The value of a life, its worthiness of our moral regard, is determined by social relations.

 Elisa Gabbert, The Unreality of Memory: And Other Essays

The older I get the more I understand the truth in that statement. The value of a life is about social relations — the way we love one another. That is the moral imperative. This above all else love one another. I know it like I know breathing keeps me alive. I know it like I know that days spent in connection are days well spent. I know it like I know people that live that truth radiate profound and abundant and unceasing energy. I know it like I know my relationship to the earth grounds my social relations.

Lately, for so many reasons, social relations are difficult. I know I am not alone in feeling isolated. Health. Politics. Weather. Work. Friendships. I have said, “When it rains it pours” more than I care to relate. It is easy to forget what matters. It is easy to retreat and stay in isolation. It is easy to stay in bed and eat ice cream. It is easy pay attention to the noise and miss the song.

Getting back out there is a slow process. I walked this morning for the first time in a month. I sent two emails to people with whom I need to mend relationships. I outlined the next two weeks of blog posts. I took a free webinar. I started listening to the new Jon Batiste album. Brick by brick, I am building back the social relations.

I am reminded of the practice of right relations common in Unitarian Universalist circles. That is a covenant built on the principle of thoughtful communication. I think about living in integrity. Right relations and integrity are the fabric of social relations. It seems to me that the sacred nature of social relations — its worthiness of our moral regard — is life’s value.