Stand fast may sound like a strange mantra.  It is a strange mantra.

People outside of the military probably are familiar with the phrase from movies and books.  Those with military experience know more of it.

Stand fast is a way to exert command.  Give 'the look' and bark out, "Stand fast," and motion freezes.  Silence falls.  New expectations are established with those two words:  "Stand fast." 

Because sometimes you need to assess, take command and give direction.  At least I need to do this;  it's part of my nature.  It's best done when everything or everyone around you is falling to pieces, or  you're falling to pieces.  At those times, everything else is bullshit. Focus and action is needed.  There's not time and energy to come to consensus, meditate or mine my being for energy and direction.  Things are already in a fragile state. 

Stand fast worked great.  I parsed down my list of need to do to absolutely must do today, falling back to the most basic of organizational techniques.  After regrouping and dispensing with the top priorities, I went on to number two and down the list.  

Stand fast.  I don't recommend it for every day or every situation.  It has its own body of energy.  As with most things, overuse it and it loses effectiveness.  You need to apply it with situation awareness.  

Look up its definitions.  Be emphatic or resolute.  Refuse to budge.  The order to myself to stand fast was just what I needed today.  I needed to be resolute.

And that's what I want in my mantra: the words or sounds that will help me through the day.