The Full Story
Sama Yoga Centre began as a quiet idea between colleagues—an idea that life should have more moments of balance, connection, and breath. In the middle of busy jobs, family responsibilities, and modern-day pressures, they found themselves turning again and again to the grounding practice of yoga.
What started as conversations over tea evolved into a vision: to create a space where people could step away from the rush of daily life and reconnect—with themselves, with others, and with the present moment. They imagined a centre rooted in community, where everyone felt welcome, whether it was their first class or their hundredth.
After months of planning, dreaming, and shaping the space with care, Sama Yoga Centre opened its doors. The word “Sama” means balance, harmony, and equanimity—values that are woven into every part of what the centre offers.
Today, Sama is a warm and inclusive home for movement, mindfulness, and growth. With a full schedule of yoga classes, workshops, and wellness events, it’s become a gathering place for those seeking calm, strength, and a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them.
Mission
At Sama Yoga Centre, our mission is to create a welcoming and inclusive space where people of all backgrounds can explore yoga, mindfulness, and holistic well-being. We are here to support individuals in finding balance—within themselves and in their everyday lives—through practices that nurture the body, calm the mind, and uplift the spirit.
We believe in the power of community, the importance of presence, and the ability of movement and stillness to bring us closer to ourselves and to one another.
Vision
Our vision is to be a sanctuary for conscious living—a place where yoga and wellness are accessible, joyful, and woven into the rhythms of everyday life. We envision a connected community where people feel empowered to grow, heal, and thrive, supported by practices that honour both tradition and modern life.
Through mindful movement, compassionate teaching, and meaningful connection, we aim to inspire lasting balance and well-being—for individuals, families, and the wider world.
Madeleine Tombleson
I began my teaching journey with Yin Yoga - a practice that shifts perspective, calms the nervous system, and invites deep physical and mental release. I chose to train in Yin first because it was the practice that made me fall in love with yoga and offered a philosophy that I find essential in daily life.
Then I went to Bali to train in traditional Hatha Yoga and holistic health. Health is my reason for teaching and for being a yoga and health practitioner.
I believe people deserve to feel in control of their health - mentally and physically, which is something I see many people struggle with around me. It’s hard to feel in control of your health, but yoga offers a great way to access this.
Yogic science is such a beautiful and complete system for bringing whole health into your life. With a healthy body, mind, and positive energy, your life can transform.
I teach through a functional and scientific approach - one that holds space for healing, spirituality, and whatever reason brings you to the mat.
I love building bridges between the eastern science of yoga and western understandings of the body and mind, helping people make sense of the practice and truly feel its benefits.
By blending these two perspectives, I aim to create a balanced approach that empowers individuals to integrate yoga into their lives for lasting physical and mental well-being.
Monica Farina
I bring a rich tapestry of experience in education, social work, and therapeutic practice to my role as co-founder of our yoga studio. My journey began with a deep commitment to supporting children and families, leading me to work extensively within educational and social service settings. In 2017, she formalized her dedication by qualifying as an Early Years Educator.
In February 2020,I became the proud owner of Gymboree Play & Music East Dulwich, where I have been instrumental in creating nurturing environments for early childhood development. A blend of professional expertise and heartfelt engagement with the community has characterized my leadership.
As a trained therapist, my holistic approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and social well-being. This philosophy seamlessly integrates into our yoga studio’s mission, where I continue to inspire and guide individuals on their wellness journeys.
My unwavering passion for fostering growth and connection makes me an invaluable pillar of our studio, embodying the essence of compassionate leadership.