Dianna Doblosky: Finding a New Path through Asahi
Margaret Vainio 
After being struck with Long Covid and acute sensitivities, Dianna was unable to participate in any physical activity. Asahi became the first possible movement practice. Now she is an Asahi teacher!
Before my life took an unexpected turn, I was a special education teacher working with children ages 4–12 while also running marathons. In November 2023, I became severely ill, and by 2025, I had to make the difficult decision to resign from teaching.
As a result of Long COVID, I developed severe sensitivities to fragrances and chemicals, to the point that I needed a gas mask to breathe safely in public. I was diagnosed with MCAS and ME/CFS, and for six months, I was mostly bedbound and completely homebound. My life changed in ways I never could have imagined.
Yet, even in the midst of these challenges, a new path began to unfold.
During this unexpected life transition, I joined an online naturopathic program for women living with chronic illness, where I met Diane T. She introduced that group to Asahi, and I was hooked from the very beginning!
Diane Tschirgi is an Asahi teacher trainer from Marquette, Michigan. Find her and other teacher trainers' contact information here
Curious to learn more, I searched online for “Asahi near me” and discovered Carol Curtis’s group, just an hour away. My husband and I now attend her classes when we can. One of the things that immediately drew me to Asahi was its simplicity and accessibility. You can practice it almost anywhere, without special equipment, making it an ideal form of gentle movement.
Dianna's younger son and her husband came to celebrate Dianna's graduation
When I asked Carol if she would train me so I could get certified as a level- C instructor, we had to get creative in how to do this. We live an hour from each other and I am not able to drive due to limited energy. I am forever grateful for her kindness in driving that hour each way to teach me. Without her love of Asahi and willingness to meet me where I was, both geographically and energetically, I never would have been able to complete the certification.
Dianna brought her son's graduation cap to her own Asahi graduation, and her teacher Carol Curtis brought Dianna a "hand-me-down" Asahi T-shirt for Dianna. Carol is an Asahi Teacher Trainer in the Champaign-Urbana area. Find Carol's contact information here
When my illness left me unable to participate in physical exercise, Asahi became the first movement practice that helped me regain some of my mobility. It has also become an important tool in my personal wellness toolkit, helping me regulate my nervous system. I believe that creating a sense of safety and balance in our bodies is an important part of living with chronic illness and supporting our overall well-being.
Carol's two most recent graduates. Nancy Carter has a long career in counseling ??
I also lead an international online supportive community for women living with chronic health challenges, and I knew that Asahi could be a wonderful addition to the resources I share with the women in my community. My hope is to continue growing my online community while also developing a local Asahi practice in my own town of Bloomington, Illinois. My journey has taught me that even when life takes an unexpected turn, new opportunities, connections, and sources of joy can still emerge.
If you find yourself facing an unexpected life pivot, please remember that your story isn't over.
You are still here, and you cannot yet know how beautiful your future might become. Give yourself grace, remain open to new possibilities, and take things one day at a time.
Find joy every day.
Even on the hardest days, there can be moments of beauty, comfort, and connection. Sometimes, we simply have to slow down enough to notice them.
Find your community.
Having people around you who understand your experiences can make an enormous difference. If you haven't found that community locally, I invite you to join mine!
Dianna with her graduation bouquet
My international online community is exclusively for women (sorry, gentlemen!) who want to connect with like-minded women who truly understand. Whether you're navigating peri/menopause, neurodivergence, chronic illness, mental health challenges, other life struggles or you just want to practice Asahi together, you are welcome here.
We practice Asahi, enjoy live video calls discussing relevant topics, arts and crafts, book clubs, game night and other opportunities to learn, share, and connect. Above all, we strive to create a supportive space where women feel understood, accepted, and less alone. Find out more about my groups here.
Finally, life will inevitably bring challenges we never anticipated. We may not get to choose the circumstances we face, but we can work toward choosing how we respond to them.
Sometimes, a difficult ending is also the beginning of something meaningful. My journey with Asahi has reminded me that even when life looks very different from what we imagined, there is still room for growth, connection, and hope.
In 2025, when I became homebound, I was convinced my illness would prevent me from ever truly enjoying life again. But I was wrong. It was just the beginning of my new life. And Asahi is a big part of that.
Dianna with Asahi Head Trainer Margaret Vainio, who was honored to be present for Dianna's graduation.
Dianna Doblosky, Asahi teacher, online life coach
PS: Read more blogs by other Asahi teachers who agree with Dianna: Asahi can be life-changing:
Mervi, who rehabilitated from breast cancer using Asahi
Don, whose osteoarthritis pain is finally gone
If you would like to practice Asahi, but can't find an Asahi teacher or teacher trainer near you here, you can find online Asahi courses here!
PPS: The Asahi Nordic Institute extends special thanks to Asahi Teacher Trainer Carol Curtis for going many "extra miles" to make it possible for Dianna to complete the training program!
Categories: : Asahi & Physical Therapy, Asahi and Chronic Health Conditions, Asahi as Physical Rehab, Asahi in Life Crises, Asahi teachers' close-ups