Reflections of our true nature

ahimsa-satya-asteya-brahmacarya-aparigraha-yamah 2.30
A yogi's code of conduct includes non-violence, truthfulness, non-coveting, moderation, and non-greediness

The Yamas are a reflection of our true nature. They are universal truths that apply to thoughts, words and deeds. The first of eight limbs of Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga, they offer a guideline toward reflection of our own ethical standards and toward living a life of balance and harmony.

Ahimsa - non-harming - is often the principle leading yogis to consider a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle in consideration of all living things. In terms of our yoga practice on the mat, it applies to our attitude towards ourselves and our poses. Therefore, I always encourage my students to look for the point of interest in a pose, not the point of pain. Because I had total hip replacement four years ago, I really learned the art of modification and gentleness.
Satya - truthfulness - means being honest about my own feelings. As a German, speaking my truth has been inherited. But I had to learn to do it in a non-harming way. Can we speak the truth without being abrasive? How about so-called white lies? 
Asteya - non-stealing - frees us from desire to to own something that's not ours, that we haven't earned or paid for. Our kids went to a Montessori school; as parents we were asked to not steal their opportunity to learn by tying the shoelaces for them. Sure, I could do it faster, but they would never learn to do it themselves. I feel the same way about giving assists in my yoga class. I am not going to put a student in a pose that they couldn't do themselves.
Bramacharya - moderation - was originally thought to apply to celibacy. The more modern interpretation includes the right use of energy and that includes intimate relationships. But it may also translate into our relationship with food and daily activities. 
Aparigraha -  non-coveting - not wanting what is not yours, not comparing to what happens on the mat next to yours. Instead, living with a generosity of spirit. Practicing letting go of grudges, attitudes, memories, all the stuff that no longer serves us.
Think about your own code of conduct.

The thought manifests as the word,
the word manifests as the deed,
the deed develops into habit,
and habit hardens into character.
so watch the thought and its ways with love,
and let it spring from love born out of concern for all beings.
As the shadow follows the body,
as we think so we become.
BUDDHA