For those who attend Catholic M, what are your thoughts on the use of incense?

I understand the basic premise of incense, that it is symbolic of prayers lifting toward Heaven; however, I find the ritual of slinging the incense canister (for lack of a better word) down the isle and at the priest a set number of times, distracting. The smoke can irritate the nose and lungs. I am curious as to what people who attend M (both Catholic and non-Catholic) think about it.