Every time I try to completely relax my body and not move in an attempt at eventually reaching an OOBE, I tend to think too much about things that can go wrong/about my physical body ruining my concentration. Thus, I remember things that I usually do unconsciously such as breathing, swallowing, and sniffling. My main problem is swallowing (my own saliva) so I'm wondering if it's OKAY to do this while trying to get into a trance, or is it impossible to do without busting my concentration and ruining all my efforts?
Also, on the rope technique, is it okay to also visualize the rope? I know it's meant to not visualize, and that you should concentrate on the strain of pulling yourself up the rope without actually tensing any of your muscles. But I'm having trouble imaging a rope without visualizing it. Does it work better without visualizing the rope? Will it work if you visualize the rope?