Can't stop exercising

I enjoy reading the answers on your Q&A emails; they are thoughtful and informative. I wonder if you can help me at all. I have had so many physical injuries in the last couple of years I am getting discouraged. A chiropractor showed me x-rays of my spine and tells me I need years of adjustments to fix the mess in my neck. I am skeptical and don’t care for all that cracking.

I love to run, hike, swim, bike, and do yoga and Pilates. I cross train as much as possible. Although my injuries don’t prevent me from my daily exercise routines, I can’t perform at the level I used to, and I don’t recover as quickly (in fact, I usually feel pain after a workout now). Yet, I am still a better athlete than the average person. I love being an athlete and would love to continue competing in triathlons. I’m just afraid I won’t be able to one day. My muscles and joints hurt; my left wrist flares up often. I have been advised to stop exercising so much. The problem is, I can’t stop exercising. I have so much physical and mental energy that needs to be expressed. Maybe a secret desire to have been a professional athlete. Plus I need to sweat everyday. If I don’t, I get anxious. I believe the fuel to my anxiety is the fact that I’m not doing work that brings me joy. I have been “searching” for the right career ever since I started working–about 16 years, and am still trying things. What advice can you give me? Something I can actually put into practice?

Thankfully, K

Sounds to me that your final questions on pursuing career (dharma) is the place to put your energy. Rest of your questions sound like a mix of lack of professional guidance in yoga therapy and Ayurveda and the need to fully be shown how to work with your injuries and energy to restore harmony to your body and mind. Ideal would be a personalized session from an experienced therapist. Where do you live? Perhaps I can make a recommendation or referral. So at this point I don’t feel I could understand your situation adequately to make a practical advice. A phone call may help me guide you better. Namaste