Because we no longer light incense in the temple, the symbolism of this act is not apparent to us. But think about incense. First we smell the pungent aroma. We feel its warmth. We see the smoke curling upward in infinite patterns.
Incense speaks to the senses.
It reminds us that we are alive, that we can feel, we can see, we are aware of the world through our senses. This is the fruit of the Etz Chaim , the tree of life. The tree of life does not give us immortality, it gives us awareness. It wakes us up to the infinite potential of life and the ever-present miracle of our existence. Our days are numbered, but every moment is a new creation to be experienced to the fullest.