[citicroego]

It almost sounds like that your energy body could have been almost out, and the presure you felt was that struggle...maybe it would have been best to do the rope technique now instead of waiting until you are instructed to do so.

As for the rope technique, most people find it the easiest. If you don't, then try one of the different techniques. Or you could even go as far as physicall climbing a rope, as this would give you a good feel of how to direct your energy body to do this.