what it’s like to look for something in an unknown place. Notice how your body feels as you search for and then find a door. Open the door in your mind. In your imagination, what is behind the door?

2. Connection with Art: The doors are tiny works of art. Taking the time to appreciate their details can be a meditative experience. What do you notice about the door? What do you notice about its surroundings? What feelings and body sensations do the colors and textures invoke?

3. Present Moment: Exploring the city to find these doors introduces a sense of discovery, making it easier to remain within the present moment. Can you identify five different sounds around you? How many different bird songs can you pick out from the traffic sounds?

How can Tiny Doors ATL promote self-care?

Here are four ways Tiny Doors ATL can be a unique and fulfilling self-care activity:

1. Alone Time: Exploring the tiny doors can be a solitary endeavor, allowing you to spend quality time with yourself. This is an opportunity to reflect, clear your mind, and recharge your energy.

2. Social Connection: This project can also be enjoyed with friends or family. It's a creative and engaging way to bond with loved ones.

3. Exercise and Fresh Air: The quest to find these tiny doors often involves walking through various neighborhoods, combining the benefits of movement and being outside with your mindfulness practice.

4. Stress Reduction: Engaging with art and being outdoors can significantly reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

5. Positive Distraction: Tiny Doors ATL can be a positive distraction. They provide an opportunity to shift your focus and experience a touch of wonder.

We often associate mindfulness and self-care with being still, but both can absolutely include movement and engagement in your surroundings. Tiny Doors ATL is a thought-provoking project that offers a way to experience mindfulness and self-care in the heart of Atlanta. Amid a bustling city, these tiny doors serve as portals to mindfulness and self-care.