Jainism and Practicing Jains

I've been taking a class on Jainism at University and I am absolutely fascinated by the faith. We're currently picking apart expositions to Anekantavada by modern scholars. We briefly went over the consequences of ahimsa and possible conceptions of intellectual ahimsa but I am having difficulty with how exactly the concept functions (I know there is a sliding scale for house-holders and ascetics, and house-holders have different responsibilities). What does Ahimsa mean to you? How do you practice it on the day-to-day?

Deep appreciation for any responses.