I grew up with my grandmother doing transcendental meditation, so I've known what meditation was my whole life and the benefits of it. When I was thirteen, I started meditating on my own. But eventually quit when I realized I needed proper instruction.

So, my questions are:

1. I slip into a meditative state extremely easily -- even when there is a lot of stress going on. It just comes naturally. Is that normal?

2. I'm not entirely sure how to bring myself out of it. When I first started doing it, it just sort of happened. But over time it became harder and harder. Eventually, my friend started watching me while I meditated to make sure I was okay. She was not very experienced in meditating and one time, I got so deep into it, she was having problems waking me up. She said she was screaming and shaking. So, after that, I quit. Is there a standard way to wake yourself up and how can I practice this?

3. I really want to get back into meditating as I do believe it helps and would like to have that closer connection to my higher self. I tried again the other day this time with my grandmother who does TM watching me. She had problems bringing me out of it too and wants to me to talk to someone who knows more about TM than her. Is it a good idea to wait until I talk to this person before I try again?

4. My grandmother, while doing TM, has also had problems waking up. From what she says to me, it sounds as though she's had profound experiences when she's been like this. Once, she said everything felt accelerated after she woke up. Is the way my body/spirit handles meditation possibly hereditary?

Thanks in advance for any help!  

I am not an expert tm guy but i have followed it for three or more years.
I strongly recommend you to approach a proper guru. anyhow my comments are inline

1. I slip into a meditative state extremely easily -- even when there is a lot of stress going on. It just comes naturally. Is that normal?

Do you mean even during talking?

2. I'm not entirely sure how to bring myself out of it. When I first started doing it, it just sort of happened. But over time it became harder and harder. Eventually, my friend started watching me while I meditated to make sure I was okay. She was not very experienced in meditating and one time, I got so deep into it, she was having problems waking me up. She said she was screaming and shaking. So, after that, I quit. Is there a standard way to wake yourself up and how can I practice this?

If i have my meory right tm first makes you sleeo and lose yourself till all ur stress is busted out. I heard from teacher who taught me tm that he has seen someone sleeping for continous 24 hours at first.

3. I really want to get back into meditating as I do believe it helps and would like to have that closer connection to my higher self. I tried again the other day this time with my grandmother who does TM watching me. She had problems bringing me out of it too and wants to me to talk to someone who knows more about TM than her. Is it a good idea to wait until I talk to this person before I try again?

yes she is correct. u need to talk tp TM expert who has taught it for long time.

4. My grandmother, while doing TM, has also had problems waking up. From what she says to me, it sounds as though she's had profound experiences when she's been like this. Once, she said everything felt accelerated after she woke up. Is the way my body/spirit handles meditation possibly hereditary?

I don't think so.

Good luck
kavs

I'm not a pro at tm...but I'll try and help:

1. Most likely

2. If TM meant deep meditation, I think the way to bring yourself out of meditation is to think that you are returning to the physical plane (don't rush it) and then open your eyes.

3. you should talk to an expert at tm.

4. possibly