These are both great questions. I don't have any great answers, but I am glad you asked them!
I, for one, am very interested in the Lotus sitting question, as that is how I do the SU most of the time now, usually for an hour, but sometimes for 2. And though after doing some Yoga-style stretching and some of the warm-ups that Master Lin shows in Level 2, it is much better than it used to be, it still hurts a lot, especially at the end after I "unwrap". So, this is a concern of mine.
I do have a thought about your first question: it sounds like you are moving the energy around and it might be loosening up some. It feels to me like it might be a good thing. Keep sending yourself good messages and signals before and during the exercises and meditations and watch/feel what happens.
Thanks for the questions. I know they helped me just thinking about them. I look forward to some responses from people who know more and/or are more experienced in these things.
