Hi mman,
A "relaxed state" is just fine - because that actually is a light hypnotic state.
Don't worry about competing with your wife, you are each on individual journeys and it is not really something you can compete on.
Asking if your wife will "progress faster" is somewhat like asking, "My wife wears a size 8 and I wear an 11. Can I walk faster than she does?" You will each progress at a non-linear rate which is right and comfortable.
Mike
