Your unconcious mind will find the level of trance it needs each time. It does not have to be the same each time...
Alex probably will best answer the second part as a rep of Learning Strategies, but I think that yes, let your mind wander...
Your unconcious mind processes information in a different way your conscious mind does...and it is very powerful. Trust that your unconscious mind will do the work it needs to do for you towards your intended outcome.
vitaman