About Henry Paul Rojas
"OG"
The Original Gorilla
Search For Identity
Individual Spiritual Director
Communicator
Part of the Story
The Original Gorilla with the Phoenix Suns and the NBA
"I loved the fans, the applause, the stage that fed my love of improvisation. The respect I received from players, officials and the NBA. The privilege to perform in the city of Phoenix, Sacramento and all the one-time appearances in other cities including the invitation from the NBA and Denver and Indianapolis to perform in their historic all-star game venues with satirical comedy, parody and the signature Gorilla dancing. But especially the Phoenix Suns for giving me the first non-player player contract. While I am grateful to have experienced the world from a unique perspective, I am most grateful it sent me on a quest for understanding my identity and as a result has helped many unmask their own.
Though I loved the laughter and ovations there is no amount of money in real life, worth portraying yourself as something your'e not. To be unmasked may not be as entertaining, but to be more authentically human is actually hilariously funny! To try authenticity. Inquire within!
Developing a characters persona means the persona will have an image to protect. There are a few things necessary that went into creating “The Gorillas” mystique.
1. Guard with everything you’ve got the anonymity of your true self
2. Never disappoint others by revealing your true feelings about wearing a mask
3. Stuff frustrations when others say things like, "I would be The Gorilla for that kind of money "or "wow you can do anything you want behind the mask."
No and no.
4. Manage the days of pre-game anxiety that maybe tonight I will bomb and not be seen as a true entertainer but instead just a mascot.
There are many more factors involved in building a persona, but let’s just say I didn’t plan on being The Gorilla. I didn’t even want to wear the suit at the beginning. The stage was presented to me during a part-time job singing telegrams and I made the most of what could have been embarrassing. They loved me. Or did they. Did they love me or The gorilla? They loved me. When I was The Gorilla.
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Speaker and Spiritual Director
As I tell my audiences and my clients who are on a discovery toward a more authentic self after being masked by an addiction to their work, drugs, alcohol, fame, money, or relationship. It’s much easier to start something, than it is to walk away from something. But I did at the height of my income and popularity.
Being a Spiritual Director is the passion of my heart. In my post gorilla years I entertained as a speaker, pastored and consulted with churches and counseled others. Then I discovered the art of spiritual direction. Companioning others as they pay attention to their life questions and transitions has always been at the center of my vocations. If you would like more information about what spiritual direction please feel to reach out to me!