Maintain – mid-13c., “to practice habitually,” from Anglo-Fr. meintenir (O.Fr. maintenir), from L. manu tenere “hold in the hand,” from manu, ablative of manus “hand” (see manual) + tenere “to hold” (see tenet). Meaning “to carry on, keep up” is from mid-14c.; that of “to keep oneself, to support” is from late 14c. Sense of “to defend in speech” is from mid-14c. Related: Maintained; maintaining; maintains.
To develop strength and durability, we hold up our strength in different facets of our everyday life. Skills we work on, our emotional state and brain efficacy to name a few. More often that not, maintenance is the platform which supports our quest to improve in our craft and more importantly, our well-being. Cleaning off the dirt and oiling the pistons usually allows our engine to run a tad bit longer.
Speaking of which, I need to go clean my horn now. And my heart.
