NOW Creations has soul purpose

A spiritual partnership led to the formation of the not-for-profit company.

By LINDA M. LINONIS

VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR

YOUNGSTOWN — “Namasté — The good in me sees the good in you.” That’s the slogan of NOW Creations, and it’s used on many of its products.

Vince Lisi, founder of Youngstown Spiritual Society, and Bob Cene Jr., a society participant, are business partners in NOW Creations, which was formed in March 2005. The society conducts book study groups in which participants focus on developing their spiritual natures; NOW Creations offers various products including monthly teachings and meditations on CDs.

Namasté is a Sanskrit word, Lisi explained, and conveys the idea of “oneness from God and in God.” It’s also a greeting that society members use. Lisi said the name of the company is a nod to the book, “Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle.

“We’ve been working spiritually together for 10 years,” said Cene of his friendship with Lisi. The development of NOW Creations seemed like a natural step, partly as a supplement to the study groups.

“You become proactive instead of reactive. It’s easy to get stuck in the negative energy,” Cene said of how involvement in the spiritual society has benefited him. “Meditation and its stillness ... it helps your inner self.”

Cene, who works in his family’s business, also credited the society with helping him in that area. He and Lisi both voiced the idea that God’s energy directed them in their work. “It’s been a calming influence in dealing with various situations and helps me keep centered in business,” Cene said.

Lisi and Cene hired Pat McCleery to handle the day-to-day operations of NOW Creations, and the Web site describes it as a “company whose sole and ‘soul’ purpose is to help people see the good that is truly within them and then to help others to see the same good in themselves.”

NOW Creations, a not-for-profit company, features inspirational CDs of monthly teachings with meditations and extended teachings. Lisi, who has a soothing voice, records the messages whose topics have included “A Devotee’s Christmas: A Life not a Season,” “Be Your Best,” “How to Overcome Negativity in Life,” “Physical Relaxation: Reducing Stress,” “Rhythmic Breathing and Meditation” and “How Cool God Is.”

Lisi said some teachings on CD related to current events including “Light at Virginia Tech” and “The Amish Children,” which both concern shootings and response to them.

Note cards, T-shirts, denim shirts, windbreakers, mugs and an acrylic decorative piece feature the company slogan.

Lisi said special spring and fall programs also are on the NOW calendar. A workshop, “Enlightment and Perfection: Both in Being and Manifestation,” is planned from 1 p.m. March 29 to noon March 30 at the Ursuline Center, 4280 Shields Road, Canfield. The session event will include four sessions and group meditations. There is a fee. Contact NOW Creations for more information.

Last October, NOW Creations sponsored “a musical celebration of life” with Easy Street Productions.