A Journey Beyond Boundaries
"The Five Phases of Freedom" (830 pages, 396,538 words, 222 photos, 42 maps, and 26 illustrations) is an awe-inspiring travel memoir that weaves together thought-provoking mindfulness and consciousness with a profound personal and collective introspective quest into the realms of Spirit and Science. This monumental work is the culmination of Nicolas’s passion for sharing with fellow human beings through a lifetime of learning and teaching across diverse disciplines, nearly eight years of continuous, epic, free-spirited travel adventures, and over 2,000 hours of dedicated writing and editing.
A Radical Departure
In 2012, after more than a decade of success in the education industry, Nicolas decided to leave behind his established routine, including his role as a professional basketball coach and English teacher, a four-year relationship, and most of his material possessions. Setting off on an unprecedented journey, he aimed to travel around the entire globe exclusively overland and overseas, without using any money, except for unavoidable border crossings and visa fees. This daring project, named "Teacher on the Road," was not only a testament to his teaching career but also an exploration of the idea that we are all teachers and guides to each other on the Path of Life.
Embracing the Unknown
With no clear expectations and an open heart, Nicolas embarked on his journey in September 2012, seeking to reconnect with his essence and find a state of full acceptance of all events as they unfolded. His ultimate goal was to observe the flow of his ego’s reactions and adaptations in real-time, understanding that we are all the guinea pigs of our own life experiments. This quest for ultimate Freedom led him through numerous cycles, delving deeper into the consciousness of the body, mind, and spirit, and exploring the interconnectedness of human existence through the lenses of Spirit and Science.
A Chronicle of Adventures and Insights
Based on his travel diaries, this book shares the epic adventures and encounters that shaped the first two years of his journey from France to Nepal, all undertaken overland and without money. Accompanied by photos, maps, and illustrations, his narrative also delves into controversial and thought-provoking topics such as sustainable energy, quantum physics, the educational system, the economic system, reincarnation, and holistic medicinal substances. His critical and independent research, combined with personal insights, offers a unique perspective on these subjects.
More Than Just a Travelogue
"The Five Phases of Freedom" is not merely a travel diary but a comprehensive study of societal, philosophical, and metaphysical exploration. It reflects the intense lessons and emotional and spiritual development that Nicolas experienced along the way. The book captures the essence of being human, living with heart and soul, and harmonizing the Science and Spirit that shape our existence—two approaches that he has found to be not just compatible, but profoundly complementary.
A Lifelong Quest
His journey extended far beyond his initial plan, taking him from Western Europe to Japan, and from Alaska to the southern tip of South America. Recognizing the impossibility of capturing the entirety of his adventures in one volume, he decided to write four books to authentically convey the various aspects of his journey. "The Five Phases of Freedom" is the first installment, inviting readers to embark on a transformative quest that transcends the physical journey, delving into the depths of consciousness and the mysteries of the human soul.
Embark on this extraordinary journey with Nicolas and discover the boundless possibilities that arise when we step out of our comfort zones and embrace the magic and synchronicity that the world has to offer.