You will be surprised to know that my paternal grandmother (dadi), may her soul rest in eternal peace, always emphasized walking gently on the earth. I used to not listen much to her advice back then, but now I realize its wisdom. Whenever I climbed up or down the stairs, I did so hastily and sometimes took those steps a little forcefully. Dadi always said, "Be gentle on the earth, for it will also tell Allah that you were not gentle enough."

Didn't understand it back then. But I think we should treat everything with respect. Allah says in Quran:

English translation:

"And do not walk on the earth arrogantly. Surely you can neither crack the earth nor stretch to the height of the mountains."