GORHAM, Maine – University of Southern Maine Mental Performance Coach Jim Karcanes has announced that his weekly Mindfulness for Athletes class, aka Mindfulness Mondays, will return starting Monday, September 14. Instead of just one session a week, Karcanes will now offer both a morning session and an evening session. They are scheduled for 8:30 am and 8:30 pm every Monday in room 201 of Hill Gym across from the Wrestling Room. The sessions are free and open to all USM student-athletes.
 
""I see the practice of Mindfulness as a direct link to helping athletes achieve the type of extreme focus necessary to achieve their full potential." said Karcanes.
 
In addition to the mindfulness sessions, Karcanes offers 8 x 45-minute individual appointment times each week for student-athletes. Student-athletes can sign up for a session by scanning the QR code on his office door which is room 106 in Hill Gym.
 
"My role is to help our student-athletes refine and develop a mindset that is rooted in confidence, resilience, and a passion for the process of becoming their very best." said Karcanes.
 
Karcanes has an extensive background working with high performers and athletes. During his 21 years as an Army Officer, he led and positively impacted the mental performance of his Soldiers during Combat Operations during three tours to Iraq. Karcanes has a bachelor's degree in Psychology, a master's degree in Physical Education and Kinesiology, an MBA, and a doctorate in Sport and Performance Psychology. His experience as an endurance coach along with his education and military training allows him to truly understand the mind-body connection and take an integrated approach when working with athletes. His office is located in Room 106 of the Costello Complex in Hill Gym. He offers individual, confidential sessions, small groups sessions, team sessions, and a weekly Mindfulness Class every Monday evening.