poised

(verb) be motionless, in suspension. Synonyms: poise. Example: "The bird poised for a few moments before it attacked."

(verb) prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult. Synonyms: brace, poise.

(verb) cause to be balanced or suspended. Synonyms: poise.

(verb) hold or carry in equilibrium. Synonyms: poise, balance.

(adj) marked by balance or equilibrium and readiness for action. Examples: "A gull in poised flight." "George's poised hammer."

(adj) in full control of your faculties. Synonyms: collected, equanimous, self-collected, self-contained, self-possessed. Examples: "The witness remained collected throughout the cross-examination." "Perfectly poised and sure of himself." "More self-contained and more dependable than many of the early frontiersmen." "Strong and self-possessed in the face of trouble."