preload template
soma init --template preload-template New project — scaffolds .soma/ with this template's identity, protocols, and settings.
/install template preload-template Existing project — adds this template's protocols and settings to your current .soma/.
soma fork template preload-template Copies to ~/.soma/templates/preload-template/ for customization. Your fork resolves first on future inits.
Details
Preload Template
Override how Soma writes preloads during /exhale and /breathe. This template replaces the built-in default — add your own sections, remove what you don't need, change the guidance.
How It Works
- Install this template:
/hub install template preload-template - The file lands at
.soma/prompts/preload-template.md - Next time you exhale or breathe, Soma uses YOUR template instead of the default
- Edit it freely — it's yours
What's Included
This template mirrors the built-in default with all available sections. Customize by:
- Adding sections — "Who You Were", "Journal Reference", project-specific context
- Removing sections — delete what you don't need
- Changing guidance — edit the HTML comments to shape what Soma writes
- Reordering — put what matters most to you at the top
Template Variables
These get replaced automatically when the template renders:
| Variable | Value |
|---|---|
{{today}} |
Current date (YYYY-MM-DD) |
{{sessionId}} |
Current session ID (e.g. s01-abc123) |
{{logPath}} |
Path to the session log file |
{{target}} |
Path to the preload file being written |
{{logVerb}} |
"Write" or "Append to" (based on whether log exists) |
{{preloadVerb}} |
"Write" or "Update" (based on whether preload exists) |
Install
/hub install template preload-templateThen edit .soma/prompts/preload-template.md to make it yours.
What's Included
Ships with Soma
These core protocols are always available — no install needed.
breath cycle
v3.0.1Inhale → hold → exhale. Auto-breathe at 50%/70%/85%. Rotation is self-initiated (natural-language wrap-up phrases fire it). The exhale is a complete checklist — the preload is the last step, never the only one.
community safe
v2.1.0Community/public content must never contain private data. ⚠ The channel guard blocks pro-keywords and credential FILE SHAPES only — nothing blocks emails, API keys or IPs at push time. This protocol covers the judgment and the check you must run yourself.
correction capture
v1.1.0When corrected, acknowledge without justifying, log old→new pattern, write a muscle if repeated. Third correction on same thing → escalate to protocol or identity.
detection triggers
v1.0.0Capture on corrections, preferences, 3+ patterns, knowledge gaps. Bubble-up: log → muscle → protocol → core.
frontmatter standard
v1.2.0Every .md file needs frontmatter: type, status, created, updated. All AMPS get `## TL;DR` for warm-tier loading.
git identity
v2.0.0Soma's guard checks git identity on every commit. Configure expected email in settings.json — mismatches trigger warnings. This behavior is built into soma-guard.ts.
heat tracking
v2.0.0Soma loads protocols and muscles by temperature: cold (skip), warm (breadcrumb), hot (full). Heat auto-adjusts from usage patterns and decays when idle. /pin and /kill for manual control.
hub sharing
v1.0.0How Soma handles /hub share. This behavior is built into the hub extension — this protocol helps you understand what's happening. Not loaded into the system prompt.
implementation plans
v1.0.0Write plans your next self can execute without re-reading anything.
meta workflow
v1.2.0The operating cadence — how work flows in a project. Three nested loops (session / feature / evolution); the cadence self-amends from its own observations. The body IS the project; instantiate this as a per-project META_WORKFLOW.md.
pattern evolution
v1.4.0Maturation: Skills → Muscles → Protocols → Automations. Born from gaps and repeated friction. Not every pattern climbs the full ladder.
pre flight
v1.0.0Check what exists before creating. Verify assumptions before building.
response style
v1.0.0Prefer prose over bullets. Minimum formatting for the content. One question per response max. No hollow social scripts.
session checkpoints
v2.0.0Soma can auto-commit .soma/ state on every exhale and surface git diffs on boot. Two tracks: .soma/ internal git (never pushed) and project code (squash before push).
task tracking
v1.0.0One board: .soma/_kanban.md. Move cards in real time. Verify on exhale. A stale board is worse than no board.
tool discipline
v3.1.0Scripts first, then raw commands. Read before edit. Check .soma/amps/scripts/ before writing grep/find. Build a script when you do the same thing twice.