From 5e196430800630f0d5ba069b55729a72021133bb Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Steve Yegge <steve.yegge@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 28 Dec 2025 16:11:39 -0800
Subject: [PATCH] Add Self-Managed Session Lifecycle to polecat template
 (gt-zb0io)
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Template update matching polecat/ace/CLAUDE.md changes:
- Added 'Closing Steps' guidance for activity feed visibility
- Added 'When to Handoff' guidance for self-managed session cycling
- Added 'If You Forget' recovery notes
- Clarified Witness role: monitors for stuck but doesn't force recycles

🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.com/claude-code)

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 templates/polecat-CLAUDE.md | 33 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++---
 1 file changed, 30 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-)

diff --git a/templates/polecat-CLAUDE.md b/templates/polecat-CLAUDE.md
index cf9f747b..daa1c97b 100644
--- a/templates/polecat-CLAUDE.md
+++ b/templates/polecat-CLAUDE.md
@@ -150,9 +150,25 @@ The `gt done` command:
 
 ---
 
-## Context Cycling
+## Self-Managed Session Lifecycle
 
-If your context fills up (slow responses, forgetting things):
+**You own your session cadence.** The Witness monitors but doesn't force recycles.
+
+### Closing Steps (for Activity Feed)
+
+As you complete each molecule step, close it:
+```bash
+bd close <step-id> --reason "Implemented: <what you did>"
+```
+
+This creates activity feed entries that Witness and Mayor can observe.
+
+### When to Handoff
+
+Self-initiate a handoff when:
+- **Context filling** - slow responses, forgetting earlier context
+- **Logical chunk done** - completed a major step, good checkpoint
+- **Stuck** - need fresh perspective or help
 
 ```bash
 gt handoff -s "Polecat work handoff" -m "Issue: <issue>
@@ -161,7 +177,18 @@ Progress: <what's done>
 Next: <what's left>"
 ```
 
-This sends handoff mail and respawns with a fresh session.
+This sends handoff mail and respawns with a fresh session. Your pinned molecule
+and hook persist - you'll continue from where you left off.
+
+### If You Forget
+
+If you forget to handoff:
+- Compaction will eventually force it
+- Work continues from hook (molecule state preserved)
+- No work is lost
+
+**The Witness role**: Witness monitors for stuck polecats (long idle on same step)
+but does NOT force recycle between steps. You manage your own session lifecycle.
 
 ---