“By finding your true purpose, removing blockages in energetic functioning, therapeutically treating problems and obstacles along the way, finding support from appropriate networks , forging a strong sense of individuality. identity, self-esteem and entitlement, and getting in touch with supernatural sources of power, both movements promise to help make individuals "the best they can be." (Religion, Spirituality and Daily Practice, 13) Finding your spiritual path can take a lifetime and be difficult because spirituality comes with time, wisdom and life experiences. Religion, culture and tradition all have a huge impact on a person's life and play distinct roles in one's search for purpose and development as a whole. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, the definition of spirituality is “the quality or state of being concerned about religion or religious matters.” In the book Bless Me Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya, the themes of spirituality and independence are exactly what young Antonio is trying to find. This book describes the struggles and positive experiences of a young boy on the path to finding his own identity. Finding your spirituality and your path in life is not easy for anyone and proved very difficult for Antonio Marez. Antonio Marez grew up in a devout Catholic family where a strong sense of faith kept them strong. Antonio's mother and father grew up in two completely different places with different beliefs, values ​​and goals. This difference actually makes it difficult for Antonio to understand what his own goal is. His mother desperately wants him to become a priest and his father who is a vaquero or cowboy wants him to follow in her footsteps. Antonio states, “Now we live in the middle of paper…we are very comfortable with the answers his father had given him (248). Antonio needed this insight from his father and it was this speech he needed to realize that he chooses his destiny and that he can choose his own path to spirituality. As the realization becomes more real, Antonio thinks to himself: “Take the llano and the river valley, the moon and the sea, God and the golden carp – and create something new” (247) . After Ultima's death, Antonio's journey to manhood truly begins. He now has a new understanding and appreciation of life that will pave the way for his spirituality and independence. Works CitedAnaya, Rudolfo. Bless Me, Ultima, Warner Books edition, 1994. Print. Giordan, Giuseppe and William H. Swatos. Religion, spirituality and daily practice. Dordrecht: Springer, 2011. Web “Spirituality”. Merriam Webster. Merriam-Webster, nd Web. April 14. 2014