Richard Gere and his wife Alejandra Silva are turning to Buddhism as a guiding philosophy to navigate family challenges. The 76-year-old actor, who embraced Buddhism in 1978, and 42-year-old Alejandra began their spiritual journey together when their relationship started in 2014. They believe this philosophy brings essential peace and calmness to their lives.
In a recent interview with Britain’s HELLO! magazine, Gere shared insights into their family dynamics, particularly regarding their two sons, Alexander and James. He recounted a moment of tension regarding one of their children and praised Alejandra’s ability to approach conflicts with composure. “She is always really good with saying, ‘OK, I know I want to strangle you right now, but I’m going to take a deep breath, and we’re going to talk through this,’” he said, highlighting the importance of communication and understanding.
Alejandra added that patience is a significant part of their parenting approach. She expressed the importance of introducing their children to the principles of Buddhism. Gere noted that watching Alejandra’s parenting has enhanced his own skills as a father. “She’s an incredible mother that way. I’ve actually learnt how to be a better father by watching her,” he remarked.
The couple’s bond deepened over their mutual understanding of Buddhism, which Gere has passionately explored, including creating a documentary about the Dalai Lama. Alejandra embraced the teachings early in their relationship, seamlessly integrating the practice into her life. Gere reflected on this saying, “She must have had previous lifetimes because it happened very quickly for her.”
In discussing the teachings of Buddhism, Gere emphasized the value of patience, stating that it’s crucial for personal growth and relationships. “These things take time. But it’s like playing the piano—you have to practice and practice, and then you’re able to achieve something,” he noted, illustrating how this philosophy applies not only to parenting but to life as a whole.
This loving couple demonstrates that a shared spiritual path can lead to greater harmony in family life, promoting a nurturing environment for their children and fostering mutual growth. Their experiences serve as a reminder of the positive impact that mindfulness and patience can have on family dynamics.