I will have to agree with you on the part about being quiet and listening to yourself and God.

I have found that the most rewarding changes and answers for me have come when I have stopped COMPLETELY whatever I was doing and .... well .... just listened. To what I am not sure, but I know God's hand was involved in it.

Maybe the quiet time allows your mind to not be overwhelmed by circumstances and helps you to focus (my biggest problem yet) as well as put things in perspective. Just a thought.