Like this, the true state of awareness is peace, analogous to the peace of the babbling brook. As the life force or peace begins to predominate the awareness, the hold of the noisy thoughts are released. The mantra is thus nothing but the life force or kundalini shakti. I cannot meditate. This is a misconception.
Meditation is a natural situation.
Meditation has many forms. Prayer, contemplation, and mantras are forms most commonly associated with meditation. In some cases art, music, or just doing what you love connects one with the Divine. For others active meditation is more suitable such as helping others, religious ceremonies, rituals, and chanting. The key is that each individual finds what best suits their temperament.