I stumbled upon the idea of chanting ''AUM'' as a mantra,,and I find it very helpful, especially,during difficult times. It's not always easy,simply,'to let go' and 'return to myself' in meditation.
 As I chant, I can feel the AUM vibration throughout my body and it's nurturing effect,is close to immediate. What's more,if it's the basic sound of the universe,and I'm aligning myself with it,(I ask myself) can I be doing better?
 This practice is a giant step outside of my own religious convictions,but I find the results very rewarding in many area's of my life.