Patañjali’s* first limb, the Yamas, are ethical principles that guide how we live with integrity. They’re basically a framework for:
“How to be a good human.”
Philosophically, they remind us that our actions shape our inner state
Scientifically, they align with what we know about human behaviour – that consistent choices rewire the brain and influence wellbeing.
Let’s take a closer look at each of them:
Ahimsa – Non‑harm
Choosing thoughts, words, and actions that reduce harm and recognise our connection to others and nature.
Ahimsa begins with how we treat ourselves. Notice the tone of your inner voice – so often we demand, criticise, or push ourselves in ways that are subtly harmful. Practising non‑harm means arriving on the mat with acceptance rather than force, choosing encouragement over self‑violence. Not only on the mat, but in life.
Satya – Truthfulness
Living honestly with others and with yourself.
Truth creates coherence in the brain; when your inner and outer worlds match, cognitive load drops and clarity increases. Satya is the search for who we really are and the courage to take off the mask. When we show up honestly and attentively, we make space to appreciate ourselves and others.
Asteya – Non‑stealing
Not taking what isn’t yours, as in time, energy, ideas, attention.
It’s about respecting boundaries and building trust. Asteya reminds us that we each have our own gifts. When we’re distracted by what others are doing, we set expectations for ourselves based on comparison rather than recognising our own worth.
Brahmacharya – Wise use of energy
Traditionally about moderation; today, it means directing your physical, mental, and emotional energy toward what matters.
We often look for happiness outside ourselves, depending on external sources to satisfy us. Brahmacharya is the practice of looking within and realising that happiness is already there. When you’ve found yourself, you’re no longer searching for happiness, you’re sharing the happiness you already have.
Aparigraha – Non‑possessiveness
Letting go of excess attachment and recognising that nothing belongs to you, and you belong to no one.
“We spend our lives sacrificing health to build wealth, then spend the wealth to regain our health.”
Aparigraha also applies to relationships. We often fall in love with an idea of a person and create expectations. Love with freedom is the greatest gift. When we release the need to cling or possess, the nervous system relaxes and we make space for creativity and other beautiful things.
Our practice
If we can continually practice and try to live by these principles, they help reduce inner conflict, regulate stress, and create more balance between what we value and how we show up.
When our behaviour matches our intentions, the nervous system feels a little more settled, relationships strengthen, and life feels more aligned.
The yamas aren’t about perfection, they’re about awareness in everyday moments and living with integrity.
* Patañjali was an ancient Indian sage, philosopher, and author, best known for the Yoga Sutras and the Mahābhāṣya. His teachings profoundly shaped yoga, Sanskrit grammar, and Indian philosophy.
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