Poise might not be something we think to actively seek in our modern world—but as Sister Elaine Dalton said, it might just be the thing that makes us different in a happy way! If that’s true, maybe poise is worth taking a minute to think about.
In his most recent general conference talk, Elder Mark A. Bragg spotlighted poise and said, “Poise is not spoken about much these days and practiced even less in turbulent and divisive times.” He then described what Christlike poise looks like, saying, “Spiritual poise blesses us to stay calm and focused on what matters most, especially when we are under pressure.” And who doesn’t need a little more calmness in their lives right now!?
Elaine Dalton joined the Magnify podcast and shared three ways to help us get there! Let’s dive in.
Remember who you are
Elaine Dalton is a great example of poise. She shares that her internal poise comes from knowing who she is and where she’s going. “The goal has always been to return back into the presence of Heavenly Father, pure and worthy.”
Internal poise is also about helping others remember who they are. “My mom used to say to me all the time, ‘Elaine, remember who you are and what you stand for.’ So I think poise is really [about] putting on your heavenly crown and knowing that you are a daughter of a Heavenly Father. And [you are] in the company of kings and queens.”
Remember the Plan
Sometimes we may feel that we are lost or that there isn’t a plan for us. Elaine shares that knowing that there is a plan and keeping it in perspective is another way she maintains her Christlike poise. Remembering that everyone on this earth is a king or queen will affect how we treat others and how we see them in the Plan of Salvation.
“It tells us in the Doctrine and Covenants that we were reserved to come forth in this dispensation. All over in the scriptures, it tells us that we were exceedingly faithful. Every single person on earth is supposed to be here now for this time,” Elaine taught.
Remember the Savior
Poise comes from within, and it is something each of us can work on. Elaine shares that one of her goals this year is to always remember the Savior in every situation. She wants to choose to respond how He would because He would always act with poise.
“In any charged situation that I’m in, anything that brings contention, I’m always thinking, ‘What would He do? I know what Elaine would do, but I have to exercise all power to respond in the way that He would.’ His response was always the epitome of poise. He was confident in knowing who He was, why He was here, and that He was key to the plan. It’s the enabling power of the atonement that will make us better, stronger, more courageous, and more poised.”
To hear more of Elaine’s story and how Christlike poise can help you understand your part in the plan, listen to this week’s episode of The Magnify Podcast!
