Sue Berkey is a multi-talented artist, spiritual practitioner, and teacher based in Fairfield, Iowa, where she has lived for over 25 years. Sue is recognized for her deep contentment with life in Fairfield, preferring her peaceful and fulfilling routine to travel or seeking excitement elsewhere.
Artistic Career:
Sue holds an MFA in filmmaking and sculpture, expressing herself primarily through sculpture—her first artistic love—but also through film, painting, and drawing. Locally, she is known for her unique outdoor installation art, such as the hay bale stars displayed near the reservoir, which have attracted online attention.
Yoga and Healing Work:
A pioneer in her community, Sue was Fairfield’s first full-time Hatha yoga teacher, with over 15 years of teaching experience. Her style involves guiding students to challenge their comfort zones, emphasizing inner growth through sustained poses and deep self-exploration. In addition to yoga, Sue is a “rebirther,” facilitating a specific form of pranayama (breathing exercises) that connect individuals to early formative experiences, even birth, and help process and heal suppressed emotions. She has worked with hundreds of clients, supporting them as they face and integrate their deepest fears and emotional blockages.
Spiritual Perspective and Awakening:
Sue describes herself as someone who experienced a profound spiritual awakening triggered by a teaching from Adi Da, leading her to a realization of simplicity and personal mastery in life. She lives free of judgment, embracing the full range of human emotions without attachment or repression. For her, spiritual liberation encompasses both the ability to feel deeply and to let go, maintaining wholeness and contentment regardless of external circumstances.
Sue’s spiritual life began at a young age, being drawn to church and the search for inner meaning as early as six years old. She considers diverse life experiences—including being a single mother and even cheerleading—as spiritual practices, acknowledging that all aspects of life contribute to her growth. Though familiar with TM (Transcendental Meditation), Sue found greater resonance and joy with yoga and rebirthing.
Philosophy and Approach:
Sue is passionate about human liberation—not only spiritual but also emotional and economic. She guides others in healing and forgiveness, especially those nearing the end of life, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and cleaning up unfinished relationships. Her approach is practical yet expansive; she believes people should strive to express their gifts and not wait for external circumstances to feel fulfilled.
Both ambitious and content, Sue aspires to make more large-scale sculptures internationally, share her teachings, and expand her impact as a healer. She embodies the paradox of inner satisfaction paired with ever-expanding creative goals.
Sue’s teaching style is highly interactive, blending physical practice with philosophical and emotional insights. She encourages students to embrace all emotions, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and strive for honesty and direct communication, fostering real freedom and compassion.
Sue Berkey’s life and work reflect a blend of artistry, spiritual depth, emotional liberation, and social consciousness. Her story illustrates how awakening can coexist with vibrant personality, ambition, and a passion for service, proving that spiritual realization can be deeply integrated with everyday life, creativity, and community engagement.
Transcript of this interview
Interview recorded 1/6/2010.
YouTube Video Chapters:
00:00:00 - Enlightenment as a Universal Experience
00:02:36 - The Experience of Art in Different Cultures
00:04:40 - Sculpture and the Power of Rebirthing
00:06:37 - The Impact of Caesarian Births
00:08:15 - A Spiritual Awakening
00:10:29 - Living in a Superfluid World
00:12:28 - The Range of Human Feelings and Non-Judgment
00:14:22 - The Tricky Balance Between Spiritual Freedom and Economic Realities
00:15:52 - The Meaning of Freedom in Prison
00:17:43 - Choosing Traumatic Circumstances
00:20:49 - Finding Deep Contentment
00:23:34 - Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
00:26:06 - Early Spiritual Practices
00:28:45 - TM, Hatha Yoga, and Spiritual Development
00:31:50 - Discussing Death and Transition
00:35:02 - The Importance of Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
00:37:54 - Fulfillment and Contentment
00:40:34 - Expanding Goals as an Artist, Healer, and Teacher
00:43:23 - The Value of Personality and Emotional Liberation
00:45:40 - Letting Go of Grudges
00:47:40 - The Quest for the Highest Truth
00:49:31 - Profound awakenings through yoga and meditation
00:51:22 - Awakening and Skepticism
00:54:15 - The Subjectivity of Judging Awakening
00:57:08 - The Levels of Awakening
00:59:26 - The Deepening of Compassion
01:02:22 - The Beauty of Being Comfortable with Yourself
01:05:00 - The Transformational Dream
01:07:19 - The Incremental Growth and Different Spiritual Paths
01:09:49 - The Beauty of Diversity and Unity
01:13:31 - Building a Community of Participation
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