He started taking yoga and meditation classes to get in touch with his 'inner self'. [=the emotional and spiritual part of himself]
She was her 'old self' again after some sleep. [=she returned to behaving/feeling as she normally did after some sleep]
She helped without any thought of 'self'. [=without any thought of trying to make things better for herself]
(..) But I think it's really good that she's here. Cause we'll appreciate it more when she's gone? No, it's just...Look, you know, when I first moved to the city, I was a lot like her. I was spoiled, self- centered and you guys really took care of me. Yeah, Monica made us. Well, whatever. (..)2003 TvShow: Friends Title: The One Where Rachel's Sister Babysits Season: 10 Episode 5