That's always been the greatest challenge for me when attempting meditation, the wandering monkey mind. I've found that really focusing on just the movements of your breathing has helped but it is still easy for me to get distracted, perhaps I should try your candle light and incense approach.
Reported benefits are too good not to keep trying to get better at meditating. Glad to see your progress is going well
thanks jason.. yes today when i was lost in thought i opened my eyes and stared at the candle,, it helped me to focus a bit.. and yes benefits are WAY too compelling and whilst i have meditated for months and on and off for many years, I have never made it a part and parcel of my daily life..