Hey Rich,
Another fellow early riser I see.
Sometimes expectations can get in our way. We all experience energy differently and this can change for you over time as well. The depth of the methods used in spring forest amazes me because there is so much to be gained. The more you practice the more you attune your senses to the energies of your body. The more you do that the more you tune into the energies outside your body it is an awesome adventure. If you slow things down, that is movement and breath your awareness kicks in more or has a greater chance to sense more or more opportunity to sense more often over time however you want to look at it. By doing this process you naturally tune in as you get into the meditation and the expectations melt away as well.
Regarding your sensing their energy versus them yours. If the focus of the exercise was to send energy then I am not surprised by the results. Think about where your intentions were, you were focusing on sending, (not to be taken lightly by the way). My guess is that your energy level is much higher than your neighbors (right & left) due to the work you are doing. This would explain there point of view as well. If your attention had shifted more to sensing and there energy was higher you would have sensed there’s as well. Eventually your sensitivity would rise to the point where you would sense at what ever level they are at.
The exercise done in seiza can be practiced with out the fear of pain coming down on you. Your two friends for example can practice attacking you from behind with out a weapon and the effect would be the same. This is an exercise in awareness. They can do this from several feet back as well. Eventually you would sense them not only from a distance but based on there intention. Usually just before or as they start to move you are sensing. Kind of like the red light, green light game kids play.
I hope this helps 
[This message has been edited by Ascending1 (edited November 05, 2003).]
