Seeking Restoration this Autumn

Happy October!

It’s the month that things start to get spooky… And not just because of the proliferation of skeletons and ghosts appearing in neighborhood lawns! Halloween is at the end of the month, yes, but also the weather is starting to cool off and the end of the year is in sight. Yikes! While some of us may see the final quarter of the year approaching and feel emotional about the too-quick passage of time, I personally welcome October. It’s the beginning of a season of rest and recovery after a summer that was filled with uncertainty here in Ely. How can we make sure we’re appreciating the slow down and giving our bodies and minds what they need?

View of the fall colors from a walk the morning of October 1st here in Ely!

To me, rest doesn’t necessarily mean isolating myself by lounging on the couch (though this is sometimes needed!) or scrolling endlessly on a phone… To me it means nourishing myself with an appropriate dose of creative energy, social community, and reflecting on the past few months. Thankfully, the Ely Folk School offers plenty of ways to engage these essential parts of the autumnal change over…

For over 1000 years Manoomin crop (wild rice) in our region has been harvested as a staple food for Indigenous peoples. In our annual Manoomin Gabeshiwin class participants will experience a traditional Wild Rice Camp, learning how to dry, parch, jig, and winnow wild rice for use and storage. Join us for this fun filled day which will include a traditional feast that participants will help prepare. Wild Rice Camp is a multi-hour event for hanging out with the family; to be productive while enjoying time together!

They say if you’re feeling burned out and uninspired, the best thing to do is make something. Check out our snowshoe class if you feel like learning a traditional lacing technique, which gives you the added benefit of a new method of transportation this winter–perfect for walking to the Hegman pictographs this winter. You could also learn how to build a wood soda kiln or read music. Set yourself up with the skills to enjoy a new hobby! If you’re feeling like you need a craft refresh, you could also check out our Fall Craft Swap. Out with the old, in with the new.

Slow down and create a functional piece for winter adventures with the Traditional Ojibwe Snowshoe Lacing (4 session class), instructed by Peta Barrett

Sure, the summer has plenty of opportunities to see other people, but is a more intentional social community what you’re seeking? Check out our Fall Cookbook Swap to share some favorite recipes and learn some new ones from your neighbors. You could also go on a bog walk to see Northwoods leaves in their peak colors and learn about the land where we’ve chosen to make our homes. Maybe you can bond of making pierogi with Doris (sure to be a hoot) or show your support for our local restaurants by voting for their soups at the second annual Golden Ladle event!

Reflection can take a lot of different forms. Maybe it means brushing up on your communication skills so you can prepare for the upcoming holidays and being in close proximity with neighbors and family members who you don’t always get along with, or maybe it means quiet introspection time with a women’s writing class. For others, it can even mean winding down your season at Hidden Valley or the Mesabi by giving your bike a little tender loving care.

However your month looks, I hope you take time to invest in the parts of yourself that need attention. Check out the rest of our classes and events in our program schedule below to see if there are any ways we can help you get there.

Happy fall!

Anna Heil

Program Director