Mantras

I have a few questions for anyone who does meditation with a mantra.

Do you use a word or a phrase?
Is it an actual word or a specific sound?
Do you speak it aloud or in your head?
Do you have a favorite mantra?

This is a very interesting set of questions. I have to ask how long do you feel a mantra should be? Because to answer this I have to know if what I use for my morning meditations counts as a mantra lol

(1) I use a phrase.
(2) In theory, they are actual words, but it's also Sanskrit as pronounced by Japanese speakers, so it might as well just be sounds. But I do know what it's supposed to mean.
(3) Usually just in my head. Sometimes, I say it out loud to clear my thoughts or to force myself to concentrate.
(4) I'm not sure if "favorite" is the right word, but yes, I have mantra that I use more often than others. (It feels more like I have other mantras that I sometimes use.) My experience is that having a primary mantra means that it is easier to use that mantra to adjust my own mental space under stress: It's a bit of self-hypnosis and having the signals be otherwise consistent is very helpful.

(1) I use phrases, some my own and some from the Doctrine
(2) I haven't used sounds, always words or phrases
(3) I usually speak them in my head, but occasionally I'll speak them aloud
(4) I have a couple:
"Right here, right now, right action."
"This step, on this path, in this moment."

You can also steal pretty much anything Chirrut Imwe says in Rogue One

Both phrases and specific sounds. Sometimes I will use a bija associated with a particular energy center or quality, but more often it'll be something like, "Emotion, yet peace." Normally just in my head. Once in a while it's fun to say them out loud and have bystanders wonder what I'm up to. (Courtroom is not the best place for that, don't ask me how I know.)

(1.) I will use a combination of either words or phrases depending on the type of mediation I am using, but most often it is a phrase.
(2.) I have tried sounds before and yeah, that's just not my slice of cheese.
(3.) I typically say it in my head. I save saying it out loud for those out of control chaotic moments.
(4.) I typically do the same style as Senan and Atticus. My morning mantra is the "May all being be happy and free and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute, in some way, to the happiness and freedom for all. "

It just depends on the purpose and situation of said Mantra speaking. I don't do it....at all....ever....except for when I am in need of intense focus to get through a painful or tough situation. In which case it ends up being whatever my spirit calls for.

My second labor was actually just counting.

1....deep breaths....2...deep breaths....3......ooooffff.....4....deep breaths....

To me. A Mantra is whatever calls to you spiritually and it is never a stagnated or specific monodramatic thing that you brain wash yourself with. It speaks to the heart.

So...play with them an find what works for you.

Thank you for the responses everyone.

And Hatter, to answer your question I would say anything that you say to yourself while in meditation, regardless of length.

I use a few phrases for meditative purposes. I use the code for times of stress.

In the morning to get going I use: As my day begins may I renew the connection to the Force, my mind is centered and the code close to my heart.

I also say the following reminder as I put on my three bracelets: May I remember my start, May I remember my training, May I remember my duty.

I generally say these things in my head and I do not favor any of them they are situational tools